Michael Mooney: Why the Midterm elections matter

EDITOR'S NOTE: The views and opinions expressed are those of the writer and not of Ottawa News Network.

We need to take our country back.

How many times have you heard: “We have to start somewhere” or “a journey starts with the first step”?

These sayings are true.

That is why the Midterm elections are so important. This could be a first major step in taking back our country to one in which we all can be happy and healthy.

As a political candidate I admire has said, “Living in the wealthiest country in the world, life should not be this hard.”

We need to say no to the politicians and ultra-rich who aren’t interested in making our lives better. 

Politicians who look to pad their own pockets with corporate money and only want to join hands with the oligarchy ultra-rich any way they can.

When we live in a country that our government puts fellow human beings in literal cages that would horrify animal lovers, and ship them off like livestock, we have a problem.

When our government makes deals with aggressive foreign adversaries that abuse all human rights, we have a problem.

When we have a government that takes over sovereign countries and takes their resources, or “by bombing them into oblivion,” we have a problem.

When many of our own citizens cannot afford basic needs, housing, food, or healthcare. We have a problem. 

When we have a government whose environmental policy is “who cares what companies do as long as their profits are up.”

We have a problem.

When our information and media are consolidated and owned by the few privileged oligarchs to tell us what they want us to hear. We have a problem.

When we excuse pedophiles, rapists and misogyny. We have a problem.

When we worship one way and hate other paths to the creator or the divine. We have a problem.

When those that govern have no clue about Artificial Intelligence and a commonsensical way to put laws protecting us from the inherent dangers of such technology. We have a problem.

When we have a country where our government acts as though there are no morals, ethics, or values other the enriching ourselves at all costs. Then you guessed it, we have a problem.

I’m not saying that after the midterm elections our country will right every wrong, and all will be well, no that will take a lot of time and energy. But we got to start somewhere.

I want to live in a country where there is enough to go around. Because there is.

I don’t want a legal system where there is no justice for all. And where if you only have the money you get it.

I want to live in a country where we can have intelligent conversations about solutions to our collective problems. Not squabbling over so called “culture war” issues.

I want to live in a country where people have a roof over their heads, food on the plate. A doctor using the best science to see before we get sick.

I want to live in a country with excellent schools where our children are nurtured. Where school boards care about reading, writing, and arithmetic. Not what books to ban or whether or not trans kids can play sports or where they go to the bathroom.

I guess I want a country where we get along with our neighbors. Where our children can be healthy, happy, and smart.

I want a country where people can afford to eat well, sleep well, and be healthy. And live with safety and dignity.

I know you want this too for our country and our future. 

But we have to start to take back our country because the current situation isn’t working.

Vote for change this Nov. 3 or before. We need to begin somewhere and take that first step.

— Michael Mooney is a resident of Holland.

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