The World’s Election
During election year, many people say things like, “if you’re not going to vote, you have no right to complain.” That’s a sentiment I agree with but what if you have no ability to vote on something that impacts you directly?
I am, of course, talking about the US elections. I’ve rarely been interested in politics but living in Austin during the first two years of Bush’s term almost forced me to pay attention to how bad things were getting. Now it’s looking like a repeat of 2000 and as I’m seriously considering returning to the States I’m more worried still.
So what’s a Canadian in London, UK to do? Well on my way back from Boston, I saw in The Guardian a piece about how people abroad could help. It listed organizations you could donate to which were technically non-partisan but clearly had a leaning (blacks, Christians, etc.); it talked about a contest that would actually let you go there and physically campaign; and it talked about setting up the ability for you to send a letter to one Clark County, OH undecided voter.
They were clear on several things. First, that the recpient was an undecided voter. Second, they gave clear guidelines to not simply espouse values or lecture. Third, that each person would only receive letters from one individual (i.e., one to one matching).
The neglected to mention that the residents weren’t really expecting these letters so now there is a backlash.
What CNN neglected to mention was that the Guardian never pushed to anti-Bush sentiments. In the original article, which I hold in my hand, it’s clear even on the cover that, despite being a fairly left paper, they were encouraging speaking up – for either side. Personally, I loved the “GB heart GB” button they had.
My feelings are that I feel helpless and I want to be able to do something. I’d like to understand what a person in Clark County or anywhere else for that matter feels and what they’re thinking about and then, maybe, share some of my views.
The American media, on the other hand, have blown this so out of proportion that it’s impossible to act now without severe backlash and probably more harm than good.
So here I am again, hands tied.
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