BY: Cheryl Smith
This title is a play on that song by the legendary Isley Brothers, who sing, “It’s your thing, do what you wanna do. I can’t tell you who to sock it to!”
Released in 1969, the song is ranked No. 420 on the Rolling Stone magazine’s list of The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
Today I am using this song to talk about THE VOTE because you can’t tell me who to vote for. And, you can’t buy my vote, but you can earn it.
I value the vote and have the utmost respect for those who want to serve, whether in an elected or unelected role in life.
That’s why it’s my vote and I take it seriously, and I’ll do what I wanna do with it.
This means I’ll vote for the issue or person I want.
So people get ready because we’ve been hesitant to endorse in the past because people get pissed and won’t support/advertise, even though we are more than deserving.
This is a business. I’m about the business of journalism with several publications to educate, inform, enlighten, uplift, inspire, and yes, entertain the people.
Sadly, however, some of those seeking office will cut off their noses to spite their faces.
When an entity issues an endorsement, some politicians pull their advertising because they don’t want to “waste” their advertising $$$ with a publication that doesn’t endorse them.
This is another reason why the wonderful team here at I Messenger Media is trying to give you a publication that, regardless of who we choose, it would be in your best interest to support us so we could keep the truth and information flowing.
Some people won’t be happy, while others will be glad that finally somebody stood up and talked to the people about who is on the ballot and what they are really about.
Will we ruffle some feathers? Yes we will ruffle a whole lot more than feathers because if you want to represent you have your stuff together. We need honorable people in positions of power and influence.
If you want to be a star, go play one on TV. Make a movie or get on TikTok.
Leave these important positions in the hands of people who know what to do with them. For example, teachers who love teaching and love children. On the other hand, for some, it’s just a job, which is also true for politicians and other professions.
It’s funny when folks will say, “I’m a fill-in-the-blank, I’m not a politician.”
What they really mean is that they are not a con artist. They are not dishonorable, a liar, a cheat, or a hustler; because that is what they perceive politicians to be.
I’ve been talking to some strategic, well-versed, thought-provoking, analytical, conscientious, and very perceptive people.
Soon, they will start looking into candidates and deciding whom to recommend for your vote.
We are so appreciative of the League of Women Voters (LVW) of Dallas County, who bring a minimum of 10,000 copies of their voters’ guide to our offices for distribution every election.
If they see the value in collaborating with Texas Metro News, Garland Journal and Messenger, it’s a shame some of the candidates don’t see the value.
And we are supposed to vote for them to be in a position to put somebody behind bars, take their children away, or release them onto the streets instead of sending them to rehab, etc?
This makes me want to pause for the cause; that’s why we must step up and start endorsing.
And speaking of getting ready, there were women in Dallas County who got together and started teaching folks in preparation for political campaigns.
We need that kind of exchange today because you need to be prepared. You don’t just hop your happy self up and get your homie to stand beside you as you campaign. You might as well just be out on a date! You’ve got to prepare. You must study and have some money, so people don’t keep hearing that sad song, “I don’t have a lot of money.”
You have got to be ready to discuss issues. You have to be involved. It’s amazing how many people don’t come around until they’re ready to run. Where have you been all along?
Oh, we have a lot of work to do because, while we’re educating the people about who to vote for, we have to help them really understand the issues.
Recently, I was making a strong point about voting. Just imagine me laying down facts, like a combination of Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and Rev. Freddie Haynes.
My “friend” said, “Well, you know, it must be something about a certain person running for a position because all the major papers in Texas—I’m talking about Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio—endorsed the same candidate!”
I calmly responded, “Parenthetically, I have receipts and a news flash for you, ALL four newspapers have the same owner. So chew on that for a while!
It only makes sense that they would come together. You just need to do your homework and don’t believe the hype!
We have to get serious about elections and the day-to-day work that needs to be done in our communities.
I look forward to you joining me on the journey as long as you understand, like I do, that you can’t buy my vote, love, or loyalty, but you can earn it!
And maybe we can stop getting the politicians who “sock” it to us!
