Voter Turnout: The Key to True Political Representation
- By Malik Green
- Published 11/11/2009
- Political
-
Rating:
Malik Green
I am a 52 year old African American male, born in Harlem; raised on the Lower East Side of New York City. As a child I loved to read. I was particularly interested in politics, my ethnicity and God. My inherent passion for my African ancestry was evident at a very young age. Actually, at the age of 5; which was the year 1962, I distinctly remember African Americans not wanting or liking to be “Black” or “African”. That was very confusing to me at the time. I; however, for no specific reason, was pleased with being “Black” or “African” even at the early age of 5. My inability to make sense of why my race had been treated the way they were treated led me to search for the answers as to: Why my people, African Americans, didn’t seem to appreciate their own heritage and ethnicity? This desire to know was the beginning of my quest to find the answers to these most profound questions. My biological father left before my first birthday. My first African American role models were Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X. These men epitomized what I always thought African American men can be; independent, strong, intelligent and fearless. Being African American, especially an African American male, growing up without a father, a real man makes life in America very difficult. I; unfortunately, had to learn many things the “hard way”. I dropped out of high school at age 17; and with no where to go, I joined the U.S. Army. After spending 5 years in the military I came back to New York in 1984 and was introduced to “crack cocaine”. After two hellish years of crack addiction I, by the grace of some force greater than myself, I was able to free soul from this menacing demon. I have been clean now for over 20 years. Over the last twenty plus years I have been on a personal mission to make sense of why African Americans are in the predicament we are in today. I extensively studied the political, economical and social aspects of America. I have discovered truths that bear light and understanding that is lacking today in the African American community. I have also spent a great deal of time on a spiritual quest as well. This is where I have achieved the greatest benefit reward. I have researched the history and concepts of all the major religions; Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism and well the occult sciences of spirituality. Through this research I have discovered some astonishing and verifiable truths; truths that are not widely disseminated to the masses. I do believe that as you read my book, this knowledge will manifest itself. We all have gifts that we come into the world with. My inherent gift is the gift of insight. As you read this book you will quickly see that it does have a lot to offer the African American people and America as a whole.
View all articles by Malik GreenSince then, activity among voters has declined. Many claim that the reasons for this trend have been due to situations such as economic, demographic, cultural, technological and institutional factors.
The major reason for the lack of voter turnout is voter’s lack of confidence in the political process. The voting process is the entity where the people can make their voices heard and their presence felt.
The one thing that is not structured accordingly is a reliable mechanism for providing the people with the facts that are needed in order for the voting population to make well-informed decisions regarding the political issues at hand during any election. The African-American community’s failure to be proactive and full participants in state and local governmental elections is a major reason why we are disenfranchised politically and economically.
State and local elected officials are supposed to represent the community. We are their constituents, and their job is to secure the resources and establish policies that will benefit the community.
Most elected officials do not fight hard enough for the resources and needs of our communities. However, these same individuals seem to get re-elected.
The ability of these elected officials to stay in office is due to the following:
Low Voter Turnout: This has to change; especially at the city and community level. African-Americans need to come out in force during these local elections.
As I stated earlier, our local elected officials are the individuals who have direct impact on our communities and the resources they receive.
Dysfunctional or non-existent community political action groups: Many African-American communities lack local political action committees. Without a well-organized group of citizens who support specific candidates or policies, it becomes difficult to apply pressure on ineffective and non-performing elected official.
The incumbent usually has more money and political clout than his or her opponents. This gives the incumbent an advantage, because he or she can raise more money and thus inundate the community with advertisements that proclaim their commitment and service.
They can afford a great marketing campaign that will hide their warts and inefficiencies as well as give them the ability to effectively deceive the community.
There is strength in numbers. Higher turnouts lead to a more accurate reflection of the will of the people. It also forces politicians to be more accountable for the promises they make.
The next time there is an election in your state, city, district or community, be proactive about obtaining the facts about each candidate then galvanize your community to make its presence felt at the ballot box.
Spread The Word
1 Response to "Voter Turnout: The Key to True Political Representation"
|
said this on 16 Nov 2009 8:34:39 AM MST
This article only begins to touch the surface, but at least it is being addressed.
Good Job. |
Author/Admin)