“Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness Has To Be Continued”

I love learning new things….especially learning new words that I didn’t know. It is always good to expand our vocabulary.  Well, I learned a new word today. The word is "DisEnthuse". This word was used in a political context referencing how groups of people can be deterred or disinterested in the need TO VOTE in the upcoming election. 

The word “DisEnthuse is not to be confused with nor is/ a synonym for the word "Disenfranchise". However, the semantics [meaning] of it have very similar goals. To "Disenfranchise” a group of people means to "take away their right to vote". “DisEnthuse” on the other hand means to "take the desire or interest, motivation, or pressing need to vote away" from  a group of  people.   This tactic is often done by groups of people who want to attempt every way possible to make persons feel like their individual vote does not count.  Comments, phrases, or statements such as:

“ It doesn't matter  who you vote for, they pick who they want”

 “Both parties are saying the nothing” 

Our Nation is gone; nothing can help us now”

"Neither party stands for the common  or working person”

"Both candidates are corrupt”

    “God doesn’t love { fill in the blank with whichever political party or affiliation}

      "We can’t win”

Or any negative statement that does not end with your need to get out and VOTE

PLEASE just turn a death ear to anyone who begins to make you feel that your vote is unimportant.

Again this strategy is a plot to discourage voters (aimed mainly at Independents and Democrats or anyone swaying from which party or candidate to support). This strategy is powerful and effective because it can stop many from voting on November 6^th .Historically speaking, groups of people have always had barriers to try to keep them from voting. Such tactics which even turned into laws like the Jim Crow laws, Black Codes, poll taxes, literacy tests, and even acts of violence [lynching] were all used successfully in the early 20^th century thru the early 1970’s.  Since none of these can LAWFULLY be used in 2012, people have resorted to what I call “Mind Warfare”, which psychologically makes a person feel like he/she does not count.Too many people, White, Black, Man, Woman, Southerner, Northerner, many religions,  they all fought and some died for everyone to have the RIGHT TO VOTE. 

So when we ignore that right by not voting in every election, we ignore and disregard their struggle. I remember reading about the Rev. James Reeb, a Unitarian Minister, who came to Selma, AL to march for equality for all. He was bashed in the head violently as he walked for peace and voters’ rights. He died innocently trying to help others.  We all know the story of James Chaney, Michael Schwerner, and Andrew Goodman. They were the three Civil Rights Student Activist who were viciously murdered in Mississippi in 1964 for their attempts to register voters in that  racially torn state.When we don’t vote, we make the lives of these martyrs in vain.  They didn’t have the luxuries of the Internet, cell phones, cable television, and social media platforms to be vocal. All they had were their determination, motivation, and faith in God to try to make this land better for all.  Let us not make their dying in vain.  Vote as if your life depended on it because in actuality, it may depend on it. Issues like healthcare, Medicare/Medicaid, student financial aid, and other programs that help persons who need them may not exist if we don’t get out and vote. 

Remember  One Vote added to others become many.   Every time I go to the polls whether it is for a local election or a Presidential one, I think of people like my own Grandmother {Mama Estelle} who spent the majority of 100 years on this earth, wishing she could go to the polls and cast a vote. I think about the  James Reebs, Chaneys, Schwerners, and Goodmans who all died for my right to cast a ballot which represents my voice. I won’t let the fearless and faithful efforts of others ever be forgotten.  Neither should you. 

SEE YOU AT THE POLLS on Nov. 6^th! Be Encouraged

~Dr. Sunshine