Why I'm daring you to vote

I don't carry a concealed weapons license. I've never hunted and I don't own a gun. Even if I did, I doubt I'd be a decent shot - but every so often in November I get to pull a trigger. 

As citizens we have the right to bear a different type of arms, and our founding fathers wanted us to exercise our ability to do exactly what they once did: change the United States of America. 

As college students, we represent an enormous vehicle to politicians. We've been introduced to concepts outside our households and are now realizing the weight of a financial burden. If our education at Plymouth State has taught us anything, I would hope that it would be that we have power within this engine of democracy. There is no greater sickness in this country than that of apathy. My Plymouth State education, due in part to great professors like Philip Hart, has shown me the importance of Immanuel Kants' categorical imperative. In brief, Kant explains the theory by saying, "Act that your principle of action might safely be made a law for the whole world." If you accept the idea that your vote doesn't matter, you're accepting the idea that every vote doesn't matter. I assure you, they do. Are we, as students of higher learning, relying on others to tell us what to do and what to be? I'm not.

I'm firing my weapon. I'm taking a steady, cool breath, squinting my eyes down the forked sight, and feeling the exhilaration of pulling the lever. 

This election, held on November 2, comes down to one major issue: a shift in momentum. Are you happy with where this country is headed? Because this is an editorial, I will emphatically say that I love the direction this administration is taking. But, if not, vote against it! If you are someone who hates Obama, liberals or otherwise, you have the right to have your views materialized. I want to protect the form that this country has been founded upon, and even if I don't agree with you, fire your allegorical weapon; I dare you.

Research the issues. Talk about them with your friends while cracking another beer. Argue. Yell. Scream! CURSE! This matters, folks!

So, this November 2, I'm pulling the lever against the qualities I don't want my children to accept; I'm pulling the lever against those running towards my trenches of freedom; I'm going to feel the warmth cast upon my cheeks from the spark and hear the click of my freedom explode to empower my future.

So I dare you. I'm armed with a vote. With or against me, I dare you to join me. 

"The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual - namely to You."  ~Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, 1892

I will be providing transportation to anyone that wishes to vote, this Tuesday, November 2, between the times of 7-9 AM, 1-2 PM, and 2:30-5 PM. CPAllen@plymouth.edu. Do it.

Parker Allen