Let's Play a Game: Pretend We Give a Damn

Over the past few days, I've engaged in an online debate regarding veterans' rights to vote. In the comments section a number of us went back and forth, sparring on various reasons why there is a ban on voter registration at VA hospitals. Whether or not we believed the VA had the right (I support their right of refusal), everyone agreed: it makes it more difficult for veterans to vote.

This interchange reminded me of when Senator Ron Paul (my favorite for President) voted against a motion to give iconic figure Rosa Parks a Congressional Gold Medal to honor her service to human rights. Everyone cried racist. What they conveniently omit from retelling this scenario is that Sen. Paul simultaneously reached into his pocket and pulled out his own money, I think $100. He then requested each member of congress to do the same, offer a private donation, whatever they were willing to do, and that between all of them they could quickly and easily gather the funds needed to honor Ms. Parks with a medal.

What happened?

Nothing. People refused to take him seriously, scoffed at him for being too literal a constitutionalist and moved on with the motion, meanwhile, voting to forcibly taking funds from constituents for another pet project. It's not just admittedly worthy initiatives like medals for Rosa Parks they are voting on, but all sorts of things that simply add more and more to senseless spending. There must be consistency, therefore, it is more appropriate for some things to be left to the private sector. Perhaps Sen. Paul is too literal, but at least he literally put his money where his mouth was.

At the end of the comment stream, I got an idea...here's a quote from my comments:

Furthermore, no one is restricting their right to VOTE, but to register at one location...I mean, I want to register to vote at the places I spend most of my time, heck door-to-door registration would be much more convenient, but I had to lug my *ss down to the social security office like most everyone else. I know, I know, I’m young, able-bodied, but let’s tackle that problem too: in fact, let’s turn this into a solutions-oriented project. Let’s give a big F-U to whomever doesn’t wants veterans to register at a VA hospital. Set up a table at a hospital near you (I’m assuming there is a 100 foot rule or something) and figure out a way to do it! Wouldn’t that be a great idea?

Who’s game?

What I'm hoping is that these commenters, and you, will take it upon yourselves to encourage freedom in our country: the right to vote. Find a registration drive near you (Google it and you'll find tons of opps), and see what you can do to help out.

Obviously, these writers care more than most by bothering to bring issues to light, but the tenor of the comments made me wonder, even though we purport to have a passion for our causes, does writing a blog and commenting show we actually give a damn about the veterans, or more about stirring up debate online? Furthermore, it seems a lot of people look to the government to solve all our problems, which I think is one of the biggest problems in and of itself.

If I'm honest with myself, I'd answer that most of the time I relegate to "armchair activism," (which has its place as we need mouthpieces) but we also need able bodies to do something to make a difference.

That said, I have a soft spot in my heart for Vietnam Veterans. My former boss fought as a helicopter pilot, was shot down twice and awarded a purple heart. He is a remarkable man, and one of the most generous people I've ever met. My father-in-law is also a Vietnam Veteran.

Because I was inspired to action by this issue, I had a 9am call scheduled today with the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) national headquarters to find out about helping with voter registration opportunities. I often donate to the VVA, in fact, as an odd coincidence I have a donation pick-up scheduled today with a huge amount of items on my front lawn and a giant VVA sign, along with their phone number on it (in case any of my neighbors would be inspired to follow suit.)

Voting season is upon us, exercise your rights, and help others do the same!