"The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy." Charles de Montesquieu

While home for the wedding...
Ren Man and I had the priviledge of exercising our right to...

!!!

Usually my first unassuming comment after listening to someone complain, complain, complain about some issue...
starts something like this.
Well then...
it's a good thing you voiced your opinions by voting.
Unfortunately,
more times than not...
there is a mumbled, barely audible 'I didn't vote'...

According to the census...
131 million people voted in 2008; 
a little more than half of elegible voters. 
In a study of the years 1945-2001, the USA was 120th out of 169 countries, with only 66.5% of our eligible voters actually voting.
Australia was first with 94.5% participation.

Taco Bueno is even appealing to the empty stomachs of potential voters with their 
"Guac the Vote" program.
I am sorry I missed that and now have the urge to go down and make myself a batch...
 sinced I earned it back in October.

The words of the French philosopher quoted above ring true for me...
producing little patience for those who complain 
but make no effort to be counted...
 and therefore...
make a difference.
Sorry for the mini sermon.
Don't know where that came from...
but on a less serious note...
Happy Tuesday! 

2 comments:

  1. True, Australia has solved the issue, if you don't vote or don't have a valid reason for not voting a fine is issued.....if that is not paid, it can then be dealt with in court.
    Wisely we enjoy the trip to the polling booth and feel justified buying red wine on the way home for the money saved paying fines! Lisa

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much for explaining the secret behind that 94.5% participation and well done turning the process into a celebration.

    ReplyDelete

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