On November 4th, we who are Americans will have a new president. This president will, as leader, enable America's political, economic, cultural, and moral ascent, or descent. The president will be elected by the voice, or lack thereof, of citizens-if that describes you, YOU are part of the power for change, for better or worse. Inactivity aligns itself to the most powerful side at the moment, regardless of your wishes.
Don't blame "them" for what you don't like about the nation's next leader. And if the candidate you hope wins, does win, you will celebrate with the satisfaction of knowing you are an active a part of this change to your nation.
This is the first year I will vote; in the past, I held a fatalistic view of the political process. Recently, I have been impressed by the nature of personal responsibility. I believe that a great many of the world's problems exist because we allow ourselves that deep sense of resignation, and abdicate our personal responsibility to the community.
On November 4th, I will be voting for Barack Obama, because I believe he has more potential to bring forth good for my
nation than his opponent does at this moment. However, I am putting out this challenge of personal responsibility to citizens of all political persuasion. I respect a variety of beliefs and reasons, but I no longer respect the "what will be, will be" mindset of those who abandon hope and will not engage in our society because the issues are too complex, or discouraging, or too far removed from our daily life.
www. voteforchange. com is a website that makes it very simple to register to vote. It is obviously a pro-Obama site, but the site allows you to choose your political affiliation, even Green Party!
I definitely experience frustration with the political process in America- pettiness, partisanship, vested interests, etc. haunt both sides of the presidential race, and that every election time. But we live in an imperfect world, and must chose what we believe, through research and soul-searching, what is the better choice in each situation. Whether it is choosing a president, or a new roommate, or where to go for dinner- if your community is involved, ENGAGE!
