In the 1950’s and 60’s, those in power in conservative/GOP states used systematic, extraordinary measures to limit the votes of black Americans.
In the 2000’s, with a majority on the Supreme Court, the conservative/GOP appointees decided that the Federal oversight of voting decisions in the most conservative states was no longer needed, clearing the way for the same party, with the same mindset, to once again systematically make it harder for those opposed to the GOP to vote. Cleansing of voter rolls, passing restrictive voter ID laws, closing polling stations in poor and Democratic districts, and extreme gerrymandering so that the Democrats now need to win nationally by 6-7 percentage points to win an equal number of Congressional seats.
50 years later, those opposed to the white, often racist, conservative GOP, are having to once again fight for our right to vote and have our vote count equally. It is nearly unbelievable, but it is very real. And we must ALL find a way on election days like this one, to channel our inner John Lewis and sacrifice some for that precious vote.
I was lucky enough to be represented by Mr. Lewis for a time, and heard him speak, and even met him once. What he went through in the 60’s is a story out of a 3rd world dictatorship. But it was America. Luckily, today, nobody is being beaten nearly to death in order to vote. Our battle is not as severe, but it is every bit as sinister, and our will must be strong.
Today in John Lewis’s district and many others, lines will be long, weather will be bad, hours at work and precious pay will be lost, and voters’ right to vote will be directly challenged. So, I’m writing this to remind you of John Lewis’ words, as encouragement for the few who will read this:
“You must be bold, brave, and courageous and find a way… to get in the way. The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have. The vote is precious. It’s almost sacred, so go out and vote like you never voted before.”
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Patrick On Politics 