Democracy is on the Ballot

- by Bruce E. McKinney

The American gift may be lost!

On election day you will have four choices, voting Democratic, Republican, protest for a third party that cannot win, or not voting at all. That is how the ballot will appear but the choice is far more fundamental. Democracy is on the ballot this time, and if you don’t vote, you will surely lose it.

 

America has selected its candidates through an electoral system since it adopted its constitution over two centuries ago. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. It's disappointing when you lose but you know there will always be a chance to reverse that outcome a few years down the line. This time No. Trumpism is on the ballot.  Trumpists plan is to end democracy.  Since the last election many of their candidates have stated that if they lose, they won’t accept it. Take their word for it. 

 

The long history of free and fair elections has made America the envy of the world for generations. Tens of thousands of poll workers, patriotic Americans who love our country and our freedom have made sure our elections are fair. Polls are manned by members of both major parties to assure fairness.  A court system is in place in case there is fraud, and all one has to do is present evidence that there is for those courts to take action.

 

Now, despite those protections, many people, including those in leadership positions, are crying “fraud.” They present no evidence of fraud because there is none. The political leaders among them know it, but they just keep repeating the claim. It is what is known as the “Big Lie,” where a lie is repeated over and over so many times that people start to believe it must be true. No proof is ever supplied, just constant repetition. The result is that many people no longer believe in America. They believe our elections are no better than Russia's – fixed so one side can never lose. BS.

 

Trumpists despise the American system of government and want to overturn it. They want losers of whom they approve to be able to appoint themselves rather than be selected by the people. That is what is on the ballot this month and if you elect people who deny the legitimacy of America you will have America no more. Welcome to Russia.

 

I understand there are many other things on people's minds these days. Inflation, jobs, climate, crime, school shootings, border security, personal choice, education, race and identity issues. All are important and we will have different takes on these various issues. Nevertheless, we will be free to change those choices next time if we find we made the wrong choice. If we give that up, someone else will make that choice for you. They will represent only their own interests, not yours. It won't be pretty. Just ask Europeans who made the choice to give up their freedom before the last world war. It did not work well for them and it will not work well for us.

 

Vote.

 

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