Apathy

It’s that time again.

A time when the citizens of a community can make their voices heard.

Election time.

On Tuesday, August 4, citizens of Dunklin County can place their vote and help initiate the direction they want their community to take.

It’s important.

Some main topics of concern I’ve heard at campaign speeches and read in news articles include job growth, healthcare, and education.

Important topics to be sure.

But there is a root cause for all these issues.

How did we get here?

The root cause that is eating away at communities in this area is apathy.

Apathy is defined as a lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

Apathy is the common thread that runs through every declining community.

It’s been slowly eating away this area for years until now you have a prevalent culture of poverty and communities filled with apathy.

To solve this particular issue will require a change of thinking from the entire community.

A majority of them, not just the few that speak out and get active year after year.

It’s tiring to hear all the conversations and arguments about the wrongs of the city, yet see poor voter turnout.

It needs to be more than just fodder at the dinner table or an endless thread on social media.

Initiate the change.

If you’re not going to get involved, or attend council meetings, or town halls, then at the very least, get to the polls on Tuesday and vote.

This area can’t take much more apathy.

It’s time for some enthusiasm and regard for your community.

In fact, it’s way past time.

Vote.

See you out there.