THE PEW RESEARCH CENTER predicts the voter turnout this Nov. 4 will be be below 20 percent. That means the future of your community is being determined by only one out of five voters. The other four-fifths have surrendered their voice - if nothing else, they have surrendered their right to complain.
The pessimism among voters has grown since 2012, thanks to the GOP tactic of trying to stop every initiative of President Obama. From Obama care to his judicial appointments, the Republican-dominated House has done everything it could to stall, bury bills in committees, rejected qualified appointments and outright lied about almost every issue brought forth by the President.
The negative views most people have of government - any government, from city hall to the White House - has found fertile ground in the fear voters have of the economy and the fear that believe the status quo is on shaky ground.
The mid-terms are not as sexy as the presidential elections and it is always difficult to get voters to the polls. But this year will be even more difficult. That's too bad because in many ways, the election of local officials is more impactful on the lives of Main Street Americans than the election of Washington politicians. (See video above.)
You want potholes fixed? Flu shots administered? Better quality water? Garbage picked up on time? Better schools? Ordinary people can talk directly to the local officials and have a greater influence on their own quality of life.
The Asian American vote is growing and getting more critical in key states. In California and Hawaii, it is no surprise that the AA vote is influential. A whole generation of Asian American political leaders are learning what it takes in California's city councils, school boards and county boards of supervisors. A small but spirited number are in the state legislature awaiting their Asian brothers and sisters to join them.
What may be surprising to most of us is the growing influence of AA voters in the South, even outpacing the Latino vote.
Regular readers here know one of my favorite phrases is: "Democracy is not a spectator sport." In order for it to work, it needs the participation of the people. Voting is your voice. It is a privilege AND it your right. Use it.
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The Asian American vote is growing and getting more critical in key states. In California and Hawaii, it is no surprise that the AA vote is influential. A whole generation of Asian American political leaders are learning what it takes in California's city councils, school boards and county boards of supervisors. A small but spirited number are in the state legislature awaiting their Asian brothers and sisters to join them.
What may be surprising to most of us is the growing influence of AA voters in the South, even outpacing the Latino vote.
Regular readers here know one of my favorite phrases is: "Democracy is not a spectator sport." In order for it to work, it needs the participation of the people. Voting is your voice. It is a privilege AND it your right. Use it.
If my word doesn't have any sway in your universe, listen to George Takei as he makes a surprise appearance on the Colbert show and talks about the midterms.
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