It is unbelievable to me that so much is being done in the political world to prevent change, and no one seems to notice. Maybe I’m naive, or maybe I’m one of the few who can look past the division between parties and see that there is injustice coming from both sides. Voters continue to make decisions based directly on their party’s platform simply because of some eternal, unspoken grudge between Republicans and Democrats that creates nothing but stagnation and hatred. Isn’t the whole point of voting to work together to make a difference for the greater good? Aren’t we all better than this?
Climate change and women’s rights are two major issues that exemplify the divide in society caused by strict party beliefs. Scientific research shows that the environment doesn’t have many years left until the damage that has been done to it will become irreversible. Despite the evidence, there are still people who believe that the abusive relationship we have with our planet does not pose a threat simply because their party thinks it doesn’t. Additionally, and this issue hits close to home for me, women still don’t have the rights to bodily autonomy that we deserve. The predominantly male, predominantly religious population that is involved in governmental decisions is telling women what we can and can’t do with our bodies. Considering there are millions of unwanted children in the U.S., why force someone to bring another one into the world?
With midterm elections rapidly approaching, please, please make informed decisions based on what you think, not necessarily what your party does. You won’t be a traitor for thinking differently. Think of what you would do in the situations of those whom these decisions will impact. Think about the environment and the change that your vote could help accomplish. Think for yourself! Do your research! And, most importantly, vote!
Michelle Manfrey is a UF environmental engineering sophomore.
