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On The March Again

A meme depicting Captain America closing up on and lapping the Falcon on the track. A joke on how quickly March 2021 came up after the lockdown in 2020.
Image: Buzzfeed.com
Another election season is upon us and a lot of folks aren’t even sure what to expect anymore. Many have given up on the system and its ability to deliver fair elections and others have trust issues with the candidates that have reared their heads. Who can blame them? Our dear country hobbles under the weight of long spells of vile leadership.

Truth be told, it doesn’t appear as though there is much to look forward to, even as the usual suspects carry on with consultations and scurry for endorsements. Are we again expected to make compromises and settle for whatever drifts to the surface from the heap of recycled shaft? Or can we dare to hope for more this time around? Will the people have their champion? Whatever the case, we will have new leadership come 2023.

But the road that leads to 2023 seems to be paved with mostly good intentions. Many want the best for this country but appear unable to get past their frustrations to be able to make their own contribution towards a better nation. If each of us in our spheres of influence were to play our part then perhaps we could get something meaningful done. For instance, taking the steps to be an eligible voter is something that is often taken for granted. We have all the excuses in the world why it isn’t worth our while. Giving up, while a lot easier than taking a stand, won’t move us forward.

The devil and the deep blue sea shouldn’t always be our only options, we can elect to be unselfish and think of the homeless boy, the out of school girl, the talented but unemployed youth or the penniless retired old timer. Can we not make a choice for them? Pick that option on the ballot that would best favour them, that would make their lives that much better. And it need not end there; your resolve to help them need not be restricted to the polls. We can all explore ways not too far out of our orbit where we can make a little difference in the lives of the silent majority.

The frustration is understandable. Many of us feel let down by repeated broken promises; exhausted from engaging an ecosystem that would no sooner consume us. And we’re thinking, could this be the moment when we get it right? But that question could be re-imagined. Could this be the moment I get it right? Am I participating in the process, albeit an imperfect one? Am I seeking to leave my little mark? Or am I a pontificating wailer who has doomed any step towards progress as dead on arrival. As citizens, whether or not we’re headed for the exit, ultimately, this election cycle will say more about us than it will about any aspirant that has or will emerge.

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