Susan Senator

All this election fever has gotten to me. There is so much press about people being denied the right to vote, especially people who have a hard time getting I.Ds, getting to the polls, etc. Those with disabilities probably have it pretty tough to get near voting booths, but it is so important that they weigh in this time! With Medicaid and Obamacare at stake, we stakeholders must vote for the politicians who support services and care for the disabled.

I was thinking that I or Nat’s caregiver could teach him how to understand a voting card. Nat is over 18, he has a valid state ID, he pays taxes, and he enjoys a full life. I think Nat should vote. This is the first time I have thought of that. But if Nat can be taught to write his name, to read, then he can be taught to look at a voting card and fill in boxes.  Nat has such a big stake in this election. He stands to lose a lot of all he’s gained.

I think any 18+ year old US citizen who can read, think, and make a mark on a card should be educated about the issues in whatever way they can learn, and get familiar with the process of voting.

Regardless of whether Nat votes in this election, we all had better be sure we do. And we have to think beyond our pocketbooks and beyond the economy. There is so much going on out there. Helping your fellow man should not become a thing of the past. But we need to band together as a society and reinforce those values.  Think of it this way. If private funds could do it all, then why didn’t the disabled do more with their lives prior to these social programs? Why didn’t private charities raise enough money for assisted living facilities, job coaches, personal care attendants?

Is the answer that it’s none of your concern if you’re not disabled? But if that’s the case, why do you go along with supporting the military if your life isn’t directly affected by Iraq or Afghanistan? Why support public schools if you aren’t in school anymore? Why support highways in places where you don’t drive?

Don’t make mistake selfishness with freedom. People’s lives are at stake. Get involved and vote!