Majorities Don't Make Right...

Voting Majorities are Often Misguided

I've seen too many times where the losing side of an election feels dejected over the result. That's too bad because the public needs to have as many choices on the ballot as they can. Often voting majorities make terrible decisions. Don't believe me? Just look at those who get elected.

It's fair to say that politicians have very little respect from the public because most are seen as pandering to every interest. And let's be honest, that's how campaigns are often won. But how much of one's soul must be sold in order to win an election? Jesus said, "What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?" He was correct then and he's correct today. But it's all too common to see politicians selling whatever they can to win.

And there's always a group willing to vote for such people when they believe they stand to profit from it. That's what we see in most elections and that's just part of the game unfortunately. It's important to remember that the results of democracy are often much more condemning of those voting in the majority than those who voted for the losing campaign.

Let's never forget that voting is the alternative to violence. It's how we change our local, state and federal governments. Voting for the losing candidate/issue is often a better result than not voting at all. Occasionally I read where someone says they aren't going to vote. I respect that to some degree. But honestly, it has macro results that skew electoral outcomes.

In looking at the data, the only age based demographic group of voters who have increased their voter rates since 1960 is the 65 years and older cohort. Every other cohort has fallen. And Oklahoma is one of the worst.

While some argue that it's a sign that people are satisfied with the governance they encounter, I think it's more indicative of a brewing problem. People are losing faith that their vote will change anything and they get discouraged when they lose. That's too bad.

The bottom line for democracy is that there will always be a losing side. There isn't a participation trophy in the political process. And you might even find that you are disliked by some for political reasons. You should be so lucky! But always remember that losing isn't forever. Continue to speak your mind, Don't be discouraged. Vote.