Livin' and Lovin' in A-town

Vote

I would imagine that nearly every person in America realizes that today is election day. What a day?! A day that could forever change American history. What a privilege?! What a gift it is to be able to vote on who our next leader will be. There are people all over this world who are envious at the fact that we are able to voice our opinion on who will be our next President. People who would kill to have the right to vote on who would lead their country. People who would die to have the freedom we do, the rights we do. It wasn't that long ago that we as Americans fought to separate from a tyrannical society so that we might have our freedom to become our own people. Individuals with the right to vote. It wasn't that long ago that women weren't allowed to vote. That African Americans weren't allowed to vote. And yet, I hear people say everyday, "I'm not voting." "My vote doesn't count anyway." "We know who's going to win, why waste my time?" This is the most frustrating thing for me to hear right now! I could care less as to who you vote for, but get out there and vote! Last week on Ellen, Wanda Sykes said that she thought everyone who was registered to vote but didn't should be punished. Like, when there's a flu epidemic going around, everyone gets flu shots but those who didn't vote! I love it! My line is pretty much, "If you don't vote, I don't want to ever hear you complain about who is in office." I don't feel you have the right to complain, if you're not going to exercise your right to vote.

Most of my good friends know I dislike politics. I don't like talking about them, or listening to them, watching them, seeing them...I just really don't enjoy politics. I know enough, research enough, and read enough to make an educated decision on who I want to vote for, and I go with it. I don't vote straight ticket because I think it's lazy. If all of my candidates happen to be republican, great. If the majority happen to be democrat, fine. I don't force my opinions on anyone and I don't want other opinions forced on me. If you open your mouth and voice your opinion, you're opening the door for other comments...other opinions. Basically saying, come right in...help yourself...tell me what you believe. That's how politics work. Everyone has their own belief, their own opinion, their own candidate...and it is absolutely their right! We are a strong people! Independent thinkers! Free thinkers. The key being free.

I had the opportunity to visit two of my best friends this weekend, both very committed to what they believe in, both very knowledgeable about why they believe what they believe. They happen to be voting for a different candidate than I, but it was never an issue. We discussed how our thoughts and beliefs had changed since college. How we had matured over the years. How years ago we would have voted one way, said one thing, or thought one way...but now have begun to see things differently. Basically, we're growing up. It was wonderful to see these friends and have calm, rational conversations...even conversations that touched on politics.

I encourage you to vote today. If you haven't researched who's running, do so. Even in state and local races. They are often times just as important! If you're voting on laws, propositions, etc., know what you're voting on. They can change so much and effect so many people! Be thankful we live in a country where we have the right to vote. Be thankful we are a society of people who care who our leaders will be. Be thankful we are Americans!