A plea to voters
By Chris Bonham
There is an oft overlooked story in the canon of American politics that deserves mention as we head into what is possibly the most contentious election in modern history. The story centers around Ben Franklin as he was exiting the Constitutional Convention. A young lady approached him and asked, “What kind of government have you given us, Mr. Franklin?”
“A republic, ma’am, if you can keep it,” was the statesman’s response.
So often, we tend to forget that last part. America will remain a republic only so long as its people continue to exercise their liberties. America is not a republic by right, just as many of our liberties are not “rights.” They are privileges. Voting is one of those liberties. We the people have a voice in the course of our nation that is unprecedented in human history. However, once again, voting is a privilege, not a right.
I make this plea, especially to younger voters like myself: Generations before us have led by protecting our liberties, both abroad and at home. Will we do the same for the generations that will come after us? It starts with exercising simple liberties like voting. This November 6, I hope that you will let your voice be heard.
