Right (n): That which is due to anyone by just claim, legal guarantees, or moral principles.
Responsibility (n): Being answerable or accountable for something within one's power, control, or management.
At first glance, it's easy to view these terms as mutually exclusive. From their definitions, we can see that what is a "privilege" cannot be a right since rights are enjoyed by everyone, while a privilege is reserved for a select group. Likewise, it's impossible for an individual to take on the burden of responsibility if they lack to the right to vote in the first place.
Despite this initial judgment, many
people view the ability to vote as all three simultaneously and weigh
"right" after "privilege" or "responsibility." For example, many believe
the ability to vote is a privilege granted to today's eligible voters
by those who fought for it in the past either through war, grassroots
movements, or legislative battles. These struggles have kept the United
States as an independent nation and granted us the right to vote with
the passage of the 15th, 19th, 24th, and 26th
amendment, in addition to the legislative victory of the Voting Rights
Act of 1965. From this perspective, it is a privilege to live in the
United States, standing on the shoulders of these past giants, and we
have a responsibility to vote because it honors those who have put their
lives on the line to protect it. Excerpted from www.fairvote.orgRespect for every vote and every voice means that while we honor voting and our nation's heroes, we oppose the government having the power to infringe upon our fundamental right to elect our representatives and exercise our voice through our vote.
There are so many important issues at stake in this election. Exercise your right to make a difference. Get out and VOTE TODAY!
And then check to see whether the candidates and media are upholding our civil liberties in this election at ACLU Liberty Watch.
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