We live in a politically charged time where many feel they are not represented by our leaders. They feel that there is a disconnect between our values and the values of those in charge. John Locke said, "Men being... by nature all free, equal, and independent, no one can be put out of this condition and subjected to the political power of another without his own consent." We, as humans, have natural rights such as freedom, equality, and independence. In a society we often give up some of these rights so that we can live with safety, stability, and order. We give up part of our rights in a hope that our society will benefit us and reflect our beliefs. By living in a society we choose to be governed by it. While we live here we choose to be governed by our leaders. Now this becomes a problem when our leaders do not represent us and our beliefs. We may feel that too many of our rights are being taken.John Locke goes on to say, "When any number of men have so consented to make one community or government, they are thereby incorporated and make on body politic wherein the majority have a right to act and govern the rest." If we as a people are disenfranchised with our leadership we have a right and obligation to act. In our case this means to vote. The majority governs the society, and if a majority want a change, they can achieve it. John Locke believed that there was power in people, and I believe that too. We may be terrified by the state of our country, but unless we do something, we just allow it to govern us. By taking a stand and voting one can make a difference and begins to take more of his rights back into his own hands and make a change in the way society is governed. People choose to be governed, and can also choose how they are governed. Let's all choose how we are governed and vote for something better.
Locke's ideas have always been very attractive to me. It certainly helps one feel more empowered. Yet I can't help but wonder how much of what was put forth in the enlightenment was too idealistic. Even today people speak out all the time about inequality, and misrepresentation. Factions seem to lead politics more than the concerns of specific places. I hope that we all vote, but a verse from the Book of Mormon keeps coming back to me "And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time when the judgments of God will come upon you." We'll see what happens
ReplyDeleteI think with a proper responsibility to vote comes a proper responsibility to understand what we are voting for. I remember I was serving my mission during the 2016 election and though us missionaries were offered the opportunity to send in an absentee ballot, we weren't allowed to do any sort of research on the candidates (being missionaries and all) so I felt that not contributing to that election was better than voting blindly. To be self-governing is to be self-informed as well.
ReplyDeleteI love the concept that peaceful revolution can be achieved through conscious voting. It really is our opportunity to speak, and have our voices heard. Every vote counts.
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