November 5, 2012

• Hours Away

  As I write this, we are just hours away from the big day. Yes that’s right it is finally here. Ohhhh, can you feel the excitement in the air. Everybody is pumped. Tomorrow is it. Tomorrow is finally the day when coverage of the 2016 campaign starts! Just like the Super Bowl pregame show, coverage of the elections starts earlier and earlier and earlier. After all didn’t the 2013 Super Bowl pregame show start right around Valentine’s Day this year? I’m convinced that win or lose Mitt Romney is just going to keep campaigning. Shit, the guy has literally been running for president for five fucking years like it is his job. The man is probably conditioned to running. If he wins, he will just continue to run this time for reelection and if he loses, well I don’t know anybody who actually believes him when he says he will not run again if he doesn’t win.

  While every single election is pretty damn important, the presidential elections are always vitally important and this one is no different. Some of you are like me and live in a state where your presidential vote will not make a difference. Others live in swing states like Wisconsin or the vitally important Ohio and lucky you, your vote can possibly end up having a big influence on who wins. It is important to remember though that no matter what state you live, there is more to the election than just president. There are plenty of other offices to vote for; plenty that your vote will matter. I live in Illinois, so that means I can vote as many times as I want. I’m going to vote before work, on my lunch, and again after work. And because both of my parents are dead, I get to vote for them as well!

  I can sit there and beg you to vote for the candidates I’m supporting but honestly, whether it’s on t.v., radio, the internet, billboards, signs, or mailers, the one thing all of us can agree on is that we have had our fill of people begging you to vote for them. In addition, at this point there is nothing I can possibly say that is going to influence you one way or another. While I certainly have very strong opinions, it is not about me getting you to vote one way or another. It is about you getting out and voting. No matter how you vote or who you vote for the important part is to get out, participate in the democratic process and have an impact and influence on your country, your state, and your community. Look, we have very little say in so much of what goes on. This is one area that we can have a say and can have an influence.

  I know we are all sick of campaigns and politics. And I know there is probably nothing in this world as frustrating as politics. Many people have given up on caring. Many have grown apathetic to the cause of politics. Many people have said “fuck them, they don’t care about me so I’m not going to care about them.” Many have said “it doesn’t matter, they are all corrupt anyway”. Many people believe their vote doesn’t matter. And while all of the above arguments can be strongly made, please consider this. First of all, as frustrated as I get, politics are just too important not to follow and not to care. Voting is something that we take for granted in this country. For you females, if this were 100 years ago, you would not be voting in this election. You had to fight for your right to vote and finally got it. The same can be said of many minorities. Also think about other countries. In some countries, there are no elections or voting; it is a dictatorship and they don’t have the option to vote for or against anybody. There are people who are literally dying for the right to vote. There are people who are risking everything just to attempt to vote. While the process here is never-ending, sometimes pointless, and always frustrating, we at least have the option. We have the freedom to stand up and be counted. If you decide not to vote you are essentially taking away that precious right from yourself. Exercise that right. Get out and make a difference.

  • 10:02 pm
  • 12 Comments