By Kandace Swinson, Delta College Student Submission
This political race has been quite fierce, hasn’t it? After this summer I have found myself looking at this race differently than in the past. I took a Holocaust class and one bit of wisdom that I learned I would like to share with you: Propaganda can be used for terrible purposes. It doesn’t matter whose side you are on. Both sides are busy selling you something you want. I would urge caution.
Continuing in that line of thought, I would urge you to widen your perspective. Look closely at what Harris and Trump are trying to convince you to believe. I am not saying don’t vote because I think voting is very important. I am saying do your homework and be realistic. What can they really accomplish and what would it do for them and everyone if they did accomplish that goal.
You might be thinking that I am overreacting and that this election is nothing like the Holocaust. Here is the thing though: The Holocaust started as something political. Hitler started off at the low bottom and worked himself to the highest point. He then used Germany’s laws against them to declare Martial law. It was all downhill after that.
Again, I’m not saying that this is what will happen after this vote. But I would like to raise awareness of the consequences of believing everything a politician says, or voting based just on gender or maybe on something they wore that you liked. From just talking to family and friends, I have found that voting preferences have strayed from being informed on all the issues and is instead almost like a popularity contest. I have faith that the American people are smarter than that.
I would love to hear more people saying “I looked up possible vaccine laws,” or, “it was interesting what this politician said about abortion.”
It doesn’t matter if we all agree or not because the truth is that it is impossible, right? There are too many of us to expect that, but look at what you believe in and what you would like to see happen in this country. Then look at the various politicians. Look at what they are promising now and most importantly look at what they have done in the past. Do you think they will really do what they say or is it all talk to snow you in.
I believe in this country. I believe in your ability to reason past a tie, a skin color or gender. This country, despite its flaws, is a wonderful place to live, and we are given the great gift of free speech. I believe you are all wonderful, capable, intelligent people, so I hope you get out there and vote!
