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’m an educated, professional woman who also considers herself well informed. It pains me to admit however that upon reconsideration, I am not as well-informed as I thought.

Until recently, I believed that voting is a right, indeed a fundamental right. I’m embarrassed to admit I was wrong. 

As an American and an attorney, I am aware that at one time only white men were entitled to vote.  In the 21^st century, admittedly in my ignorance, and because we live in a democracy I believed that all Americans have the right to vote. 

I violated one of my cardinal rules, take nothing for granted. I took it for granted that people of color, women, and individuals who are 18 years old, all of whom do not have non-discriminatory legal grounds for withholding their voting privilege, would be entitled to vote.  

I knew about gerrymandering and redistricting, and enacting legislation and rules that imposed limitations on things like giving someone water while they were in line to vote. 

Silly me, I believed that unreasonable or discriminatory limitations would be struck down by courts. Unfortunately, the integrity of jurists and our courts at all levels have been tainted by the appearance of impropriety and bias.

A 2019 article by the Carnegie Corporation of New York notes that “[c]hallenges to voting rights in this country, like the ones we’ve seen recently, are hardly a 21^st century invention. Entrenched groups have long tried to keep the vote out of the hands of the less powerful. 

That’s it! It’s about power.  We all have it. If voting is important, and each individual’s vote is particularly important, why is gerrymandering and redistricting a “thing?” Why are there efforts to suppress voting?  

In a few short weeks, on November 5, 2024, Americans will have the privilege, if not the right to cast their ballot for the candidates of their choice, including President of the United States. Take the time to learn which candidates advocate policies that will serve you. 

Do you want to raise a family or start a business? Do you have healthcare coverage now? Is there a chance that it will go away? Do you have benefits that were bargained for by a union? Do you live in a state that may need federal assistance if there is a disaster? A hurricane, fire or other natural disaster.

Don’t listen to the uninformed or “low-information people.” Go to reliable websites that set forth each candidate’s position, then vote your interest.   

I interviewed my long-time friend Wade Henderson, former CEO and President of the Leadership Conference of Civil and Human Rights for my podcast. Please treat yourself and listen to that podcast. His interview, Understanding the Civil Rights Movement” was posted on September 28, 2020, and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and my website, Your Employment Matters.

As a young man, Wade experienced an act of discrimination that solidified his commitment and mindset and directed his path forward. Others may have become embittered and checked out by not voting or otherwise disengaging. By comparison, Wade devoted his life’s work in service to promoting civil rights and human rights. 

Please take a page from Wade Henderson’s playbook. If life gives you lemons, use those lemons to make lemonade or another beverage, meal or dessert of your choice. Take the bitterness out of life and move forward with purpose.   

Never take anything, especially hard-fought rights or privileges, for granted. You only have them until someone takes them away from you. Be vigilant. Remain informed, usually by accessing reliable sources. If you’re unsure, view several different media outlets that offer different views and accounts. 

Remember that facts should be accurate. Interpretation of facts is opinion. 

In the words of former Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan (Dem.NY)— ‘You are entitled to your opinion. But you are not entitled to your own facts.

As for voting, as influencer @Oliviajulianna reminded us, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. Bon Appetit!   

Again, congratulations to @Oliviajulianna for being recognized by the View for your advocacy work.