As often happens these days, I recently found myself caught in a political conversation. It was the familiar debate: conservative versus liberal. Most of us understand that voting is the foundation of a democracy, the process through which we choose representatives to serve as our voice and help shape laws for the benefit of the people. But as I listened, I was reminded of a theme I frequently return to in this column: our current political climate is increasingly marked by a lack of empathy, rising individualism, and the belief that «what I want is what the country needs right now.»
This mindset stands in stark contrast to some of the most significant moments in our nation’s history. On March 15, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson delivered his famous «American Promise» address to a joint session of Congress, urging lawmakers to pass the Voting Rights Act. He concluded with a powerful moral call to action, challenging the nation to live up to its founding ideals of freedom and equality. Johnson emphasized that voting rights were not merely a regional or partisan issue but a test of the nation’s conscience. He famously declared that overcoming injustice required a united effort, echoing the words, «We shall overcome.»
That spirit of collective responsibility is something I learned early in life. Coming from an immigrant family, I was taught that civic participation and political rights exist for the common good of our communities and families. Whenever I entered the voting booth, I cast my ballot based on what would genuinely benefit my family, my neighbors, and my community, setting aside personal preferences and political ego.
During the Clinton administration, as a young father raising a growing family, I supported policies such as the Family and Medical Leave Act and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), initiatives that addressed the real-world needs of families like mine. Years later, my family directly benefited from the Affordable Care Act during the national health care debate. In each case, my decisions were driven not by party loyalty or political theater, but by practical issues that improved the well-being of the people around me.
This brings me to the importance of issue-based voting rather than personality-based voting. Instead of supporting a candidate because we admire their style, charisma, or rhetoric, we should carefully evaluate where candidates stand on the issues that directly affect our families and neighborhoods. The three branches of government were designed to serve the people, and voting based on policy outcomes remains one of the most effective ways to protect and strengthen our communities.
As election season approaches, perhaps we can all take a step back and reconsider our priorities. Instead of asking what benefits «me,» let’s ask what strengthens «us.» When we vote with empathy, responsibility, and community in mind, we build a stronger foundation not only for ourselves but for future generations as well.
