Dewey's Essay: Little Change, Big Differences

Little Change, Big Difference Every vote counts. People often don't vote because they feel their one vote won't make a difference. In the election of 1948, Thomas Dewey's campaign assumed a victory and underestimated the power of one vote. The headline "Dewey Defeats Truman", posted by the Chicago Tribune was incorrect, Harry Truman had defeated Dewey. Edmund Burke, skilled orator and political theorist believes "Nobody made a greater mistake then he who did nothing because he could only do a little". I agree with Burkes thought because it is all about the single person, and there is no group without the fully committed individual. Often times, people fail to put forth any effort because they won’t receive instant gratification. Failing to look at the big picture, see the end result, understand the magnitude of their contributions, these doubters limit contribution to the society. I am in the Union High School marching band, and we as a whole strive to do the best we can at all of our competitions. As a band we all have to do our part and put forth all the effort we have. If one person isn't …show more content…
However, people are forgetting about how we became a nation. Abraham Lincoln made the conscious decision and challenged the common man to do more when he spoke at the Battle of Gettysburg. Lincoln addressed a nation with encouraging words: "The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here" (Lincoln 203). He reminds the country that many people combined each effort to do what they believed was right. The individual efforts in one battle of the Civil War influenced a nation. Lincoln recognized the impact of commitment no matter how small; and used his words to encourage his audience. "…to be dedicated here to the unfinished work…" (203-204) Lincoln reminds us our individual contributions have far reaching effects to future