I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

It is 2020, and in less than two months’ people around the world are preparing themselves to vote in person or go to the polls to select the next President of the United States of America. In the midst of former Vice President Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris going against #45, we are witnessing in our country some of the most egregious and careless acts by our current administration. It is unfortunate that we have endured the ignorance of one person who consistently lies and fails to be transparent and forthright with anybody, yet alone himself. Every day we are alarmed by the news to find out here we go again, more lies and more deceit from #45.

I’m beginning to wonder if you must be an idiot, imbecile, moron, or an infidel to become President of the United States but then, I must correct myself because I don’t believe any prior president has disgraced this nation the way we are witnessing today.

As a Christian woman, I am heartbroken by all of the deaths that have occurred because of COVID-19 and the senseless killings by police officers due to police brutality, the increased hate crimes from white supremacists, voter suppression, food shortages and the number of businesses closing, the declining economy and now global warming.

Yes, we need a new president and I’m prayerful to the good Lord that Mr. Joe Biden and Mrs. Kamala Harris will reign as our country’s new administration from 2021-2024. However, there is so much we can do as a people, regardless of race to make a difference before the end of the year. As you go through out your day, I ask that you consider the following:

1. Encourage Family and Friends to Stay home. There are so many people testing the system in place by health officials to stop the spread of COVID-19. Unfortunately, the contradictions that are taking place with #45, the CDC, public officials are definitely sending mixed messages. COVID-19 is real and has taken the lives of over 197,000 individuals and over 6.59 million people have or had the disease. I understand #45 is going around the U.S. on

his Republican Campaign but it is shameful to see on the news, crowds of people in attendance at a rally refusing to wear a mask for ridiculous reasons. I say, it is simply pure ignorance, arrogance and pride. We need a leader who can be truthful about COVID-19 and will allow the CDC to be transparent and accountable to the people. I’m sure there are several individuals who thought COVID-19 was a joke and got the disease, and now wish they believed the truth of what the doctors and nurses have been saying and will continue to say about this terrible disease. Care enough about yourself and others by staying home and only going outside unless it is a must. Wear a mask and keep it on. It does not help to wear a mask and place it under your chin, keep it on your face. Wash your hands and keep hand sanitizer in your car or office, if you must go to work. A vaccine is underway but it may take a significant amount of time before everyone in the U.S. will be able to get the vaccination. Not to mention, the number of people that are skeptical about the quick development of the vaccine. Read, stay current on who has the right vaccine and ask your doctor or healthcare provider a lot of questions before getting the vaccination.

Move from Silent Protest to Planning. Black Lives Matter movements are happening all around the country due to senseless deaths by cops. Let us continue in our silent protest with dignity and grace. Let us have a plan of what we want to happen to ensure the protest are not in vain. We need to let our incoming president (prayerfully, Joe Biden) know what we want. We don’t want a nice face, we want change, and we want it now. We should also think about what we can do in our communities to see change on the local level. It is not enough for us to protest but what are we doing in our churches, businesses, and community 3. groups. We must develop a plan and implement and continue to work the plan and watch the manifestation of change, if we don’t give up. It may take some time but change will be

good.

VOTE. We must go to the polls and vote or mail in our ballots in a timely manner. Do not allow your city government to cause you to be afraid to show up at the polls. Do not wait to the last minute, make sure you are registered to vote and have the appropriate identification to vote. Make sure everyone in your home votes. We can’t afford to let #45 back in office. Our lives depend on change and your vote does matter. I don’t care if it is raining cats and dogs, I’m going to the polls and I’m willing to stand in the rain to vote because it matters. Be sure to talk about voting with your family and

friends. Share the facts about the candidates and vote for the candidate that is most suitable and that is former Vice President, Joe Biden and Senator Kamala Harris. We need someone in office that is a change-agent and not afraid to work with democrats and republicans to get our country in order and out of the embarrassment with other countries. When it comes to voting, there are some tips or keys that are simple to follow and can have a major impact on your family. They include the following: (1) when individuals in your family turn 18, go ahead and register them to vote; (2) make sure your family is voting in the right district or precinct. Often times people think they are in a certain precinct or district and they are not; (3) be sure your voter registration information matches your government issued id (i.e, driver’s license, state ID, military id); (4) make sure you have your voting dates lined up because each state puts out election dates, so get their early or you may vote absentee; (5) research the candidates to know who you are voting for and find out from the candidates where they stand on key issues that you figure are important or affect you, your family or community and research candidates records, watch debates, visit websites to understand their plan; and (6) be an informed voter, don’t just vote for a candidate just because, your vote does matter and you want to cast your ballot for the right person.

PRAY. We need believers, Bishops, Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers around the world to pray for the United States. We need the blessings of the Lord over this country. We need change in our leadership. We need God-fearing individuals on the local, state and national level to represent Christ to others without fear. We need leaders with a conscious. We need 5. leaders who are transparent and not afraid of being held accountable and live by a standard (the Word of God). Let us pray daily for this nation and let us pray that Christian Leaders around the world who are silent, will open their mouths and pray for change and get out of the four walls of the church and build Partnerships and Alliances for change in the community. Pray that individuals in the church that God is calling to serve in politics will come forth. Pray that Christian Judges, Mayors, District Attorneys, Governors will win the race to serve to bring about change in our

judicial system.

Use your power. We must use our power to vote to bring about change. Yes, your vote does matter and will be counted at every election. We must use our power to hold the politicians we place in office accountable. We must engage our youth in the change we want to see. We must use our power to organize community groups to put pressure on the police department. We must flex our economic muscles and support Black businesses and pull our dollars out from businesses that do not support Black people. We must use our power to demonstrate to others that Black Lives Matter.

By Christine C. Thomas, Ph.D.

Photos by Life Matters Sides Imagery, Alexas Fotos, from Pexels

BLACK VOTES MATTER