The Definition of an Ignorant Voter
by Ken Simmons
John F. Kennedy, America's 35th president, once said, "The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all.
It never ceases to amaze me when I discover the reasons why many people vote in our national elections. Some consistently vote down their party line, and although that’s not always the wisest course, it does not yet constitute an ignorant voter.?
But voting in our presidential elections has become little more than a popularity contest for all too many, and that is a poor way to elect our nation’s leaders. When a voter ignores the critical issues that affect every American, and voting down the party line, or because of the popularity of their candidate rather than voting what's best for America, they’ve nailed down a place in the polling as an ignorant voter.?
Let’s see if we can put this into perspective as it relates to the critical issues of the political landscape of today, 2024 in America.
The voter is Mr. John Q. Public, and John Q says, “I liked how much cheaper it was to fill my gas tank a few years ago, but I hate Donald Trump, so I voted for the other guy in the last election.” John Q, you’ve just elevated your possible standing in the contest for the most ignorant voter in America. Keep it up and you just might win the Grand Prize.?
John Q goes on to say, “I truly liked the fact that we had a secure border, and I’m really upset that we now have between 10 - 18 million illegal aliens in our country. We have no idea who they are, why they're here, what they stand for, or worse yet, what dangers they pose for America. But I hate Donald Trump, so I voted for the other guy.”?
That’s one more point for John Q, and he’s nailed down his position as a really ignorant voter. If he keeps it up he may even be voted as America’s Most Ignorant Voter of The Year. Don’t quit now JQ – you’re on a roll.?
John Q continues, “I went to the grocery store today and my wife and I realized just how much we missed the prices just a few years ago. Today they’ve skyrocketed, and now I have no choice but to pay for them with my credit card. I’m even angrier that we even have to skip a few meals sometimes, but I hate Donald Trump, so I voted for the other guy.” You’re almost there John Q, let’s see if we can get you across the finish line.?
John Q says, “I heard that we may be close to World War III, and that Iran is only days away from getting a nuclear weapon. We’ve managed to give them billions and billions of dollars, for God knows what, and they're using that money to cause chaos around the world. Their actions have caused the deaths of many Americans, including servicemen and women, through their proxies in the Middle East. China is threatening to take over our ally, Taiwan, and they’ve been warning us, telling us we'd better not interfere with them from doing so, "or else." And now I hear that Russia has parked a submarine in Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida, and it's loaded with nuclear weapons, but I must admit that I’m a life-long party member, and I hate Donald Trump, so I’m going to continue to vote for the other guy next election anyway.”
John Q, Congratulations. You’ve won the Grand Prize, as the most ignorant, and yes, even the most stupid, voter in America, possibly even of all time. Welcome to the club.
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