Obligation, Right, and Privilege

November 4, 2008

The three words in the title of this post often confuse people. You will see them consistently misused in conversation.

Let’s get the dictionary definitions right out of the way, shall we? I’m going to use Dictionary.com because I’ve always liked their service (and it compiles definitions from diverse sources.) I’m also not going to cite the ‘full’ definitions, because it would take up too much space and you are perfectly capable of clicking through if you’re so inclined.

ob·li·ga·tion noun
1. something by which a person is bound or obliged to do certain things, and which arises out of a sense of duty or results from custom, law, etc.

right noun
18. a just claim or title, whether legal, prescriptive, or moral: You have a right to say what you please.
19. Sometimes, rights. that which is due to anyone by just claim, legal guarantees, moral principles, etc. (women’s rights; Freedom of speech is a right of all Americans)

priv·i·lege noun
1. A peculiar benefit, advantage, or favor; a right or immunity not enjoyed by others or by all; special enjoyment of a good, or exemption from an evil or burden; a prerogative; advantage; franchise.

Yes, I did pick specific definitions. Every dictionary comes close – but they try to differentiate themselves from each other by using more lines or varying wording. In the end, you have to choose a definition that works for you and go with it.

The emphasis on privilege? That’s mine. I want to make sure that it’s highlighted.

This post is what I consider to be an obligatory post. My moral compass tells me that on this day, of all days, I shouldn’t just be posting about random happenings, products, experiences or what-have-you. I should be posting about today’s election in the U.S.A. Because this is November 4th 2008 and the US presidential election will have an impact not just on Americans, but on everyone else worldwide.

I suppose you expect that this next paragraph will be about voting for a particular candidate. Most blogs I read have endorsed one or the other of the 2 main party candidates. A few have supported 3rd party candidates – and a couple even advocated writing in a candidate who didn’t make it past our semi-institutionalized primaries contest.

I’m not going to do that.

I can’t say that I don’t care who you vote for. That would be lying. But I’m not going to try and influence who you vote for. You’ve either decided long ago, or you are sick of reading all of the ‘vote for X!’ posts like I am. (Or given how late I’m posting this? You’ve already voted.)

But some people in the U.S. think that just because voting in our democracy is a right that it won’t go away. Those people need to scroll back up and read the bolded part of the definition of privilege.

The ability to vote in open elections in the United States is a privilege we enjoy in this country because many more people that you can ever count have fought and sometimes died to maintain it.

If you don’t think it can go away? You are mistaken. Rights aren’t guaranteed to be enforceable, they are just based on principles. In this country? You have the privilege to vote. But more than that? You have an obligation to.

So if you’re reading this and you’re thinking that maybe you’ll just skip it because your candidate is probably already going to win/lose and there will be long lines at the polls and you’d have to leave work early or get home late? Don’t.