November 5th, Election Day

A week ago, Ipublished an article discussing the importance of voting. In it, I looked at statistical evidence from Pew Research, NSSF, and Ohio.gov to show how the last three elections—two midterm and one presidential—were determined. For everyone who says their vote doesn’t matter, the evidence shows that’s the most important vote. That article aimed to articulate the importance of voting while maintaining some form of objectivity. Today, I’d like to talk to you as an American.

Presidential elections are complicated. Every Presidential election cycle deems theirs is the most important in recent memory. There is truth in that. The past is behind us, only the future and prosperity of our nation matter. As hard as you may try, you cannot undo what has already been done. That makes this election even more interesting. Donald Trump has already served four years in the office; Kamala Harris has spent the last four as Vice President. Theirs a track record already laid down. But I’m not here to hash out policy. For most people, both parties offer something they want. What I’m here to do is remind you your vote matters and that your duty as an American is sacred.

Our nation is 248 years old. Forty-five men have served in 46 presidencies (Grover Cleveland served two nonconsecutive terms). Additionally, there have been 49 Vice Presidents. Eight of those assumed the office of President after a sitting President’s death; another assumed the role after resignation. Their position is one of utmost importance. Each president positions this nation to be great or to falter. And if the latter happens, the people demand change; this change occurs through the electoral process.

The idea of civic duty was foundational to the principles of our founding fathers, whose understanding of virtue, faith, and freedom led to the creation of one of the most important documents in human history. In it, our freedoms are guaranteed. The Bill of Rights doesn’t grant us the Freedom of Speech, Religion, or the Press. It doesn’t give us the right to bear arms. The Bill of Rights prevents the Government of this nation from infringing on the rights that we had at birth. You were born with the right to freedom of Speech, Religion, and Press. You were born with the right to bear arms. The Bill of Rights protects those sacred tenants, which are the foundational elements for a successful nation. Have we fallen from that belief? That is for you to decide.

Since the beginning of the Twentieth Century, over 620,00 service members have laid down their lives to guarantee us our freedom. But it’s more than that. It’s also to stop those who wish harm on innocent people, people who do not have the same freedoms and liberties we possess. Suffice it to say, it’s because of this continued sacrifice that we can vote. I get that a virtuous understanding of this sacrifice is missing today. We no longer venerate our heroes. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were slave owners, so what they did doesn’t matter. Betsy Ross wove a flag that represented a fledging nation, but it was done during a time of slavery, so it should be condemned. Teddy Roosevelt was filled with toxic masculinity; his ideas hurt us today. George Patton and Douglas MacArthur led with a vulgarity and harshness that would not be accepted today, so they shouldn’t be used as examples of leadership in war. Instead, Megan Thee Stallion, Taylor Swift, Spike Lee, and many other celebrities like them take their place. Are these the heroes we should look to? Celebrities—athletes, singers, actors—by nature are entertainers. They distract us from reality. We have become comfortable. In comfort, we falter.

With all this said, today, November 5, 2024, is Election Day. I ask you one more time to vote like your freedoms depend on it.