"The Ballot is Stronger Than the Bullet."

For those of you who subscribe to the Substack for Bader+Simon, this will be repetitive. However, I think it’s worth reposting. As encouragement and a reminder on the necessity of voting.

We are a handful of days away from November 4th, when six states will open their election polls to determine several important measures and leadership roles. Given that I spend most of my time between California and New York, I am waiting with a knot in my stomach for the final results of Proposition 50 in California and the NYC mayoral race, and due to the reality that Donald Trump continues to hack at this country’s democracy by finding money for an egregious and gory ballroom as people face job, food, and liberty cuts.

Trump’s recent firing of all members of the fine arts commission that oversees construction projects in Washington, D.C especially caught my attention as the founder of an arts organization. Yet, this is not about ballrooms or art. While I am certain that art is always important, what is far more essential is the health, safety, and security of our citizens. Even those who voted for him. And yet, statistics show that only 40% of Americans vote during local and special elections.

I’m unsure of the answer, but this needs to change. If government shutdowns and a fascist regime are not reason enough to sprint to the polls, I’m not sure what is. I will admit to having an aversion to Governor Newsom, despite my agreeing with most of his policies. However, his recent conversation with Politico is a must-watch. Please, watch it. Regardless of what state you are in, (and go here if you want to watch the conversation in its entirety).

I think he hit the mark on Trump. “Who spends $250m on a ballroom at their home and then leaves?” Newsom goes on to question if people truly think he’s joking about 2028? “Wake up. You will lose your country.” We are already losing it. Like frogs in slowly heating water that is getting hotter by the day, this is not a dress rehearsal.

The average American spends 294 minutes (just under 5 hours) per day watching TV. Yet, only 40% take the time to vote. If you are in one of the six states with an election next week, please vote. Please. Our country and the safety of so many depend on it. Your voice and your vote matter.

-trw