I normally avoid discussing politics, for the simple fact that people get way too heated and it often gets uncomfortable. It’s amazing how someone who is normally very forgiving of another will go for the kill when debating their political views. I had a unique experience recently, a tame discussion about the political situation with a close friend. Upon admitting not understanding every view point like I imagined he did, we kept it very general. That made it simple for me to focus on the ultimate issue which was his refusal to vote at all. He said there is absolutely no difference between the two candidates, and harped on how ridiculous it was that the two party system was still in place. I can see how one can argue that [some] views of Obama and McCain are fundamentally the same, but for there to be no difference in opinion at all? come on?! Especially knowing this person so well, it was very difficult for me to understand his refusal to vote.
so.. I took it back a notch and said - ok, let’s pretend that they really are the same, that there isn’t a single difference.. And for just a moment, focus on whether or not Sarah Palin was a vulnerability, and to acknowledge the basic fact that McCain is an old man with several diseases. Isn’t it a scary possibility that Palin, with such little experience, called a puppet by many - could possibly be our President?! As we sat in my backyard enjoying the beautiful day he quickly brought the subject back to how disgusted he was with the two party system and that his vote, if even given would be for the independent party. But, how would you feel if Palin were to become President? He said, then she would have the same views that she has now, and shares with McCain. Ok, but put that aside for a minute man, and to put it very plainly - will you feel comfortable with her level of experience, intelligence, and style when she is President? and is that not a good enough reason to vote against? Throughout the afternoon that was a factor that kept coming up, the act of - not voting for, but voting against.. and how shunned upon that should be. Screw it, vote against if you have to! Let’s get this country a little bit out of this deep hole of shit first. Then we can get back to possibly supporting independent party candidates and debating the current existence of the government.
I believe that if you feel uncomfortable with the McCain/Palin party leading this country, it is damn good enough of a reason to vote against. If they represented themselves to you in recent debates and throughout the campaign and you cringed while watching, wondering what they were doing up on that stage, if you don’t agree with their beliefs, then I believe it is a good enough reason to vote against.
I’m not voting against, but casting a very enthusiastic vote for Obama and now feel very content with that choice after doing quite a bit of research over the last few weeks. I learned as much as I could about the election and the views of the candidates so I consider myself to be a rational and educated voter walking into that booth tomorrow. On one hand, it has got me to consider my friend’s point about the two party system more and I can understand the feeling of a broken system now. Though at the same time I’m not going to ignore what’s presently on the table - a simple choice that I’m being given. It is clear that nobody but one of the two popular parties will succeed, therefore I feel it is my responsibility to participate, and make the best choice.
Tomorrow could be the most important election in our lifetime and I am proud to be a part of it. Never have I felt such energy, and never have we needed to be saved so badly. My plan is to be at the voting booth early and to offer my vote to no other than Barack Obama.