It's the End of the World as we know it

(And I don’t feel fine)

Okay, I successfully piqued your interest, and with a little assistance from REM, I've decided to open up about my experiences, emotions, and strokes of luck that led me to become a member of The Union. My initial approach to politics was somewhat lackadaisical – I fulfilled my civic duty, comprehended the issues, understood the candidates' positions, cast my vote for what I deemed the best choice in elections, and hoped for the success of my chosen candidate. However, everything changed with the emergence of Donald Trump.

The 2016 election unfolded, and I adhered to my usual routine, only to be left dumbfounded by the results. Fine, I thought, I can endure this maniacal, narcissistic, misogynistic, racist individual for one term – after all, there's always 2020. Then came January 6, a day that altered my perspective. Witnessing the revelations from the January 6 committee's report left me in astonishment and disbelief. I reside in the United States of America, not some third-world banana republic. Our nation had always prided itself on a peaceful transfer of power, with former presidents gracefully transitioning back to private life. They didn't scheme and break laws just to avoid being labeled as losers.

Motivated by a desire to spread the message, I decided to join The Union to help get our message out. I believe that our most crucial civic duty is to participate in every election. It's a right that could be the first to vanish if neglected. Whether you're voting for yourself or for the courageous individuals who stood strong in the face of adversity during contested elections, it's essential. Vote for the next generation, who will be impacted by the decisions we make. And, as Bob Schieffer from CBS News aptly puts it, vote because "it will make you feel big and strong."

Peace to all.

Post submitted by Maggie Smith, a volunteer with The Union from Wilmington, North Carolina

Note: The views and opinions expressed by volunteer contributors are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of The Union, a single-issue organization that welcomes all and is dedicated to protecting democracy.

If you’d like to help defend democracy in the US, we invite you to join The Union.