This week, I want to write about something that has always been “near and dear” to my heart. Shortly, each of us will have the opportunity to take part in determining our future not only as a nation, but a state, city, county and community, as well as the school and fire districts where we reside. If you haven’t already registered to vote, sadly it’s now too late to do so and it means that you have forfeited your right to help determine in what direction we are heading in each of the categories.
For those of us who are registered, good for us! I’m not going to try to tell you how to vote or to sway you in any political direction, but I’d like to stress how important it is for each of us to know exactly who or what we are voting for or against. Throw out all of the rhetoric and catch-phrases that are heard so often from both ends of the spectrum. Turn off the TV, radio and internet long enough to do your own research. Don’t let anyone else tell you how to vote. Look up and read the information and/or attend talks by the candidates and sponsors of the measures from all parties with an open mind. Understand the specifics from both sides … not just one. Don’t let the media dictate our votes. We have each been provided with the ability to formulate our own opinions.
Not everything is black and white as we are led to believe. Consider the grays, too.
Study the voting pamphlet and consider the arguments, both pro and con. Be an informed voter who is voting from your own conscience, intelligence and heart … not from someone else’s.
And, most of all, cast your ballot … VOTE! By not voting, you are letting someone else guide what happens to this country, our state, our county, city and communities. It is the only true power we have as individuals to make a difference.
