I have been cynical, at times, in believing my vote wouldn’t make a difference. I have also felt, at times, that it didn’t matter who is in power. Years ago, I came to realize that the only way we can affect the direction of our country is to participate in the process. Every vote counts. We send a message to those we elect to office by our interest in the process and by our ballot. Win or lose, we have a responsibility to participate in the process of our democracy.
Over half of the Kenyan people neglect their responsibility to vote. Freedom requires effort by every citizen. We cannot defer our responsibility to officials elected by some, then fail to oversee their performance. Voting is a responsibility that has to be taken seriously by every citizen in a free nation. I am encouraging everyone to register to vote. If getting to the polls is difficult, you can request an absentee ballot, so you can vote by mail. There is nothing difficult about voting.
How do you know who to vote for in an election? We need to look at more than a
pleasing personality, popularity, and an ability to sound good. We need to look at the background of our candidates.
Check the background on candidates for their experience. You decide if they deserve your vote. You can have someone check the voting record on the Internet for each political candidate. You can read newspaper articles on the issues of the day to choose topics to discuss .Participating in your government only requires that you know what values we should have as a people looking out for our fellow citizens, Know who votes those values into our parliament; and support the candidates who reflect your values.
I encourage every citizen to discuss the pressing issues of our time. Today, we are faced with many new challenges such as: a world economy driven by corporate greed, a shrinking middle class, an increase in poverty, and tribal-terrorism threats. The challenges to the middle class and the working poor will require strong leadership. I believe that there is a disconnect in Nairobi from the majority of the people. You can organize a family or neighborhood meeting to discuss current issues that affect your life. Find out who are the M.P for your district. Check to see who the political representative is for your district. Then—ask questions and demand answers.
You can make political discussions interesting. If you set rules that everyone is heard without interruption and keep an open mind until everyone expresses his or her views, you will be better informed while participating in the political process. We have to support those M.P and State Representatives who are concerned about unfair trade agreements, tax reform and social security. We need to support government leaders who are concerned with the increased job crisis we face as a nation.
The men and women seeking re-election have a public record of their votes on
legislation affecting the lives of the Kenyan people. You can view the voting records on the Internet and write to your Political Representatives and your M.P. Today with the Internet, you can e-mail your concerns to government leaders.
I strongly suggest that the Kenyan people start an honest dialog with family and
friends regarding the men and women representing them in government. How did your government leaders vote on recent trade agreements? How did your representative vote on the legislation regarding the internal security ?
How do you feel about tax cuts for the wealthiest Kenyans when the nation’s debt is at record levels? You can send a message to your elected officials with your vote.
Your views are just as important as the views of corporate heads and special interest groups, but not if you don’t make them known, and express them and participate! We cannot defer our responsibility to protect and preserve our government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” It is ours. Every single one of us. The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands of the bosses and their employers, the special interests. An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of democracy
Thanks!
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