People’s safety should be a government’s highest priority. In fact, it might even be the reason we have governments at all, for structure and assurance. A new measure, Measure 88, is a on this year’s upcoming Oregon ballot. Part of its focus is on safety, road safety to be specific
The measure would allow for undocumented people in Oregon to obtain a driver’s card. The driver’s card is solely for the purpose of making sure that we have only certified and insured drivers on roads. It won’t allow them to board planes, enter a federal building, to register to vote or anything else that would federally require proof of citizenship.
Some people who would apply for this card are already applying for citizenship. This would allow them to safely drive to work in the meantime, making easier for them to contribute to the local economy and to be prepared as citizens once they have gone through the process.
If people need to get to work, especially in rural areas, they will drive. It isn’t much of a choice. It is a necessity. Driving without a license increases safety risks for everyone, not just the driver.
Anyone injured by a driver without insurance, would have a hard time covering for the injury, but a driver’s card would allow for people to buy insurance, keeping roads safe.
A vote for Measure 88 is a vote for safer roads. Everyone on the roads would be affected. Even if it doesn’t affect you directly, you might have friends who have family members that would directly be affected by this measure.
Ultimately, it is important for everyone to vote. If you haven’t registered to vote, MEChA is currently doing a voter registration drive in Dillin.
Go register. Maybe fill out a pledge to vote yes on Measure 88 or just stop by to ask for more information. Anyone at the table would be happy to talk to you. There can always be a slight fear surrounding political activism. It is the fear that everyone out there might not be interested in what you have to say.
In fact, this fear can surround more than just political activism. I know that I myself have dealt with it too.
But it is far better to speak out than to regret not speaking out. If you are passionate about something, don’t temper that passion completely because you think it might be too much for some people.