Contributed by Chris By
Every election cycle we are inundated with an overwhelming number of advertisements designed to influence you into voting one way or another. Rarely do the advertisements actually provide any solutions. More than likely you’re as tired of them as I am.
Nearly 68% of Alaskans did not participate in the mail in Special Election Primary. If you are one of them, I would encourage you to vote. It matters. It matters a great deal. Every river in Alaska begins as a snowflake or raindrop. So it is with elections. Every vote adds up.
I have discussed with numerous voters and non-voters this past special election primary. I discovered several key points that I would like you to consider.
For the voters, two common responses:
Who are you?
Why haven’t I heard of you?
Arguably much of this rests upon my unwealthy shoulders. Money talks. Large copious amounts of money win elections; not ideas or solutions these days. There is another factor to consider: media; the media matters. Third parties do not draw media attention often because the media is polarized and editors/reporters have their preferences. Any attention given to candidates like myself takes away from their favored sons. As they have control of the microphone, they control what you hear or read about. If you are unhappy with the political status quo, take a few minutes and research each candidate. Weigh what you learn against each and look at the historical evidence, the debt, political turmoil, and numerous regulations. Be Brave, vote your conscience.
For the non-voters, four common responses:
Doesn’t matter. - Allow me to be blunt. It matters. The decisions the politicians make in D.C. impact our lives here in AK. Case in point: the USA Freedom Act aka Patriot Act. Now any government official can enter your house without a warrant.
My choices are not relatable. - Very true. The two old parties and their media handlers select candidates to move agendas along not based on the constituency or the constituencies’ needs. One current front-runner spent more time in Arizona the last few years than in Alaska and the other spent nearly 20 years inside the DC beltway as a faceless bureaucrat. A number of us are uncomfortable with nepotistic political family dynasties. So, for most Alaskans, the “not relatable” is very accurate. This cycle is different, several typical Alaskans are running that hold normal jobs and don’t have winter homes in the lower 48. I strongly encourage you to research each candidate.
Outcome is the same. - The two old parties are two sides of the same coin. The result: outcomes are virtually the same. Both the Republicans and Democrats believe in centralized decision-making, one-size-fits all approach. Both
will spend the fruits of your labor in a blink of an eye. Whether an R or D wins, the outcome indeed is the same: more taxes and more regulation. Some will argue this is not true, “the last administration reduced the tax burden”. Current working generations did receive a small reprieve only to realize this same administration added $6.8T to the national debt; that burden will fall upon future generations. The last Republican administration did re-approve the Patriot Act, calling it the USA Freedom Act, allowing for domestic spying, warrantless searches, and secret courts.
I hate politics. - Professional politicians and their twin, political-based media, are parasites always clamoring for more control- for our best interest, of course. Their overreach into our daily lives has become unbearable and unsustainable. If we don’t take part in the process, we become part of the problem; we can no longer sit on the sidelines. Vote.
If you were one of the 68% who did not participate in the mail-in primary, I would ask you to vote in August. Your opinion does matter. Please vote. Rough simple math, using the primary results, less than 13% of Alaskans would determine the political direction for the rest of us. Alaskans, if you know someone who did not vote, encourage them to do so.
I am different. I am not a political card-carrying member; I am just an Alaskan. I do not have a DC dance partner that the other two parties have. I do not have to answer to these party elites, I answer to you. I truly believe that typical Alaskans can make better decisions than professional or groomed politicians.
Remember, you have more than two choices. Look to the historical evidence created by both the Republicans and Democrats: $30Tof debt, 20 plus years of war, failed energy policies, special interest payouts, corporate bailouts, the Patriot Act, etc. Do not allow the party-funded influence operation to scare you away from other political options. Using fear, they will seduce you to support one or the other old party. Be Brave. Do not settle for the lesser of two evils. My name is Chris Bye, you can find out more at ItsTimeAlaska.com.
