Stan Lockhart

I write to those who want to change the world.

When I grew up it seemed nearly almost every child wanted to change the world. My friends wanted to be teachers, astronauts, movie stars, sports heroes, veterinarians, nurses, and even one aspired to be President of the United States. And then we grew up and forgot our call to make a difference. Today we often feel overloaded by the infusion of daily demands in our technology-driven world. Perhaps we may think, "I am just one. How can I make a difference?" Unfortunately, this sort of thinking means we have surrendered to the status quo.

Freedom is not for the status quo. The early American colonists were not satisfied with the status quo when they revolted against British rule. Under their courage and conviction the United States of America has become the free nation we live in today.

The American colonists understood what we have now forgotten: it only takes one to make a difference. One act of kindness, one move toward freedom or one vote can change the world. Yes, even one vote. Voting is one way in which we can change the world, or at least one nation. And yet if the actions of one can enable change, how much greater is the ability to enact change through the voice, actions, and votes of many.

We've heard it before--perhaps as repetitively as our morning alarm clock --that voting is our right, our patriotic duty. Yet we have apathetically pushed the snooze button on our right and duty to vote. To those who have resisted the snooze button, who have raised their voice, put their lives on the line, and stood against a field of opposing views to stand up for one's beliefs, I salute you.

The price to vote, to speak out, to be an American is not free. It is very expensive. We should not forget the many men, women, and children who have gone to battle for our freedoms, especially the right to vote. Sadly, we live in an age in which the act of voting has slipped from its place of prominence. It is no longer considered an honor and privilege. Instead, we are annoyed by the constant campaign ads that interrupt our television programs or by campaign mailers that fill our mailboxes. We have become immune and apathetic about voting and what it means to our country.

Freedom is not free, nor is it cheap. Voting is not an inconvenience; it's a privilege. Voting is the very least we can do in defense of freedom. We have a right and an obligation to vote. Some will declare the lack of voting is a right, but I say abstaining from voting is an act of ignorance and precludes your voice from being heard in the American symphony that cries for freedom and liberty.

Regardless of the political party to which you affiliate, I implore you to join me on Tuesday, March 25th at 7 p.m. at your neighborhood caucus meeting to cast your vote for delegates to represent you at county and state conventions. Those delegates will have extraordinary influence on who is elected governor, attorney general, congressman, state legislator and other elected offices. Exercise your vote; attend your caucus meeting. To find your caucus location, contact the Republican Party at www.utgop.org or the Democrat Party at www.utdemocrats.org.

This is your call to change the world. Start by attending your caucus meeting.

Stan Lockhart is the chairman of the Utah Republican Party.