How do they keep their Job?

We the People 

“How do they keep their job?” 

We have all run into that one person who makes us wonder, “How do they keep their job?” You know the type—the one who turns a simple task into a group project, treats punctuality like a suggestion, or somehow makes you really appreciate self-checkout lanes. 

Maybe the person is inattentive, rude, missing the skills needed for the job, always late, absent when needed, uninterested in helping customers, careless with company money, or simply in the wrong role. We talk to the manager. We vent to a neighbor. We give “the look” across the counter. Sometimes we even say nothing, and hope things will magically improve—because apparently optimism is free, even if bad service is not. All too often, nothing changes. We keep showing up, they keep disappointing us, and we leave with the same frustration we had before. 

When it comes to politicians, many of us feel that same disappointment—but this time, we are not stuck waiting for a manager to handle it. We are the managers. We get to decide who keeps the job. The general election will be held on November 3rd, with early voting beginning October 16th. Between now and then, think about the issues that matter most to you—protecting the BWCA, gas prices, health care, everyday affordability, wars, and the future we are leaving for our families. Talk with family, friends, and neighbors. Read the paper. Visit candidate websites. Ask who is representing YOU and YOUR interests, and who is just collecting the paycheck. Then make an informed decision and vote for the change you want to see. Maybe it is time for some folks to get new jobs. 

Voting is not just a right we have as Americans—it is one of the simplest ways we can speak up when something is not working. We may not be able to fix every problem in one day, but we can choose leaders who listen, show up, and work for the people they represent. Abraham Lincoln described our democracy as government “of the people, by the people, for the people.” That only works when we—the people—pay attention, ask questions, and show up at the ballot box. So read up, speak up, stand up, and VOTE! 

by Barbara Sherlock