The Flood of Democracy
“It’s a relief to hear the rain. It’s the sound of billions of drops, all equal, all equally committed to falling, like a sudden outbreak of democracy. Water, when it hits the ground, instantly becomes a puddle or rivulet or flood.”
-Alice Oswald
It only takes one person who speaks up and attracts the attention of others to start a revolutionary movement. Every citizen’s opinion matters and should be taken into account. Whether it becomes a majority view won’t be known until later, but every voice has the right to be heard. Welcome to Democracy. The list of issues that need to be dealt with in the good ‘ole USA go on and on, along with their increasing amplifications due to the upcoming 2016 Presidential elections. Equality. Gay rights. Gun control. Healthcare. Immigration. Welfare. These are just a few of the current issues. Being one citizen among about 300 million others tends to bring on the feeling that one vote can’t make a difference. But the real question is, can it?
Recently, The New York Times posted an article voicing the opinions of ten average citizens on multiple issues. It is refreshing to hear some ideas being spread through new viewpoints, and not through the mouth of Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, or any of the other presidential candidates. The article features stories ranging to a mother worried about her child’s safety in school regarding the steadily increasing number of shootings to a Peruvian immigrant comparing his struggles faced when entering the USA about 50 years ago to how immigrants are treated nowadays. Together these people deliver the message that all citizens come with their own opinions and struggles, all with equal importance and pertinence when it comes to solving the issues our country faces. In particular, the loudest voice of all is the one who speaks to inspire others to participate rather than cower behind the fear that one’s voice can’t be heard over the millions of others. This is the voice of Shirley Hodgden, who has been taking a strong interest in politics for most of her life.
“I think it’s important to take part. Get involved. Do what you can. We started out with taking fliers to people’s houses and telephoning. There’s so much to do.”
-Shirley Hodgdon, 94
She explains to the rest of us that there is no harm in taking a stance; one of a citizen’s most important responsibilities is helping to better our governmental system since we are a country that operates in the interest of the people.
Together, the citizens of the USA have the power to change the way our country runs. Through listening to each other’s opinions, compromising, and participating in elections we can make a difference. We have a say in who we choose as the face of our country, and this is not a job to be taken lightly. One should never give up their chance to have an influence. Each voice holds its own importance, and this is the epitome of the American dream. A government that gives power to the people is a privilege that we can’t take advantage of. Too many citizens hide in fear of not being heard, when in reality each of us has the power to be a single rain drop in the rush of the greatest flood of democracy.
