59 - The Consent of the Governed

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. (The Declaration of Independence, July 4, 1776)

The consent of the governed.

While I was in Australia, they had their national elections. I went with my friends first thing in the morning so they could vote and enjoyed hearing their thoughts on the candidates and issues during the day. That evening, while watching the election results on TV, I sat next to a woman, Jane, I’ll call her, who said to me, “I hate having to vote.”

I wanted to hit Jane. Or suggest she give up her citizenship in a free country to someone who does not have a voice, so they can express theirs instead. Or ask why she wanted to spit upon the graves of those who gave their lives to keep her free. As it was, I nearly made my tongue bleed biting it until I could calm down. (I know – I’m a drama queen.)

George Washington once said, "If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter."

Jane – hating that you get to vote is dumb and silent!

While Freedom means having the right to not vote if you so choose, it also demands recognizing that it came and comes at a price – those who sacrificed everything protecting this right, and our active participation to ensure that government continues “to effect [our] Safety and Happiness.”

#59 on my list of Favorite Things is VOTING.