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Letter: Most disgusting election, yet I will cast a vote
Op-Ed · October 13, 2016
What would you do for world peace? What would you do for justice?
What would you do to further the dignity of an individual human being? What would you do to preserve democracy in America? What would you do to prevent a nuclear war? What would you do to not commit a serious breach of faith?
Questions too large? Aims too grandiose? Iowans are modest folk, unassuming at our best, but also doers of duty, protectors of fundamental values.
It is not unnatural to walk away from these issues at first, to gently mock our lack of hope. But think about it. Think without fear. Without hatred.
The time is now to realize that while our individual power is small, our individual responsibility is great. We do what we do when we are in trouble, when danger looms: we work together. Here, now, it means we vote. We vote without hatred, apology or disdain. We vote.
Political scientists tell us that after a negative campaign, we too often drop out, retreat with annoyance from the ballot, elevate our hopelessness to a morality that we are above all the negativity: we pass on voting. Voter suppression is not only procedural, photo IDs or long voting lines, it is the creation of an atmosphere that dulls our brain and our heart.
Others, most, I hope, will cast their ballot against the prevailing cynicism. For me it means voting for Democrats not out of habit or fear. Donald Trump is not reflective of my America and I do not think he represents yours. The Republican Party has lost its way, has descended to being, well, deplorable.
Your vote alone will not stop the incivility. Its power is collective; it must be joined with others. This election is one of the most disgusting I have witnessed in 50 years. I will still vote.
If you are a person of decency you vote. If you are a person of decency with some time you make the effort to put up a yard sign, make a phone call or knock on a door.
I will vote for Hillary Clinton and Patty Judge with head held high, hope in my heart and in deep respect for my fellow Americans, with modesty as any good Iowan should.
Clara Oleson
West Branch
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