-
Jay Wheeler
To the editor,
The death of George Floyd in May was horrible and sparked widespread protests along with the “Black Lives Matter” movement.
Our major league sports have embraced the movement. NBA players have chosen to remove their names from the backs of their uniforms to be replaced with messages such as: “respect us,” “education reform,” “justice,” etc.
Protests are as American as apple pie, and have at times brought about needed changes. Protests in our history were instrumental in women getting voting rights, and ending America’s involvement in the Vietnam war.
For those who want to be taken seriously and have a strong desire for real change, there is one specific, definitive path to get there: Vote! No matter what you believe in and what candidates or issues are important to you, voters are who get taken seriously.
Here is a quote from the recently departed freedom fighter and long-term US Congressman John Lewis: “Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high in a distant plateau where we can sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take.”
Military service and voting are the most patriotic thing we can all do, voting is easier. Don’t just vote in presidential elections, vote in every election. If you don’t like the candidates, run for office. Moms, dads, soldiers, parents, grandparents, college students, teachers, retail workers, etc. Everyone needs to vote.
Voting in Osceola County has never been easier. If you are registered to vote, there is early voting going on right now. Up until Aug. 14, you can go to any public library with a government photo identification and be in and out in less than five minutes. Voting is much easier than protesting, and usually much more effective.
Consider that I am a guy without a college degree and was elected (the Osceola County School Board) four times in a row, if I can do it, anyone can-if you want it bad enough. Time to be a great American. Great Americans vote in every election because they love their family and their country. Vote, vote, vote!
Jay Wheeler
Kissimmee
