We can sit around and complain all we want to, but in all reality the younger generations are the problem.
The millennials and Generation Z babies have been criticized for years for their lack of political literacy and their inability to do their civic duty and vote. Being a Gen Z kid, I know firsthand the thought process of my young compadres. Most do not believe their vote will matter, that the political system is overrun by the Baby Boomer generation.
What the younger generations do not understand is that, by voting for president, you are voting for a multitude of other offices of importance and social issues as well. For example, there are various facets that could be affected by Trump being re-elected.
In November, we are voting for who replaces Ruth Bader Ginsburg on the Supreme Court.
In November, we are voting for the next secretary of education.
In November, we are voting for which party gets to nominate federal judges.
In November, we are voting to decide the fate of national parks.
In November, we are voting for safe and humane immigration laws.
In November, we are voting for clean air and water.
In November, we are voting for scientists to be allowed to speak about climate change.
In November, we're voting for what a president says and does on Twitter.
In November, we are voting for housing rights.
In November, we're voting for LGBTQ people to be treated with dignity.
Let me be the first to tell you that one vote does make a difference. One vote can be the difference between your candidate's victory or defeat.
Though you may not be ecstatic about the current candidates in the race, voting for the most competent candidate IS your civic duty. We have seen what the United States looks like under poor management. Under an incompetent leader, we have been ill-prepared for a global pandemic, and he has represented everything America has sought to eradicate: hatred, racism, and inequality.
Get out and vote! If not for yourself, do it for the people around you. Understand that we deserve the most qualified, dignified, and equipped leader for our nation.