In this moment of debate on what is speech and what constitutes patriotism, we are missing the big picture.
The most basic right we have is the right of participation, yet we are failing miserably. We would much rather sit behind social media and call out cheap examples of patriotism than actually practice democracy.
The voter turnout at our last Town Meeting was approximately 12 percent of the registered voters. Those present debated and voted on an over $5 million budget and the purchase of a new piece of highway equipment.
The subsequent town election on June 2 resulted in a voter turnout of just under 30 percent. This means 70 percent of the registered voters did not come out to vote. Most of the the elected positions in this election were uncontested races (as they are every year).
This is not a Westhampton problem, but a state and national crisis. Local elections are usually under 25 percent turnout, state elections well under 40 percent and presidential elections hover around 60 percent.
If we can’t make the effort to participate, then our statements about patriotism, making America great and who we deem an American, are just shallow nationalism and a distraction from the real crisis.
Having democracy and practicing it are two very different things. We can lose the first when we fail at the second.
This year, consider running for a local office, working on a campaign or, at the very least, committing yourself to being an informed voter in a democratic society. Our democracy needs you.
Brian Mulvehill
Westhampton