Monthly archive for October 2024

Why Vote?

Many people say that their vote doesn’t count, or won’t make a difference, so it becomes very low on their “ things to do” list. Some feel that their vote may be manipulated by other politicians. Some even feel that their vote won’t even be counted. Some even feel that others run the system we live in.

We need to let these people know vehemently, that they are totally wrong! One of the features of our society or democracy is that of being able to “voice our choices” in matters that affect us, once we are of the age of reason. Many countries don’t allow everyone to say how they feel about certain matters and who should be elected to serve in certain offices, and which issues must be addressed.

In most cases, it becomes a majority vote that results in change. The size of that majority often dictates the speed and timeliness of the decisions to address the issue.

It has been said that “Every Vote Counts“.

In a democracy, all individuals are supposed to be treated the same and are endowed with certain inalienable rights.

It is expected and necessary for one to use one’s inalienable rights in order for the society to work properly. Therefore, we have a responsibility, when the time comes, to vote.

There is a unique feature included in this option, which is, the importance of the vote which can be for or against an issue or individual!

Not voting, has a negative effect on the process, because reality is not reflected.

It is therefore, most important, that we research the issues and individuals, and caste our votes accordingly.

We also have court backups to insure that what our vote indicates, becomes law and is followed.

If we choose to withhold our vote, then the courts’ decision and other actions and responses may not reflect our feelings.

This allows for us, no matter what our financial standings are, what our ethnic background may be, nor what our current status may be, we can still participate in the affairs of our community as well as the person who is doing great!

It has been said that “ You never miss your water, until the well runs dry” Of course, this means that if your vote is “taken” from you and you no longer have the “right”, is when you unfortunately realize how important it was.

We must exercise every right, privilege, and expectation that we have in order for this society to function properly. We must take a responsible attitude for the success of our community and not leave it up to someone or something else!

Oh, how many folks in other communities wish they had the privilege, which we take very lightly at times!

It is our conclusion that voting is important because it is a responsibility, a privilege, the right of adults in a democracy, a way to participate in issues that will affect us, and for many other reasons.

PROUD Conference on October 18

PROUD – People Reaching Out for Unity and Diversity – invites you to join in the conversation about Ferguson’s experiences over the past thirty years and evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and what should be done next. The conference is called “Thirty Years After Oak Park: Ferguson Then and Now.”

In October 1994, the City of Ferguson hosted its first Oak Park Exchange Congress at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. The conference considered ideas for stabilizing the city as it was going through demographic changes. Several programs, including the Ferguson Neighborhood Improvement Program, came out of that conference.

PROUD, a volunteer not-for-profit organization, was established as a direct result of the conference. PROUD’s purpose is to continue the goals presented at the Oak Park Conference by working to improve relationships among members of the Ferguson community.

We will return to Florissant Valley on October 18 and 19, for a two-day conference to consider the ways that Ferguson has changed over the past thirty years. Join us for the Friday afternoon session on “Building Relationships,” the Saturday morning session on “Appreciating Diversity,” the Saturday afternoon session on “Strengthening Community,” or for the whole conference. There will also be a reception on Friday evening to honor the city officials who organized Ferguson’s original Oak Park Conference as well as PROUD’s charter members.

For more information and tickets, visit our website at www.proud-ferguson.org.

CONTACT

FERGUSON CITYWALK
110 Church Street
Ferguson, MO 63135
(314) 524-5197
EMAIL

 

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