If The Dead Could Vote
Those that learned the hardest lessons are no longer here impart their wisdom.
In 2020, All Souls’ Day, aka “Day of the Dead,” falls just one day before the US election. Over 200,000 registered voters won’t get a chance to cast their ballots in this election because they are now amongst the ever-growing number of COVID casualties. If the dead could vote while being aware of their own mortality, who might they support in this election? Additionally, this is a question to ponder not only concerning this election but in elections throughout history.
The Dead Warriors Voting Block
Have you ever imagined how election results might be swayed if those who fought and died in endless wars could participate in elections? Many of those soldiers died horrific deaths at very young ages. If they were to look down upon things now, would they still feel their premature deaths were worth the sacrifice? No matter our spiritual beliefs, there are no known religions that believe “heaven” is separated by national geography. It would certainly make sense that the departed ones might rethink their national identities for a more international or universal philosophy, making them anti-war voters. This philosophical change would likely apply to all who have departed this Earth and no longer identify by nationality.
I Can’t Breath. Therefore I Can’t Vote.
Maybe the best example of how death might impact a deceased individual's voting choices is a respiratory illness. Do you think those that cannot get enough oxygen into their lungs and eventually die gasping for air would then vote for a cleaner environment? I’ve probably spent way too much time thinking about this over the years. Still, I firmly believe that if those individuals who passed from pulmonary diseases, tuberculosis, and lung cancer had the chance to cast even just one last vote, we would see a monumental change in how we regulate polluters. Respiratory diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the world. Those that are battling lung disease are often too weak to become politically active. Polluters know that their biggest foes are too busy trying to stay alive to have energy left to fight them and the system that allows such a tremendous amount of pollutants to be released into our air.
The Strong Always Become Weak
We all eventually succumb to the grim reaper. We’re born needy, and we typically exit from life needy. If we’re lucky, we have a solid streak of being strong and healthy in the middle. During that period, we sometimes feel invincible and, therefore, less fearful of life’s hazards. If you’re one of the lucky ones who’s currently feeling physically and mentally strong, don’t forget that you won’t always be in this position. When you go to the polls on this election day, vote as if you’re dead or dying. Vote as if you’re a newborn. Vote as if you’re a minority. Vote for the trees and the animals. Vote for those who support the downtrodden, common folks, and not the elite 1%. Vote with your heart. Vote for all those who are no longer here and have no voice.
A self-proclaimed world-citizen, Scott Stephens has traveled the globe with an inquisitive nature and open mind, hoping to discover the best qualities in every culture. He has traveled to more than 700 cities within 125 countries, much of that as the lead singer of Liquid Blue.
His extensive time spent living in the Philippines, Costa Rica, Australia, China, India, Alaska, and his home state of California has offered him first-hand experience on how good governing (or lack of it) impacts a society. Scott is currently a resident of three nations. These unique life experiences have provided an informed, distinct perspective on national and world affairs.
He recently authored a best-selling book on classic Roller Derby entitled, “ROLLING THUNDER” through Planet Blue Publishing.
