Don't Vote, Don't Vent

Katherine Harris, the woman on the cover, knows what happens when working families don’t vote: key decisions are made by the rich and powerful.

As Florida’s Secretary of State, Ms. Harris   made her share of key decisions during the 2000 election recount, and delivered Florida’s electoral votes to the Bush-Cheney ticket.

And she has a reason to sneer. She also knows low voter turnout is the rule, not the exception.

While over 138 million Americans are registered to vote, only 75 million of us will go to the polls this November 5th. That’s right. Over 63 million Americans who could vote won’t even bother.

Will you be one of those I-can’t-be-bothered Americans? If so, I have four choice words of advice for you: Don’t vote; don’t vent!

Don’t complain when Fast Track sends your job to China or Mexico. Don’t kvetch when Congress fails to stimulate the economy. Don’t carp about corrupt politicians. Your power to persuade them vanishes when you fail to vote.

So go vote on November 5th. Better yet, drag a friend, a family member or a fellow worker along with you. You will be surprised how powerful you will feel … having wiped the sneer off Katherine Harris’ face.

Tom Buffenbarger, IAM President