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Telemarketers challenge patriotism
Over the course of this summer, I have been working at multiple employers. One employer is a local phone center where I call for various programs and government campaigns. In short I am a telemarketer.
While I agree this position is as comfortable as a full scale colonoscopy, in this town, it is a job and as a poor college student, I need all the income I can get. Now, after several months I have heard almost every line in the book, every sob story and every point of view regarding politics.
What surprises me the most is not the vulgarity or inconsiderate behavior people have towards telemarketers, even though I understand the reasoning behind this, is rather the ignorance people have on voting.
Now after 9/11, I would think that people would be more inclined to be as American as possible. I know everyone was touched deeply by that day. I know every good American was inspired to do patriotic acts, wave the flag, to speak proud words of American freedom.
Now why in haites do American people not want to vote? Hundreds of elections have been decided by a single vote. How would you feel if you were running for an office and a few of your buddies didn't vote because they didn't care to and it cost you the election?
Now the responses I get from people about not wanting to vote are ridiculous. These people, not necessarily in the below 40 category, tell me they aren't even going to vote. When asked why (only because I am shocked and curious) they say that things aren't working in our government, or that they think it's pointless to vote or they just plain don't have an interest in politics.
Now the whole reason to vote is so that our voices can be heard, so that you can choose your choice of official. Now don't complain that you don't like the way politics are going if you haven't voted.
Another response these people have is that they are appalled by the Presidential election. In all the states I call for, the response is a unanimous one, regardless of the state. They think it's going to happen to them.
That election should make you want to vote, for goodness sake, so that it doesn't happen again. After all, isn't that part of what all our wars have been for? The freedoms adorned as America. The freedoms to choose, to have your own voice, to vote.
I know my family members didn't fight so that people could lazily do nothing and then complain about it. While I agree it is also your freedom to nothing, I think it is a bit sad that after all Americans have been through, there are still Americans who choose to ignore their rights as Americans. If you don't want to participate in our country, than don't call yourself a "true American."
While I know some people will find that harsh, and other people might say that we need to return to normal after Sept. 11, I say that there will never be another normal like beofre. Our normal should include an everday awareness of being an American, and that includes voting. We should find ourselves so lucky, I know I am.
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