As an American, it is your right, duty to vote

By Bernie Marcus

I both care about and have concern for the city of Atlanta.

I first cared about Atlanta 29 years ago when we chose Atlanta as the headquarters of Home Depot.

I cared about Atlanta five years ago when I chose its downtown as the place to build the world’s largest and best aquarium.

And I care about it today, because I am particularly disappointed with apathetic attitudes of those who did not vote on Nov. 3 and have no intention of voting today.

We all know too well that the city has problems ... perceptions of public safety, finance woes, panhandling concerns ... aren’t these key reasons to go vote, rather than to look the other way and stay home to let others decide the city’s fate?

I moved to Atlanta specifically because the city and the region were brimming with opportunity.

While it doesn’t have the density of New York, the history of Boston, or the scenery of San Francisco, it has always been open to all. And we have incredible assets like the airport, Centennial Olympic Park, great universities, and of course, the Georgia Aquarium!

Certainly, Atlantans are frustrated by both local and national issues. It’s no doubt we are living through the worst anyone can remember and people are disenchanted with everything.

Atlanta’s next mayor will have to exhibit remarkable leadership skills to knit together various interest groups to get anything done, and rekindle the “can do” attitude this city has had through difficult times.

Voters certainly have to be a part of this changed attitude, and there is no place at the table for the apathetic. Vote for your candidate, and if that candidate is the winner, hold that new mayor to the promises made during the election. Rhetoric will not help Atlanta today.

So, in my mind, there is no alternative to voting — unless you want to move to a country that prohibits what we claim as a right.

We are currently fighting two wars to ensure the right to vote in Iraq and Afghanistan. Surely, out of respect for our men and women directly in those conflicts, we should exercise this precious right here at home.

Bernie Marcus lives in Atlanta.