Posted on Oct 31, 2014
If you don't vote, are you neglecting your duty?
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I found this article from Task and Purpose thought provoking and thought I would share it. There is a way of thinking in the military (at least among officers) that we should be apolitical and not get involved in politics. Although I will never use my rank, position, or any other form of influence to endorse a particular candidate, I always encourage my Soldiers to exercise their right to vote. This article puts forth the idea that voting is a form of serving our country, and I am inclined to agree. To quote, "At the end of the day, too many people have fought, suffered, and died for our right to vote. As veterans, we have upheld this right and the ideals in which they inspire. Voting is yet another form of serving our country." I am curious what the RallyPoint community thinks about this, and if you don't vote, why?
http://taskandpurpose.com/dont-vote-youre-military-youre-neglecting-duty/
http://taskandpurpose.com/dont-vote-youre-military-youre-neglecting-duty/
Voting
Politics
Duty
Rights
Military Industry
Posted 10 y ago
Responses: 3
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Voting isn't your duty as a Soldier. It's your duty as an American.
The point: After you're out (or retired) it's no less important.
The point: After you're out (or retired) it's no less important.
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CPT (Join to see)
SGT Richard H., I couldn't agree more. It is definitely the duty of an American citizen in my opinion. I think it is the MOST important duty of the citizen to vote. I guess I am always shocked and saddened that we as a nation do not exercise this right more often.
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CPT (Join to see), I do vote - every time there's an opportunity to do so - and I agree with the author of the article that it's essentially a duty of every citizen, not just veterans or active duty military. It's a privilege and a right, but I think it's also a duty for all citizens to vote.
As many have said here on RallyPoint, and all over the place, if you decide not to vote, you better not complain about the political leaders who you could have voted for or against.
Voting really is another way to serve our country. I don't understand why the voter turnout is around 50 to 60 percent (and that's in a good year!). People seem not to care. As military personnel and veterans, we likely care a heck of a lot more than the average joe (or jane). And I'm very glad about that.
As many have said here on RallyPoint, and all over the place, if you decide not to vote, you better not complain about the political leaders who you could have voted for or against.
Voting really is another way to serve our country. I don't understand why the voter turnout is around 50 to 60 percent (and that's in a good year!). People seem not to care. As military personnel and veterans, we likely care a heck of a lot more than the average joe (or jane). And I'm very glad about that.
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SGT Richard H.
CW5 (Join to see) I wholeheartedly agree with all you said except for one detail. Voting is not a privilege, it's a right.
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CPT (Join to see)
I am glad that you vote CW5 (Join to see)! I too can't understand why voter turnout is at the level that it usually is. I'm not sure if it is apathy, or the thought that it doesn't matter, but I really do think that voting is a sacred duty that the American citizen must uphold and exercise if we want to secure our democratic republic.
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I think it is a duty as an American citizen. It's supposed to be government of the people, by the people, for the people. If we're not all voting, we're not all being represented. Even if those we vote for don't win, so long as we vote, some part of our voice is being heard.
Duty aside, it seems like everyone I know likes to complain about the government, regardless of whether or not it's "their" party in power. But a lot of them, when asked, admit they didn't vote. To me, if you didn't vote, you shouldn't be able to complain about what those in office are doing. If you don't like what they're doing, do something about it in the next election.
Duty aside, it seems like everyone I know likes to complain about the government, regardless of whether or not it's "their" party in power. But a lot of them, when asked, admit they didn't vote. To me, if you didn't vote, you shouldn't be able to complain about what those in office are doing. If you don't like what they're doing, do something about it in the next election.
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CPT (Join to see)
MSG (Join to see), yes! It is a duty I believe. But here is the thing: Even if we don't vote, we ARE still being represented. We just loose all say in who represents us! Not voting also allows special interests and party zealots to gain more power by getting their own supporters to the polls while other voters stay home. Then we all complain about the system, but only half of Americans even participate...
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