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On Tuesday, the leader of the world’s largest democracy will be decided for the next four years — a decision not to be taken lightly. Already, nearly 40 percent of registered voters in Lowndes County have cast their ballots, and Election Day will most likely see at least another 20 percent or more at the polls.
But why vote? Why do Americans spend so much time and energy on elections? Generally speaking, it’s because we can.
The mere fact that citizens can vote, regardless of race, gender, or religious preference, sets America apart from many nations. Some countries have mandatory voting, with penalties for not casting a ballot. Others color code the ballots and hold the elections in public, ensuring that the electorate is intimidated into voting a certain way. There are countries where women cannot vote, or where those with a religious preference different from the ruling powers are denied that right. The citizens of countries denied the right to elect their leadership envy America, and envy the freedoms Americans enjoy.
Unfortunately, one of those freedoms is also the freedom to not vote, even by those who are registered to do so. Many local elections have been decided by a very slim margin of just a few votes, so those thinking their vote doesn’t matter are wrong in that assumption.
We live in a country where every vote counts; where the basic right to vote has been protected by those who fight to protect our freedoms and liberty.
Don’t waste that precious right. Vote on Tuesday if you haven’t already and exercise a precious freedom that is unknown to much of the world.
What We Think
Why vote?
- What We Think
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Historic day celebrated
On January 1, 1863, Pres. Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation, announcing that all persons held as slaves within the rebellious areas are and henceforth shall be free.
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How this garden grew
A special-needs couple wanted a garden. A teacher not only wanted to teach gardening skills but she also wanted to instill a sense of community purpose within her young students.
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Happy Father’s Day
He beamed with pride on our birth. He understood worry upon our birth. He is the giant by which we would judge all men. He protected us. He provided for us. He often sacrificed time with us to provide for us. He spent time with us.
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To Stevie Young of Valdosta. The owner of Artistic Taxidermy, Young won Best in the World, Turkey, in the 2013 World Taxidermy Championship. His eastern wild turkey display dominated the competition, earning him the distinction of best in the world. Another title for TitleTown!
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Canning preserves food, way of life
When the going gets tough, the tough getting canning. Valdosta-Lowndes County residents have this opportunity.
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PSST!: Round Two!
With tonight’s opening of “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” Peach State Summer Theatre presents its second show of the 2013 season.
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A responsible fix for pets
The photo and story in Sunday’s paper about the dog whose owners had left him tied up with an electrical cord elicited a tremendous response from readers, outraged at the dog’s treatment.
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A band-aid in a crisis?
The announcement Monday by the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities that a crisis stabilization center will be built in Lowndes County is good news for some, not so great for others.
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Slowing down for summer
Twenty-some years ago, it seemed Valdosta and South Georgia slowed down for the summer. School was out. Controversies seemed to dwindle. People seemed to work shorter hours despite the longer days.
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Storms: Of preparation and prayer
If you haven’t already, maybe this morning in church would be a good time to say a prayer of thanks that Tropical Storm Andrea blessed us with some much-needed rain while sparing us the overwhelming catastrophe that weather has wreaked upon the Midwest in recent weeks.
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Historic day celebrated
