Nov 3

I hear from so many people how much they hate politics (and, for that matter, politicians). I get that. There are very few politicians who have earned my respect, and I will admit that I often have a difficult time deciding who to vote for on Election Day.

 

I am not someone who can be easily classified as a Democrat, Republican, or anything in-between. I do know what issues are important to me, and I try to educate myself as much as possible to ensure that I am voting for a candidate that shares my values. But it's not that simple.

 

As we all know, people are not always truthful. When you have two opposing political parties giving directly opposing information, at least one of them (and likely, both of them) is lying. It's impossible to get a clear picture of a candidate from a TV ad, or a mailing, or a phone call. Even watching a debate, it's easy to feel as though each candidate is only saying what he/she thinks the voting public wants to hear.

 

I am waiting for someone to come along who isn't afraid to say the "unpopular" thing; someone who has the guts to talk to the public, without toeing a "party" line. Someone whose views may not necessarily align perfectly with my own, but who I feel I can respect and trust to do the right thing for the citizens he/she is representing. I am not holding my breath...

 

In the meantime, I do the best I can to educate myself, and I vote my conscience. I am even looking in to working at my local polling place starting with the next election. For now, I just encourage everyone in the United States to participate in our government, taking the time to learn as much as you can about the candidates and the issues, and vote.