Yeah, I know it was longer ago than that, but think about what Lincoln actually said in his speech. Anyway, I'm not here to discuss politics in the past, and not really even politics in the present. Today is a big day for our country. They say that the vote today will "change the course of history" and that it is "the most important vote ever"...well, they say that every few years anyway, but let them say it again - it sounds classy even if it is over used. I'm going to do something rare in the history of this blog as well...I'm going to make a political statement - I may even go so far as to formally endorse a candidate...hey, if Colin Powell and all the rest can endorse candidates, what about me too? ok, so I don't have a following like they do, but who cares. Caveat: Most of you know that I take the disinterested view of politics in general. My radio is tuned to the local NPR station, however I don't always listen to it. I do try to make sure that I am informed, at least a little, before I actually go to the polls. In saying this, please don't take everything that I say and analyze it under an ultra-fine political microscope. This is merely my opinion, albeit not as informed as most, but my opinion nonetheless. As I tell most people, "If I actually cared enough to study the government and politics going on around here, I would probably come out more Libertarian, or maybe Independant." I don't vote with a party, at least on the Presidential level. I just vote.
That being said, let's get on with the post. Bad Reasons to vote FOR a candidate: 1) He's black. - ok, before you get all up in arms at me, no i'm not racist, yes i do believe that the civil rights movement was a very good idea and that discrimination against someone based on color, etc is wrong. HOWEVER, voting FOR someone based on color is also wrong. This should not even be considered as one of the deciding factors. 2) He's young. (possibly could add "and hip" but that would depend on your viewpoint) -similar thing, just because he's a young guy doesn't mean that's a good reason to vote for him, or just because the opposite candidate happens to be a little older doesn't mean you should vote against him.
also, i had heard some things on the radio about technology and the candidates. for those of you with iPods, cell-phones and the myriad of other electronic devices that have come out (and that most of us don't really need) - voting for a candidate just because he knows how to use his cell phone and the other one doesn't is NOT a good reason to vote for him. 3) Feminism. - yes, there is a woman as one of the vice presidential candidates. Just because she's a woman is not a good reason to vote for (or against her). Don't get me wrong, as a woman myself, I'm very excited at the prospect, but just because there is a woman running doesn't mean we should vote for/against her. And yes, i know there are those out there on BOTH sides of the political fence who will vote against her for varying reasons that all add up to "she's a woman" when you boil them down. (some of the most prominent from the left: she's a woman, so she won't be able to do the job. and the right: she's a woman, and her place is in the home caring for her children and submitting to her husband.) c'mon, we all know people who think one way or the other. 4) Personal tragedy. - ok, i know this one is touchy, but it needs to be addressed, especially since it only happened YESTERDAY. Grandma in Hawaii died. Yes, it is very sad, and we all are sad for your loss and feel your pain because we've all lost a loved one at one time or another. HOWEVER, just because grandma died doesn't mean you should be president. 5) He's a war veteran. - some may think this isn't a bad reason to vote for, but think about it...the fact that he's a vet isn't necessarily going to help all that much. Sure, there are some pluses that come from that experience, but it should not be a deciding factor. 6) He's good looking. - haven't really heard that as much this campaign, but I have heard it in the past. Sure, if it was American Idol, maybe looks would count...but c'mon...he's trying to be president. Not so great reasons to vote against (albeit a bit more valid than the previous list) 1) He/she doesn't have enough experience. - yes, experience is important and necessary, but even if they have a limited resume shouldn't be a reason to automatically not vote for them. 2) Negative campaigning. - this one is kind of a big one because, guess what! everyone had negative campaigning against everyone else. there was quite a bit of mudslinging this go round, so this really isn't the most valid reason not to vote for somebody. 3) They're from a small town. - i'm from a small town personally. a majority of the country is small towns. 'nuff said. 4) If you look at the candidates names right, and insert a couple of letters it spells the name of a rather infamous terrorist. - yeeeeah. not even going to say anything about that one. and finally
5) He's not going to win anyway. - this is a terrible reason not to vote for someone. basically, it's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Not a good way to cast a ballot. Now, before I actually say anything else, I will say that it is time for Americans to stand up and be heard. Everyone should vote (if you haven't already) in the morning when the polls open. Ok, in my reasons, I tried to keep things as non-partisian as possible. If you have any extra reasons for either list, feel free to post them. I'll be updating this while i'm watching the election news coverage as the polls start to close. As for my endorsement? McCain/Palin '08 You'll have to stay tuned for my full reasoning. Until then... If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away. And I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A. From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea, From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say: I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A
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