Thoughts on Freedom, Rights, and a Commitment to the Future

Centered: The Arizona K12 Center’s Executive Director, Dr. Kathy Wiebke, offers her education insights in this monthly column.

As I sit in my air-conditioned home getting ready for my annual viewing of PBS’ A Capitol Fourth, I cannot help but conjure up iconic images of this holiday. For me, it is the American flag, fireworks, and barbecues. My Facebook feed is filled with kids in red, white, and blue outfits in local parades and every iteration of the American flag that exists. There was a video of a woman singing the National Anthem at the Lincoln Memorial and another one celebrating the diversity of America.

As Americans, one of our most treasured rights is the right to vote. Yet far too many of us choose not to exercise this most fundamental right. Most of Arizona’s legislative seats are determined at the primary election and yet for the past eight years, fewer than 30 percent of Arizona’s registered voters exercise that right. When we don’t vote we are letting others make the choice for the Arizona we want.

Not only is it more important than ever to understand the issues and know the candidates, but also to understand the potential impact and long-term consequences. This is the only way we can protect our democracy while creating the Arizona we want for today and tomorrow.