The trajectory of our nation will be determined November 3, 2026, during the midterm elections. The outcome will be an indictment in the direction this country will have chosen to follow. This election is vital in determining the mindset and hopes of a nation that is presently pulsating in a sea of uncertainty and division.
Optimism will meet pessimism, and the winners are apt to prevail, evidently leaving some people elated and others despondent.
Regardless of one political party preference, it is of utmost importance that voters exercise their right to determine the future of this country. Passivity and opting not to vote should not be an option when examining the volatile times so many Americans are experiencing.
It should be noted that every aspect of one’s life is affected by the political choices we make on a local, state or national level.
Common sense dictates that voters vote in their best interest, and being a monolithic society doesn’t guarantee that everyone is on the same playing field. Regardless of whatever factors determine your choices, I would hope voters be mindful of the future we are leaving our young ones. You find many MAGA Republicans who are unapologetically loyal to our president and are oblivious to facts or anything portraying him in a negative light. Many of his supporters will dote that the stock market is doing well, and they will support and defend his pugnacious, combative and contentious approach in confronting national and foreign affairs.
By the same token, you have a multitude of voters upset at the escalating price of gas, affordability of food in our stores, rising cost of health care, the eliminating of clinics and health care centers in rural areas, the rising percentages of bankruptcies of farms, and the environmental concerns of data centers in marginalized communities, as well as gerrymandering contributing to voters suppression.
Many African Americans are outraged at the movement to erase or whitewash the teaching of African American history in schools and institutions, as if the removable of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs and incentives were not enough.
300,000 plus Black women have lost their jobs, and Black unemployment is nationally up. It is no secret we have a select group of elected politicians determined to eradicate the progress made by the Civil Moment.
We must study and be cognizant of those we chose to put in office to represent us. The truth of the matter is too often we put those in office whose loyalty is to big corporations, private entities, and their own self-interest, opting to ignore the needs of those who put them in office.
Vote your preference or best interest, but vote. This is probably one of the most important elections of our time in determining whether we win or fail as a nation. The powers to be nationally are probably hoping voter turnout is low and business continues as usual. Vote for those who are willing to fight for the change you want to see.
William T. Robinson Jr. is a former educator of 35 years in Nashville schools, a community activist, writer, and poet.
