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10/28/2008

Shortsighted

A week from today is the election we have all heard so much about in the last few months. As you know (or should know) I have studiously avoided political comment here in my blog, as well as making comments on other people's politically motivated posts. Truth be told, I came to that personal choice late. I wasn't always above making political feelings felt, but I made a conscious choice somewhere along the way and since then, I've pretty much stayed away from making political comments on political posts. If anything, I have looked for ways to comment that avoided the politics in the post. I figure my opinion is just that, my opinion, and isn't any more or less valid than anyone else's. I don't think it's my place to try to persuade you to my way of thinking. You are smart enough to make up your own mind.

Now, I said all that to say this. Tuesday, coming, is your chance to step up to the mike and give your opinions and your choices a voice. What ever they may be. Left, right, red, blue, up, down or sideways, your have a chance to make yourself heard. However softly one vote may speak, when joined to the voice of all the other votes that echo yours, you begin to make a noise.

Make up your mind to be heard this coming Tuesday. Make up your mind to go out and support your choices. Let your voice be heard. Make sure you make the effort and get out and VOTE. That way, everyone gets to say, "Win or lose, I voted." Win or lose, we all win if you vote. Vote.

Peace.

26 comments:

Anonymous said...

A good reminder, Lou.

I've avoided politics on my own blog, but I have added my opinion on others at times, mostly if I agreed, or sometimes on Plurk in small and respectful debates. So far, I've enjoyed the exchange, and I've learned some things, maybe added a voice of agreement to others, but I get it about staying out of it publicly, too.

Election time is kind of crazy and brings all of the hot issues right to the surface, and while I've enjoyed some of the discussions, I'll be glad when it's done. My ballot is on my kitchen counter - Oregonians do it by mail (sounds like a bumper sticker) - and I know my answers to some of the big questions but need to research some of the others (or refrain if I don't know enough about the issue). I consider it an honor that I live someplace where I get to vote, even if I think about half our population votes wrong. ;)

Shadow said...

yip. gotta vote. if you don't, you can't complain...

Rebecca (Ramblings by Reba) said...

Totally... I stood in line for six hours to vote... for realz. And I'm FREAKISHLY tired this morning. But I'm glad I voted. :)

Myst_72 said...

Well said Lou.

G
xx

Patsy said...

Of course. :)

Melissa said...

Amen, Brother Lou!

I'm going to early vote today. :)

calicobebop said...

Good Advice! I've avoided anything political on my blog as well and can't wait for this election to be over with. Next Tuesday can't come soon enough!

www.ayewonder.com said...

Well Lou, you know well I am not afraid of a political comment or ten but your point is well made. Voting, above all else, is critical. It is one of the things that makes this country great.

hockeychic said...

I am so glad you encourage people to vote. People take it for granted and don't realize how important it really is. Make your voice heard!!

I'm hoping to vote early this week as well.

Ndinombethe said...

Definitely Lou - we all win if we vote!

Great post! I'd be voting if I was American!

Joyce-Anne said...

Well said. I always bring my children to vote with me. Although, the oldest is only 7 and really doesn't "get" the process--I want all my kids to exercise their civic responsibility when they are older. Plus, they enjoy helping me vote. I tell them which lever to push and they willingly comply.

Joyce-Anne said...

Well said. I always bring my children to vote with me. Although, the oldest is only 7 and really doesn't "get" the process--I want all my kids to exercise their civic responsibility when they are older. Plus, they enjoy helping me vote. I tell them which lever to push and they willingly comply.

Christy said...

Yeah, and you don't talk religion either?

Damn....

moneythoughts said...

I talk about politics and the economy on my blog all the time. Government and government spending is a big piece of the economic pie. How can you discuss economics and not discuss government policy. The two go together. Why pretend that they are separate? As for voting, yes, everyone should vote. I already voted and I voted for Obama-Biden. Those people that don't like the way their investments or 401-k is looking should give serious thought to the political philosophies that led to the financial crisis we all are now experiencing. Deregulation of banking and the investment industry are directly related to the present economic crisis. Read about credit default swaps and find out why their deregulation led to the banking and finacial crisis this country and the world are now in.

I once commented on a political aspect involving my religion and my comment wasn't appreciated. So, I don't comment about religion; however, if someone says something that I think needs to be responded to, I will not just walk away.

Unknown said...

Maggies Mind: Yes. An honor to be here and able to vote.

Shadow: Absolutely.

Rebecca: Well done, Reba.

Myst_72: Thank you, Gina.

Patsy: Thank you. Of course.

Melissa: The Gospel according to ....

Calicobebop: Amen, Sister!!!

Ayewonder: Well said, Mike.

Hockeychic: Just make sure that it isn't 'Chicago' voting - you know, 'Vote Early, Vote Often.'

Tash: I know you would be, Tash.

Joyce-Anne: Telling your kids how to vote, eh? Oh. Showing ....

Christy: Why - is there something about the Judeo-Christian ethic you wish to explore?

Moneythoughts: Good morning, Fred. Feeling a bit defensive this morning, are we?

Unknown said...

I voted last week. I love voting from the comfort of my own home, with my notes at the ready.

Momisodes said...

True that.

I wish my state allowed early voting.

I took the same route as you with political topics in and outside the blogosphere. I think I've only discussed it heavily with family and close friends.

Holly said...

That sideways vote could hurt. Ouch! :) I plan on taking my boy, as usual, to go vote on Tuesday.

Jientje said...

May the best man win, but I'm not sure it works that way in politics.
I hope you guys pick a good one this time, for it concerns us, Europeans too in a way.
At least you're free to vote or not.
In Belgium, it's an obligation ...

Expat No. 3699 said...

I know I'll be standing in line this year as opposed to past elections where I've gotten in and out. And guess what? I'm looking forward to it.

Julie said...

I voted last week.

And since I am now an Alaskan, I got to choose whether or not to vote for a potential felon (I voted before he was found guilty guilty guilty.). I chose not to vote for Stevens (although there was no chance I would vote for him anyway, because I am not a fan of republican politicians.)

Crimzen Creative said...

I try to avoid politics as well, but I don't think the popular vote means a damn thing. Also, my Mom was a Democrat and my Father a Republican and she always chuckled at how her vote canceled his. No wonder they are divorced :-)

Anonymous said...

I voted the day before yesterday- good thing I did because that line was ten times longer the next day! It took me only about 10 minutes.

Remember, folks- you're not just voting for president- you're voting on things your city and/ or state want to do that could help public services, increase taxes, keep bad judges in the courts, etc. Even if the popular vote doesn't count for president, all those little things DO count, and they make a BIG difference in the long run!

Suzanne said...

My husband and I waited in line last week to do our part. That's one thing I like about this state, the option to vote early is a good one.

Like you, I usually avoid politics in the blog. This year, I broke my own rule and did a bunch of posting about the conventions and the debates. I don't care who you vote for, but that you exercise that right. (though I'd be happy if my guy gets in!)

Anonymous said...

I am doing a first: writing in! I'm so excited.

And, I'm still not being political by saying that.

Wait. What? said...

I voted! For the first time in my adult life - I really - really want my vote to count!