By: Steve Trubilla
Many see it purely as a right; something they are entitled to. I see voting as all three, most important of these being responsibility.
Have you noticed how some words and phrases now have different meanings than those you were taught, or once believed? Examples include words like progressive, liberal, and entitled. Phrases like, I am a Republican, I am a Democrat have taken on very different meanings.
Each of these and many others, if reviewed and dissected, would make interesting and thought-provoking articles.
Let us take a look at the word entitled. A verb defined, to give (a person or thing) a title, right, or claim to something; furnish with grounds for laying claim.
It appears clear, in short, the action required for someone to be entitled to something, they must first show grounds for making claim to it.
In my mind, for a person to be entitled to something they must have done something to earn it. Another's action or sacrifice does not entitle one to anything.
Saying because another labored, suffered, or scarified you deserve benefit, would be like saying your neighbor worked all week and she should now give you half of her paycheck.
The very idea you should work for something and then be required, and by law, to give it to someone else is on its face wrong and ridiculous.
Yet many today actually believe they are entitled to what another earns simply because they demand it. The test of showing grounds for laying claim is by convenience ignored, and for obvious reason. This test cannot be met.
Yes definitions have changed, and they have great power in the course of things. We act on what we perceive to be the meaning of words.
In politics, we have now come to expect many, if not most, running for office will say and do whatever they must to win an election. The definition of lying has been watered down to the point candidates will say all manner of untruthful things, even publish them.
The bold and known act of lying, because it is politics, is then excused, perverting the very definition of the word liar.
Those doing this arrogantly advance in denial of their own deceit they are entitled to the office they seek. They would take that which they have laid no legitimate ground for. Is this not what a thief does?
Voters blindly accepting this would be well served to look at the definition of the word fool. Also to examine the word friend when voting for those that would just use them as a way of getting into office.
How foolish it is voters elect these people with the expectation they will not use the very same situational ethics when they get in office.
The right to vote is not an entitlement. The ground laid by those that earned this right is stained with blood and sacrifice. Voting is not privilege, it is duty. The duty every American citizen has to their country.
It is an individual and very personal responsibility. Not something only to be done when convenient, or dismissed when choices are difficult.
The elections are once again upon us. Statistics show across North Carolina a very small percentage of people will vote. Those that do will conduct little or no research; just rely on the paid for sound bites designed to buy their vote.
In Franklin County, like in many other counties across the state during early voting, and on Nov. 4 you will see people handing out pre-filled out ballots with the bubbles already filled in, telling people who to vote for. How arrogant of them to actually approach you suggesting you are not bright enough to decide who you want to vote for.
When you go to the polling places, look closely and you will see them seated in chairs close to the entry points.
Watch as the vans and even buses pull up. Take a few minutes and speak to those passing out literature. You will learn many are not even from Franklin County, and they are being paid for doing it.
They do not care about your historical records being destroyed, the lack of security in our schools, the loss of medical services here, the fact our children have to leave the county to find jobs, or who wins local office.
So why are they even there? Do not let these people define you, or what you believe in.
If you are not willing to do anything to protect your own liberty, you have done nothing to entitle you to anything.
Voting is a high privilege honoring those that have paid for the right. It is our duty and responsibility to furnish the ground for future generations.
Do your duty, vote.