With little under 45 days before one of the most important elections of my life, I’ve launched The Janine Collective: #VoteCivility2020 campaign to ask other citizens of this country to consider approaching this voting season with an eye toward a different future.
I don’t know about you, but I aim to lead a peaceful life with my husband and family. I enjoy meeting friends for a cup of coffee, a meal, or a brisk walk near the water. I love my church family has plans to join several committees in the coming years. One day, if I’m blessed with grandchildren, I envision spending time teaching them everything I know about gardening, going to the museum, train rides, and celebrating various life events together. That’s my vision for the future. There's more.
I will continue to agree or disagree with friends over politics without name-calling, and deeply believe that our democracy is in need of improvement, but I also believe that we can do so without divisive motives. I believe that children should not be separated from their parents to support an immigration policy – and just in case you’ve forgotten what happened in this country, check out this audio published by ProPublica and watch and listen as the border patrol agents show absolutely no civility or empathy. One agent jokingly said when hearing the pleas from children, “we have an orchestra here” and that “what’s missing is a conductor.” What human can feel and speak such words of inhumanity?
Listen, a person does not have to be a child psychologist to understand the devastation that these children and families experienced will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Well, I've had enough and feel obligated to encourage thoughtfulness about voting for a more civil society.
In my view and that of millions of people across the world, it also stands to reason that the atrocities like the killing of Black women like Breonna Taylor and Sandra Bland, and boys and men like Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery and George Floyd, respectively, and so many other people of color, must be addressed in this country. We need a human being in office who leads with strength and empathy (yes, they can co-exist), that listens to other's opinions without feeling belittled, and has a heart toward unity, change, and integrity. It's all very possible.
Finally, politics and the economy should not be the priority in a global pandemic. One would expect that the plight on human lives would be enough to communicate and implement wise decision-making during COVID-19 instead of running the country like a desynchronized three-ringed circus that serves to distract its audience, not problem solve, and avoids solutions that support public health efforts. Precious lives have been lost; families are torn apart, and lies upon lies are told to cover a myriad of untruths. We must Vote Civility in 2020.
#VoteCivility2020 is a vehicle of self-expression and an opportunity to use your creative mind and heart to put a thumbprint on this moment in history. I’m asking that you post your expressions, as I will, about the future you hope for after the November 3 elections. Use the hashtag #VoteCivility2020 when you post on social media so we can build a community of people that have chosen to use their voice. Post to Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, FB, or wherever using (but not limited to) music, dance, prose/poetry/creative writing and socially relevant stories, and various forms of art. The goal of the campaign is to encourage everyone to exercise their right to free speech and to vote. You’re free to tag me in your posts (handles provided below).
SPEAK LOUDLY, your way. Here's a list to help you generate ideas for your #VoteCivility2020 self-expressions (and yes, you can post as many as you'd like :) SPEAK LOUDLY
- In your own words, what does civility mean for you?
- What is your vision for life in 2021?
- Where are the places you’d like to travel before you turn 85 – think short-term and long-term.
- What do you desire for future generations?
- What do you want "less of" in 2021?
- What do you want "more of" in 2021?
- Anticipating that you will vote in the 2020 election, what will you do today to make sure you are available to vote on November 3; or are able to cast your vote by mail?
- What other question or questions would you add to this list; do it and then pass this list to someone else.
I aim to be transparent and unapologetic for my current political preferences and positions. I've often voted Democrat, but not based on family traditions or other stereotypes that some have about people of color, but through a process of analyzing issues to the best of my ability and then draw a comparison against the ideals and platforms presented by the women and men that run for office. My voting history includes having voted Republican, using the same methods that I’ve just discussed.
On November 3, we vote to elect the next president of the United States. I am stating clearly, that I cannot in good conscious support the current regime, and have decided (a long time ago) to vote Democrat. This statement is provided to clarify my position, but not to persuade others to think or act as I have stated, but to encourage you to think and act. #VoteCivility2020
Follow me on social:
Twitter: @JanCollective
Facebook: @JanineCollective
Instagram: Janine_Payne
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