The realities of our nation are harsh, but I truly hope young people, particularly those of color, are now watching and taking note. I understand the unfortunate realities we face. Despite the historic importance of the past presidential election, the reality of apathy is very real and dangerous.
We have a nation filled with young people of color who are simply turned off and disinterested in politics. Understandably, toxic and polarized politics can overwhelmingly affect people who simply want little or no part of it. According to data from the University of Florida’s Election Lab, nearly 90 million Americans eligible to vote in the 2024 presidential general election decided to stay home. Roughly 36 percent of the eligible voting-age population did not vote, which is greater than the number of people who voted for either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
With apathy comes consequences. Making up the 90 million eligible voters may be White federal workers who felt that Project 2025 was not a threat to them but ultimately lost their jobs due to the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) firings. Many of the 90 million also consist of people of color who maintain a deep sense of hopelessness due to decades of disenfranchisement. With concerns about the country’s future, young people should take a renewed interest in the nation’s current events.
The race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was historic for several reasons. The re-election of Trump represents an unusual political comeback for a man who lost the last presidential election to Joe Biden. Despite the warnings surrounding Project 2025, along with the real threat of fascism, as a candidate, Trump distracted the majority of voters into ignoring the warnings and returning a convicted felon and authoritarian back into the White House.
The election was historic as it pitted a convicted felon against a former prosecutor, and the American voters picked the felon. When given the choice, America chose corruption and the type of discrimination that removes the racial and economic checks and balances that were previously in place to keep people of color protected. The checks and balances associated with the Voting Rights Act and the Civil Rights Act were implemented for specific reasons. We live in a society that will always be based on race and class; therefore, there is always the need for federal oversight in protecting the rights and safety of people of color. Remove the protection and then hate and discrimination flourish. Please visit www.triceedneywire.com to read more.
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