On Friday, I had the privilege and honor of attending the induction ceremony where 179 people became new US citizens, including my friend Nora from Guatemala. Watching them declare their allegiance to our flag and sing our national anthem for the first time, tears were rolling down my face – not only because I know what Nora personally went through to become an American but also because I respect and celebrate the rights I was granted because I was lucky enough to be born on this side of an arbitrary line that was drawn on a map more than 200 years ago, well before we discussed fences to keep others out. The ceremony is exciting and touching beyond words that I’m able to fully express. If you ever get a chance to attend an induction ceremony for new citizens, please take advantage.
During the ceremony, our new citizens promise to protect our Constitution and our country itself against those who would attack us, both foreign and domestic. That’s a responsibility of being an American – it’s part of the job. Then, the president (on video) welcomes the new Americans and encourages them to become active in other ways, including voting, which unfortunately is not a job requirement. Those 179 new Americans didn’t need to be reminded of that, as they took turns having their photos taken in front of a replica of the Statue of Liberty then stood in line to get their voter registrations. Now, they each get one vote just like the rest of us, and I could see on their faces how seriously they take that right. Nora, for one, is so excited to vote this November, as is a former Miss Universe from Venezuela who was also in that room and has since spoke openly about becoming an American specifically to vote for her chosen presidential candidate.
So why am I posting this for my VofBP neighbors and others to read? Because it’s election time – open season for bitching and complaining, this time around more about the “other” party and the “other guy/gal” than the direction in which our country is going and now we can collectively affect that. Yet, only about half of Americans bother voting at all (presidential elections, and only about 1/3 at non-presidential election cycles). Here’s horrifying/embarrassing news: The United States ranks 120 of the 169 countries for which data exists on voter turnout, falling between the Dominican Republic and Benin, according to a January 2012 study from the Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance. This, from the country that touts itself the posterchild for democracy. Only Australia and Argentina REQUIRE voting or you pay a fine, an idea I fully support.
In the VofBP, the stats are even worse: only 42% of eligible voters show up, from what I found online at Miami-Dade County. And, the VofBP has only one declared candidate so far for three open commission seats this year, with just nine days remaining for candidates to qualify. (We might have two candidates if we didn’t have a one-year residency requirement.)
“All politics is local” is a phrase you hear tossed around a lot, and this year we in the VofBP have a lot to consider locally: from the debt incurred by the new Village Hall and Log Cabin, to crime and safety concerns, to driveway ordinances and other topics that directly affect the value of our homes – and hence the tax base that supports Village finances and feeds future improvements and the continued increase of our property values. That cycle perpetuates itself, and it starts with decisions being made by our commissioners now and for the upcoming two-year term.
So here’s my charge to my neighbors, specifically the folks with whom I share a financial investment in Village property: SHOW UP.
SHOW UP not only to vote in November, but SHOW UP and be part of the process that affects the quality of our lives here in the VofBP and the value of our homes. SHOW UP at commission meetings where decisions are being made about your money and your property. (This past week, only 11 of 3,000+ Villagers showed up to hear commissioners go over the 2017 budget!) SHOW UP when the commissioners write new driveway ordinances or don’t show up to complain that you have to pay for a new driveway. SHOW UP when they interview candidates for Village Manager or don’t complain that she doesn’t run the Village to your satisfaction. The commission meetings are only once a month – that’s 12 times each year – so most of you have no valid excuse. (Newsflash: apathy and “I forgot” aren’t valid excuses.) SHOW UP at board meetings where other local topics are discussed and decisions made on everything from social events to improvements on public spaces to fines charged for violating Village rules & regs. (I sit on the Parks & Parkways board, and not one Village resident has ever shown up at our meetings during my tenure.) And, consider REALLY showing up by joining one of those volunteer boards or even running for commissioner, admittedly a thankless and virtually non-paying job for which those five neighbors deserve enormous praise for enduring on our behalf.
SHOW UP. Nora and our other new fellow Americans will very likely show up on November 8, yet half of those of us born with the right to vote won’t show up. And, quite frankly (here’s where I don’t make friends), if you don’t show up, then please SHUT UP. I don’t want to hear you bitch for the next two years while the commissioners and mayor do the hard work on our behalf and you stay at home and hope for the best and play the victim. Yup, harsh words in the land of free speech, but that’s another of the rights I hold dear as an American.
MacDonald (Mac) Kennedy
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