Rabbi Gary A. Glickstein
"A lower voter turnout is an indication that fewer people are going to the polls." Vice President Dan Quayle
After going to a number of big league baseball games and explaining the rules, Sam decided it was time to harness his eight year-old daughter’s enthusiasm for the game. Sam went to the sporting goods store and purchased a beginning glove, ball and bat. Sam’s daughter Sydney (named for her great-grandfather, Slayim Zavel) was so excited that she wanted to play baseball immediately. Sam cautioned her, "Darling, baseball takes a lot of practice hitting, throwing, and catching until you are ready to play in a game." She practiced her skills for days. "Now, I’m ready to play," Sydney proclaimed. Sam told her to show him how good she was. Sydney threw up the ball and swung. Strike one. She threw up the ball a second time. Strike two. Sam said, "Concentrate, Sydney. Remember, three strikes and you are out." Sydney threw up the ball a third time. She swung so hard that she fell to the ground. Sydney jumped up and began dancing happily around the yard. Sam asked, "Sydney, you struck out. Why are you so happy?" "‘Cause," Sydney proclaimed,"I am really good at pitching."
Rationalizing is something most people are very skilled at. Somehow, no matter how unjustifiable an action is, we usually find a way to ease our conscience.
"When the political columnists say ‘Every thinking man’ they mean themselves, and when candidates appeal to ‘Every intelligent voter’ they mean everybody who is going to vote for them." Franklin Adams
You and I live in a blessed country. The USA is a rich land, abundant in resources, conceived in liberty, and favored by history. With oceans protecting our west and east borders and with peaceful neighbors to the North and South, we remain a country relatively secure in a world of danger. What is asked of us by our nation?
Obey the laws of the land and vote.
Laws are required by any reasonable government to maintain order and structure and they have punishments associated with noncompliance.
Voting is a privilege.
Voting is a responsibility. Voting is voluntary.
"Vote for the man who promises least; he’ll be the least disappointing." Bernard Baruch
It is a tragedy that so few of us exercise this requirement of our citizenship.
"Dina D’Malchuta Dina - The requirements of the country we live in are mandatory upon us." Talmud
The requirements of citizenship of our country are obligatory according to Jewish tradition. Let us rise above our cynicism and lethargy, our apathy and disaffection with the political process and do our civic duty:Vote.
Our country is blessed; let us be a blessing. Let us make a difference. Let us vote.
