The upcoming midterm elections in the United States are underscoring a growing concern about voter apathy, with critics labeling the decision not to vote as a form of political cowardice. In a recent letter to the editor, Gary Peterson from Cañon City expressed his alarm over the declining state of democracy, which he attributes to a series of events beginning in the early 2000s. Peterson notes that years like 2010 and 2016 marked significant accelerations in this decline, driven by a lack of faith in electoral processes, increasing political violence, and attacks on mainstream media.
Peterson argues that the current political landscape has become profoundly polarized, with one faction advocating for traditional democratic values while the other, he claims, has embraced autocratic tendencies. He urges readers to critically assess their political affiliations, suggesting that support for the current leadership equates to endorsing authoritarianism. “If you agree with and support the direction the current leadership is taking, you are, by definition, a fascist/autocrat/authoritarian,” Peterson states.
The notion of political identity has shifted, according to Peterson, with labels such as “woke” and “antifa” being misused to derail important conversations. He defines “woke” as simply being aware of social and political issues, while “antifa” refers to opposition against fascism. Peterson asserts his own identity as “antifa,” highlighting his long-standing affiliation with the Republican Party and his commitment to its core principles.
As the midterm elections approach, Peterson emphasizes that rebalancing Congress is crucial for the preservation of democracy. He advocates for voting as an Independent or aligning with a party that prioritizes personal interests like healthcare and economic stability. He concludes, “Not voting is political cowardice,” calling on citizens to engage in the electoral process.
In a separate letter, Kenyon Jordan from Penrose questioned the urgency expressed by Colorado Governor Jared Polis regarding potential food assistance cuts. In an article from the Denver Post, it was reported that Colorado families could lose federally funded food assistance as soon as November 1, 2023, if the federal government shutdown persists. Jordan challenges Polis to take action, urging him to call on Democratic leaders in Congress to end the shutdown and restore funding.
Jordan’s letter raises broader concerns about the implications of inaction during a time when many families depend on support systems like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). He posits that political leaders should be held accountable for their roles in potentially exacerbating hardship among vulnerable populations.
As both letters illustrate, the political climate in the United States is fraught with tensions and challenges as citizens prepare to make their voices heard in the upcoming elections. The stakes are high, and the call to participate has never been more critical.
