When I hear someone claim they “don’t do politics,” it’s like nails on a chalkboard for me. Honestly, we all need to engage with politics. Now, more than ever, it’s essential. Choosing not to vote when you have the means to do so is a glaring display of privilege and indifference.
You might say you don’t want to learn about political issues because it feels overwhelming. Perhaps you’re drained emotionally (trust me, I get it). Maybe you believe the system is so corrupt that it’s not worth your time to educate yourself. Or you could be well-informed but have decided to abstain from the political process altogether because you just can’t stand it (yes, I see you, Protest Voters). Each of these rationales suggests that you don’t recognize the threats to your rights.
Spoiler alert: Your rights are in danger.
The rights of you, your children, and everyone you care about are currently under siege. No matter how privileged you may be, this is a reality we must confront. Take healthcare as an example. Our healthcare system is a disaster; just one serious illness combined with job loss could plunge most of us into poverty. The attempt to apply free-market principles to healthcare has largely failed. The Affordable Care Act addressed some issues, but it’s far from a complete solution. We now inhabit a system where quality healthcare is only attainable through expensive insurance plans, and even those are often unaffordable. Meanwhile, healthcare providers and insurance companies thrive as those in need suffer.
This is a matter that demands our attention. We must insist that our politicians prioritize our welfare over the financial interests of insurance companies and Big Pharma. Affordable healthcare is a fundamental human right. Yet, under our current system, anyone below a certain income level faces the risk of losing their financial stability due to a single protracted illness. Individuals with diabetes are rationing their insulin because they can’t afford it, leading to tragic consequences. This is unacceptable.
Let’s not dismiss the idea of a single-payer system as “socialism” or “icky.” That’s nonsense. People are dying. Other developed nations successfully operate single-payer systems. Have we lost our ability to innovate? Imagine the joy of dismantling profit-driven health insurance companies. Don’t shy away from this topic; it’s time to press our politicians on how they plan to address these healthcare challenges.
Our education system is equally at stake. The voucher system pushed by individuals like Alex Grant aims to give parents the freedom to choose schools, but in reality, many parents lack the resources to send their children to schools outside their districts. Transportation can be a significant burden, especially for single parents juggling full-time jobs.
We must consider the long-term consequences of such a system. Vouchers don’t resolve the core issue: the underfunding of schools that students are leaving in search of better opportunities. When a child departs from a struggling school, that institution loses funding, perpetuating a cycle of underperformance. The focus of our education system should be on enhancing all schools, not simply moving high-achieving students away from those that need support the most. And don’t get me started on how school funding is tied to real estate taxes, which can create significant disparities.
If you believe the inadequacies of our public education system don’t affect you, think again. Every young adult entering the workforce with a subpar education can become a burden on public services simply because they didn’t have the same opportunities as their peers from more affluent districts. This is not the fault of the student; we all must strive for an equitable educational system.
Furthermore, the urgency of addressing environmental issues cannot be overstated. Everyone must prioritize this matter. Vote only for candidates who accept scientific consensus; there is no place in our government for climate change skeptics. The devastating wildfires in California and Australia in recent years are not just mere occurrences; they are alarming indicators of climate change.
At the U.N. climate conference in Madrid in November 2019, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned we are perilously close to a point of no return. The time for action is now. We cannot afford to support any political leader who dismisses climate change as a trivial issue.
You may identify as cisgender and heterosexual and think the LGBTQIA+ community doesn’t concern you. It’s easy to shrug it off and say, “Live and let live.” But I assure you someone you love likely identifies as part of that community, and there are laws being proposed that could drastically impact their lives.
Regrettably, many Americans remain politically disengaged. According to the Pew Research Center, about 10% of adults in the U.S. are politically apathetic. This means they don’t contribute to campaigns, stay informed about political news, or even register to vote. While 10% might seem small, it represents 32.5 million people. Imagine the difference that could be made if each of those individuals dedicated just 10 to 15 minutes each day to understanding the issues that affect us all.
I understand life can feel overwhelming, and staying informed about the news can be demoralizing. It’s exhausting. But we must care. You cannot leave it to marginalized communities whose rights are hanging in the balance to resolve problems that may not seem to affect you directly. Sorry, but we’re all in this together, and each of us must contribute to extinguishing this fire.
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In summary, engaging in politics is not merely a choice; it’s a responsibility we all share. Our rights, health, education, and environment are at stake. Each of us has a role to play in shaping a better future for everyone.
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