English Translation
You are lucky to be an American because you have the right to vote. In many other countries, Deaf people aren’t allowed to vote. Even in our history, in when the nation was founded in 1776, only white men could vote. Women couldn’t vote. Deaf people couldn’t vote. Black people couldn’t vote. Other people couldn’t vote. Now that has changed and all people can vote. But some Deaf people don’t think it is worth voting. I used to be like that, but now I’ve changed my mind. Here’s why.
I’ve noticed Deaf people sitting around complaining about President Bush, or about a mayor not paying attention to Deaf people, or our governor not being interested in improving Deaf schools. I often wonder if those people who are complaining have voted. Some of those people may have, but for those who haven’t, I don’t think they can really be a part of the discussion. Without voting, you really have no right to complain. What would be the point? If you want to criticize someone in government, but you haven’t voted, your opinion simply doesn’t carry much weight.
If you want to be part of the discussion, you need to vote. Then you can express your opinion and be part of the discussion. Without voting, you really have no right to complain. If you’ve voted, then you can share your concerns about the president, the mayor, or councilman. Once you vote, you have the right to take part in that discussion.
So, take this opportunity and vote.