A missed opportunity often comes back to bite you in the ...
by Rebecca
A missed opportunity often comes back to bite you in the ass! A week ago Tuesday, a special election was held in Multnomah County, Oregon. On the ballot were two measures, that, had they passed, would have been the first steps to put public utilities into the hands of the public: the public being all of us who receive utility services from PGE, which is currently owned by the now bankrupt corporate giant Enron. The lack of voter turnout on this important matter was appalling. Only 30% of us bothered to be heard. 30%!!! Admittedly, I am not included in that percentage as I failed to fill out and mail my ballot. My reasoning? Well, I assumed that on such an important matter everyone else would 'get on the wagon' and my vote wouldn't be necessary to make it happen. What a wake up call! Obviously I am not the only soul experiencing this reasoning. I find it alarming that so many of us think we don't matter, that we can't make a difference. Apathy is dangerous in these times, with the state of our nation and the world on uncertain ground. Our control of our communities, as well as our freedom to live our lives as we choose, dwindles each time we fail to make ourselves heard; each time we fail to act as a community.
Next time you receive a ballot in the mail, use some of your valuable time to make a difference in your life, in our community. Don't make the mistake of thinking that someone else will get on the ball for you. Register, stay informed, use the power given to us all before it becomes truly obsolete.
For information on voting in Oregon visit: www.sos.state.or.us/elections/votreg/vreg.htm