ONE ISSUE VOTERS......
Have you ever heard someone described as a “one issue voter”? That usually describes a person who is so locked in on one issue, that it doesn’t matter what the candidate’s skill set is, or their character, or their experience, or their position on any other issue. If they don’t agree with your “one issue” they are not getting your vote! Sounds pretty narrow-minded doesn’t it? Sounds pretty intolerant doesn’t it? Sounds pretty ill-informed doesn’t it?
Most of us take a measure of pride in being an informed voter. We study the candidate’s positions, we analyze the impact of legislation, we read, we listen, we talk to our friends and family, and we even work on campaigns and go door to door. Sounds like a lot of work, and most of us are tired….really tired.
There is an easier way. I am going to take the liberty of being a “one issue voter” for this election cycle, and this election cycle only! Something has happened in the last year that has never happened before in modern history, and that is my “one issue”.
On November 2nd I am going to say THANK YOU to the courageous candidates that supported me in my darkest hour. On November 2nd, I will exercise my right to cast my vote for people who fought for economic justice, who supported our membership, and who saved our job and income security from certain disaster. On November 2nd, I will cast a vote of gratitude for people who protected my family when we all faced an uncertain future. On November 2nd I will show my appreciation for people who cared enough about our retirees to ensure that their pensions were intact, and not transferred to the PBGC. On November 2nd, I will set aside hot button issues that have divided this Nation such as gun rights, abortion, immigration, big government, taxes, campaign finance reform, healthcare bills, financial reform, etc. etc. Those issues have been at the forefront of American politics for decades and we will all have our chance to debate them for decades to come. But this year, I have just one chance to say thank you.
Thank you Virgil Benero for putting your face all over the place and getting angry enough to expose the graft and corruption on Wall Street, and fighting for my job on Main Street.
Thank you Mark Schauer for standing strong on Capital Hill, and having the guts as a first term congressman to stare into the face of evil, and cast your vote in our behalf.
Thank You to all the State Representatives that understand the value of secure, good paying union jobs for our Michigan economy.
Thank you to all our UAW endorsed candidates because we know you will continue the fight for our future.
To paraphrase a quote by John F. Kennedy “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to act on them.”
On November 2nd, I encourage you to become a “one issue” voter and join us in showing our appreciation through our actions.