MAKE A CHANGE! BE RESPONSIBLE!

In the United States the freedom exists for citizens to express opinions about the government openly. The best place for citizens to express opinions is at the polling place where citizens vote for their governmental representatives. Voting is not only a Constitutionally given right, rather it's a constitutionally assigned citizen responsibility.

Citizens in the United States long ago began to forget the purpose of voting for these representatives. Those citizens who go in and vote straight tickets related to their preferred political parties are failing themselves and their communities desperately. Along with the constitutionally given right to vote comes a constitutionally assigned responsibility to choose the candidate who best represents the will of the people and community.

Part of the problem with the government in the United States today is a failure of the citizens to recognize the difference between this constitutionally granted right and the responsibility that accompanies the right. The U.S. Constitution placed valuable checks and balances within its pages to prevent abuse or misuse of governmental authority. The most important check and balance feature within the Constitution is the process for electing governmental representatives.

Statistically speaking and theoretically, the likelihood that all Democrats, all Republicans, or all Independents on one side of the ballot would be the best candidate for every office listed on the ballot. This is particularly true in the major elections held in the United States every four years when more candidates are on the ballots than in elections held during other years. Citizens should pay careful attention to the candidates they select instead of the political party. What does the candidate represent? Which views does he/she support? What is his/her performance record if this is not his/her first term?

Governmental representatives elected by the people have a responsibility and duty to represent the people and carry an enormous amount of power in making decisions regarding policies, regulations and laws that affect the everyday lives of all citizens. Unfortunately, instead of representing the will and interests of the people, some elected representatives choose to act in the best interest of their preferred political party, and other powerful organizations.

Governmental representatives are elected for specific terms of service. These terms of service are usually four to six years in length. This is a very powerful check and balance feature provided by the Constitution assigning citizens (voters) with the responsibility to NOT re-elect candidates who are not representing the interests of the people. Without consideration to the job performance and/or viewpoints of a representative, citizens often tragically ignore their responsibility in voting for governmental representatives who will actually represent their interests and simply just exercise their voting right.

WE the PEOPLE have a responsibility to police our representatives in government after we elect them. Failure to evaluate the performance of these elected officials has once again resulted in a very unsatisfied American public. The citizens who are demanding change can make it happen when they cast their votes. Those unhappy with today's economic situation need to stop voting the same people back into office that are responsible for bringing the United States to its current horrific state. The responsibility for the current state of affairs does not lay in the hands of Congress, or any given President, rather it is the citizens of the United States who have failed to follow-up on their Constitutionally given right to vote with the responsibility required for the system to be effective. WE the PEOPLE have the POWER to make the changes WE want, but only if we act responsibly.

Lately "change" is the buzz word. Everyone wants change. Citizens can have change by accepting the responsibility assigned to them with the right to vote. Think carefully before casting the next vote on the next ballot. Citizens can choose change or more of the same. The decision for change is and always has been in the hands of the citizens. As long as the voters continue to vote the same people into office, there will be no change. Far too long the citizens have failed to make the appropriate and needed changes in electing representatives and senators who will generate “change” for their country.

Citizens should remember when making the choice on the next Election Day that they are not only making a choice for themselves. The decision of each citizen at the polling place has an impact on all the millions of people in the USA today and for future generations.

Do not go to the polls next time and just vote. Instead vote responsibly! Vote for change unless you think everything is wonderful and running well. Vote for US!

-Sandy Nazemi