Knowledge is Power - Next Election Research the Candiates before Casting a Vote

I wrote this blog last night as I watched the election coverage and as reporters interviewed people at the polls I realized several of them had no idea what their candidate stood for...I felt it was important enough to share as there will be many more elections to come in our lifetimes :)

Like most of you, I’ve been following the events of this monumental presidential election for the last couple years and regardless of the outcome I’m relieved it’s coming to an end. I’m not one to get into huge political debates with people and I’m not writing this to unload my opinions of who I think is best for president.  However, I will tell you that I am a member of the Republican Party and did cast my vote for John McCain.  Many of my best friends are Democrat and voted for Barack Obama in this election.  That’s one of the best things about living in our great country….we all have the right to have our own opinions and we can agree to disagree on some things and remain the greatest of friends.

 Another great thing about being an American is that we actually have the right to vote!  It’s been amazing to see the massive turnout of people who decided to take advantage of that right in this election.  BUT…what good is a vote if you don’t even realize what you’re voting for.  Notice I said “What” and not “Who” you’re voting for.  Your vote shouldn’t be for the Republican or the Democrat, the White or the Black, the Man or the Woman, the Young or the Old and so on and so on.  You should vote based on what you believe is best for our country! 

It frustrates me to hear people say they voted for Obama because it’s time for a minority to be president or they voted for McCain just because they were raised Republican and that’s what they’re supposed to do or they voted for a particular candidate because that’s what they’ve been told to do.  Like I said before, I’m a Republican but if I thought a Democratic Candidate was the best choice I wouldn’t think twice about checking that box!  I’ve been known to place a bet on a horse at the Kentucky Derby because I liked the name or like many of you, I’ve bought clothes for the name on the label or because it’s in style but seriously people…this is the President and the future of our country!  Educate yourselves on facts (and I don’t mean what they say in the political ads) and formulate your own opinions!!  

Lastly, after working in the corporate world I’ve learned that if you’re going to complain or present a problem, you better be prepared to present your idea for a solution.  So here it is…my hypothetical solution:

As you know, our votes are anonymous….lets take that to the next level and make the candidates anonymous.  Remove candidates’ names and party affiliations and cast your vote based on only what it states to be that anonymous candidate’s policies, opinions, beliefs, etc.   It may be an unrealistic solution but it sure would be interesting to see the outcome of that election.  And for those out there who are still inclined to vote based on party affiliation, race, gender, age, etc, this solution would at least force them to do the research on their choices!

With all that said, whatever the outcome of this 2008 presidential election is, we all need to come together as Americans and move forward to support our country!!!