I read a quote attributed to James Cromwell. I looked up the original source, just to make sure it was true, but it doesn’t really surprise me that much.
The quote goes thusly:
I can’t handle living in the United States of America when I know the last two elections were rigged, and that we were denied our right to vote, where we live in a country where 32 per cent of the people vote and even those people’s votes don’t count, and the people who should really have a stake, kids, don’t have a say at all – people of colour, very little to say, unions, practically nothing any more … we’re losing our jobs …
I’m not even sure where to start on that one. Let’s go from the beginning.
1.) Do you really have proof the last two elections were rigged? Beyond a reasonable doubt? I, and I’m sure my fellow Americans, would love to see that proof.
2.) 32% of Americans vote. That’s a sad statistic, but to somehow say that is America’s problem, I don’t buy that. If people would take their responsibility seriously and get out and vote, we wouldn’t have this issue. If you don’t vote, don’t complain, that’s always been my stand.
3.) Yes, kids can’t vote. Are you seriously suggesting that we let 5 and 6 year old kids vote? I doubt it, and I think James was just trying to hype up his point, but that is a ludicrous statement. We have rules set in place for a reason. To say, “here Timmy, I know you’re only 6, but go vote for the next President,” seems more than slightly bizarre to me. Chances are Timmy would say, “what’s a President?”
4.) People of color have just as much to say as anyone else. They get one vote, the same amount any one of us gets. Let your vote be heard, even if you think it doesn’t count. If everyone thought that way, we would have some serious issues on our hands.
5.) I’m not entirely sure that unions having nothing to say is such a bad thing. I’ll be honest. I don’t know a lot about unions and how they work and they’re whole purpose, but a union not having too much to say (in regards to political issues, NOT work-related issues), might not be a bad thing.
Having now heard how Mr. Cromwell feels about the good old U.S. of A. I’m surprised that he agreed at all to appear on 24, which by the way, is one of my favorite TV shows. Of course, James does play Jack’s crooked father, so maybe that is some sort of statement for him. Who knows.
I am all for freedom of speech, but these kind of hyped up accusations drive me bonkers.