Election Day in the U.S. Poses Tough Questions—Even For Environmentally Conscious Voters
It’s Election Day here in the U.S., and, as is my custom, I’ll be heading to the polls this afternoon with my young daughter, in part to remind her of one of the responsibilities that all U.S. citizens take on when they reach voting age, i.e., participation in our democracy. It’s a duty each American shares alike, regardless of the feelings of apathy and anger we may harbor associated with the corrupt mess that our government has become.
This afternoon will be particularly hard for me, because of the “feature race,” the election of a U.S. Representative from our 24th District. Chris Mitchum is essentially a Tea Party candidate; what he’s doing anywhere in California, especially the home of the generally liberal, well educated people of Santa Barbara, is a complete mystery to me. His opponent and sure winner, Lois Capps (pictured), by contrast, supports renewable energy and the other environmental causes. The problem here, however, is that she’s so thoroughly repulsive, with her dirty and hugely deceptive mud-slinging campaign, that I can’t bring myself to check the box next to her name. If there isn’t some other candidate, perhaps from the Green Party, I may have to abstain on this one. (There are several important propositions on the ballot, so at least I’ll get something done.)
It’s my hope that all registered American voters will make their way to the polls today. They owe it to their country, and to themselves.
