Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Let Your Voices Be Heard!

As a Social Security Disability attorney, my blog is dedicated to information regarding the Social Security system. Occasionally, however, life is such that I may stray from topic. This is one of those times.......

It has been one heck of a year, hasn't it? COVID-19 stopped the national economy in its tracks since the middle of March. Systemic racism continues to rear its ugly head and a powerful collective of outraged citizens met the violent bigotry with peaceful protests demanding meaningful changes. A few idiots (and you know who you are) tried to blight the overwhelmingly lawful protests by looting, but it didn't damper the growing demand for justice for all.

I just heard that Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis officer who murdered George Floyd, has now been officially charged with second degree murder. He previously was facing a third degree murder and a second degree manslaughter charge. The three other officers who were on the scene during George Floyd's death were charged with aiding and abetting the murder.

Is this an indication that demands for justice were finally heard? I think so. Does this mean that maybe, just maybe, our nation is on the cusp of making meaningful progress in recognizing and rectifying the disproportionate atrocities that have been committed against people of color? I hope so, but the collective voice needs to stay loud.

Those who want real change cannot be complicit in five months when it comes time to vote. As citizens, we must hit the polls and choose leaders who truly view the United States as a nation that is strengthened by its diversity. Voting is such an important right and it should be executed by all individuals who are eligible to vote. I am not telling you who to vote for...the beauty of our country is that you can vote for whomever you want! Now more than ever, however, it is crucial that all Americans make their voices heard. We have choices. We can elect leaders who promote our values or you can sit on your couch hoping for another season of "Tiger King" and do absolutely nothing. So mark your calendars for five months from today and get out there and Vote! Vote! Vote!

In the meantime, keep up the peaceful protests! Keep real and open dialogues going that help to end injustices and when the polls open on November 3, 2020, let your voice be heard via a ballot!