To my brethren around the state who sat on their hands Tuesday instead of voting, kindly abrogate your vantage point close to the action and head up to the nosebleed section where the cheap seats are. At this writing that would about 52 percent of registered Sandy Springsteens and, by some estimates, well south of that for registered voters statewide.
I realize there are some who have binding reasons for not voting but for the vast majority I’m having a difficult time understanding what you had to do that pre-empted making it to the polls. Some may have had a dinner reservation. Others might have penciled in that day to rearrange their sock drawers. I didn’t check, but there might have been a “Real Housewives of Atlanta” marathon running all day.
It doesn’t matter to me that you chose to let a minority decide what will happen in your day-to-day lives over the next several years by not casting your ballot. It chaps me that you allow that minority to decide what will happen in my life. It kind of takes some of the tenability out of that whole “strength in numbers” stuff.
Martin Sheen told a 2008 TV audience “decisions are made by those who show up.” Perhaps, but the consequences of those decisions are the byproduct of those who don’t, which could be a bastardization of democracy in action. It’s sobering to think a candidate’s winning strategy could be predicated on those who are purposely idle.
The law of physics dictates inaction produces zip. In political physics, inaction can muster results fraught with peril.
In past years, pundits have told us cold and/or rainy days have a depressing effect on voter turnout. But then I turn on a pro football game and see a packed stadium in spite of blinding snow and sub-zero windchill. This wouldn’t be so abrading if every time the Green Bay Packers or Buffalo Bills won we all got a hefty tax break or a stimulus check.
Now is usually the time where the “our forefathers risked their lives so we could live in a country where every person has a right to vote” homily is inserted, but that doesn’t seem to pack a punch.
So if you sat this dance out, humor me as I petition this one small favor. Until the next election you cast a ballot in, kindly — how best to say this — shut up. If you don’t like what takes place moving forward, you had your chance to be a part of the process Nov. 2, 2010.
A constitutional savant could make the argument that my request that you stifle yourself violates your rights as a citizen. I would counter that happened earlier this week when you chose not to suit up and show up. Why is it, when it comes to being part of the American way of life, so many stop at nothing?
Jim Osterman lives in Sandy Springs. Reach him at jimosterman@rocketmail.com.
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