Flat Elections (flash essay)

It is 2008 and I am forming my political ideology. I am too young to vote, but I am very enthused about the next presidency. It was inevitable that such a symbol of justice would arrive after 8 years of regression.

It is 2012 and I never got around to voting. I was busy, I had class, I forgot. I feel guilty for not participating as much as my past self wanted to, but the result was so obvious, it didn’t really matter if I was involved or not.

It is 2016 and I am stunned, but not defeated. I believe that the arc of justice is long, but it will come around. Maybe it will accelerate during the next four years. At least I did my part.

It is 2020 and I have been proven right. Progress is indeed inevitable, even if it was close this time. Surely all will be well again soon.

It is 2024 and I no longer believe in the inevitability of justice. There is no arc of anything without continued, pointed pressure to bend society. I voted, but what did it matter? That was the bare minimum. I need to do more, if not in the last year than in the next one. And the year after. And after.