Editor,

This election has been just plain disgusting. Not because of who won or lost, but because of what did not happen. Two-thirds of the people in this country who are eligible to vote did not vote.

This is disgusting.

What on earth is the matter with people in this country? In many ways we are looked upon by others on this planet as what should be a model of freedom and democratic rights. Well, theoretically anyway. Do you really need to be reminded how many have sacrificed so much so that you have the privilege to vote? Do you really need to be reminded how many people in so many parts of this world would die for that privilege? Would a lecture do you any good? Sadly I don’t think so. But, let me tell you this: If you didn’t vote, you are disgusting. You let your self-absorption, your complacency, your slovenly laziness excuse you from participating in a process that should be an integral part of helping determine what happens to your future.

So, unless you are on your deathbed or you have some extreme problem that keeps you from voting, then I say, “Shame on you.” You are pathetic and should be ashamed of yourself. Three-fourths of the 30 percent of the eligible voters who did vote were over the age of 40.

My message then, particularly to younger non-voters, is just this: Get off your self-absorbed, complacent, electronic toy-immersed ass and participate. Next time, vote. And if you don’t, then don’t complain about how degraded your life, your rights, and your future have become by a government that you didn’t help choose. Seriously.

ROBERT JOBE

Freeland