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Imposing Questions to Voters

Election season is always a hectic, stressful time for the young and old. A time of advertisement annoyance and campaign signage stapled through yards. Even family dinners brim with heated debates based on either facts or opinions. Everyone’s views are valid because they deserve to have a right to speak, but the accuracy and logic which goes into said opinions are paramount.

I could take the time to voice my own opinions, but those don’t matter in this situation. It’s not my duty to persuade voters. However, it’s within my power to question and educate individuals.

How many regurgitate what they hear on the news without fact-checking?

It’s easy to take a person’s word for it. As humans, we look for the best in people. Whether that’s naive or not is another discussion, but it isn’t wrong to think others are reliable, trustworthy, and respectable. One must temper this with skepticism. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, ask for sources, and sufficiently yet respectfully discuss the topic. Their argument is likely incorrect if they can’t provide those means.

Why do individuals spew half-baked opinions from podcasters or critics?

Possibly due to their lack of ability to articulate themselves, to feel ‘smarter’ than their opposition, or because they deem those critics ‘experts.’ The reasons are vastly individualized, and a discussion one should have with those individuals.

Why don’t voters question why politicians debate societal and cultural issues rather than governmental ones?

By pushing hot topic buttons such as trans rights, and women’s bodily autonomy, they can avoid the underlying factual problems facing this country and getting the masses riled up under their cause. Unfortunately, most politicians have half-baked ideas and empty promises. It’s our duty as voters to hold them accountable.

Why do political parties matter, truly?

They create divisiveness amongst our fellow human beings and prevent collaboration for the betterment of humankind. Furthermore, creating division under labels to better define one’s ethics, opinions, or beliefs leads to animosity toward those who don’t belong to that group.

How many voters use critical thinking skills when absorbing any information?

To think critically is to question everything. By questioning everything, one adapts a mind of their own, free of the manipulation of outside forces. Therefore, spending time researching, learning, and growing as a human being is vital, powerful, and not wasted time.

My point is political parties shouldn’t matter; question everything, but most of all, vote for the betterment of all humankind, not just your own.

Anonymous

Tama County