The Power & Privilege of the VOTE
by Gene Muchanski, Editor
The Dive Industry Professional
We are so fortunate to live in a country that allows its citizens to have a voice. A voice to publically agree or disagree with the rules and regulations that guide our lives. These rules and regulations were designed to make our lives on earth more organized, predictable, enjoyable and meaningful. In fact, the ability to speak up is more than a privilege, it’s a human right. It’s called free speech. But with that right comes a responsibility. It’s our responsibility to choose people to represent us, act on our behalf and give us a collective voice. This November, the United States will hold its mid-term elections. It is our duty to vote for the people that will best represent us. I just voted in Florida’s early election and win or lose, the candidates I voted for will have a competitive edge of one vote! If I campaign for any one of them, I have just exercised my right to free speech and I may have more of an impact on the election. Either way, I have the satisfaction of knowing that I did the best I could with what I have.
In the diving industry, 2 organizations hold Board of Directors elections; NAUI and DEMA. NAUI Worldwide is holding their election starting on November 3 and ending on December 5. DEMA will hold their election starting on December 15th.
If you are a member of either organization, please exercise your right of free speech and support the candidates that best represent you. Tell your friends and colleagues why you think your candidate is the best. Don’t let a voting block candidate win by default because you feel that your vote doesn’t mean much. It does. Like a snow flake in a snow storm, the power of one multiplied can move mountains.
Dive Industry Association, Inc. 