Although Super Tuesday is upon us, and the candidates are continuing to stump until the wee hours of the morning for those extra votes, I’ve been steadily sitting on the fence. Even though I’m a registered independent and I am unable to vote in the state’s primary, I still have a choice. There are ways to support a candidate other than voting in a closed primary, even if I’m going to continue to “vote my conscience.”
I’ve been teetering towards Hillary and then swaying back towards Obama in the past few months. Edwards was even a possibility until he removed himself from the race. Until now, I knew not who I’d be supporting, but was utterly convinced that any Democratic candidate would do a better job than the Republicans can or have done in the prior administrations.
Steadfast in my apathy, I thought I would not, nor could not, be moved by motivational speeches. I thought drilled-in cynicism had finally killed any hope that I had left. I would sit in my mental and solid safe haven, away from the politics of fear and distrust and from a distance, I would stubbornly repeat; “Mere words can not move me!” Just as they can not move mountains.
I was wrong.
I may not have been around in the days of MLK or JFK, or any other leader who offered useful tools of inspiration to heal a nation. Lord knows they have been few. Yet, any leader who instills a people to believe, to utter a rally cry, to take up their only weapon, even if it’s just one vote, against any instrument of tyranny and oppression is worthy of my support.
For the first time in a very long time…
…I hope.
…I am inspired.
…Yes, we can.
No matter who you support in the coming primaries or the general election, make sure he or she, inspires you. There is no more room for apathy.
