I really thought long and hard about posting a “political” blog post. And, then I said to myself that it really can’t be about a candidate in particular, or my choice. While I should be able to post what I want because, after all, this is my blog and my thoughts, it just sometimes doesn’t work that way. I have friends that have been attacked for their beliefs and choices. I have friends on social media sites that were *unfriended* because of who they support.
So, when I started thinking about this post, it became clear to me what I wanted to say.
Education.
No, not the issue of education as to what a party supports or doesn’t support.
I mean “EDUCATE YOURSELF”.
No joke…my mom told me of someone she knows that at the last primary said to her, “I vote X party all the time. I don’t even know what the issues are, or who is running”.
HUH?
Seriously?
Or, better yet, my grandmother who believes anything someone tells her. Rather than making an educated choice or finding the facts, she will allow another person (or her church) tell her what she should believe and vote for.
Those things really came to mind to me. Oh, and then there is the political discussions I’ve had with friends and other online people this week - being the DNC has been going on, another candidate choosing a running mate, etc. It’s bound to come up. I believe in healthy discussions…so long as you can discuss the reasons you support your candidate.
Unfortunately, opposers to my choice haven’t told me WHY their candidate is a good choice. I’m all for hearing reasons and issues. I’m all for understanding why someone believes one person is better for the job. Hell, I’ve been known to change my mind because of that.
It’s no secret that I lean to the left. I’m not going to deny that. However, I do like to take the “quizzes” on the issues online and discover who my candidate should be. No, my candidate isn’t part of the two TOP parties.
When I take the quizzes it always comes out the same. I will admit that I vote realistically and choose the candidate that has a better chance and is closest to my issues and beliefs. I would probably bet that 99% of people that would take some of these issue quizzes would find that who they say they support, isn’t in their #1 spot. Maybe if we all voted for the candidate that comes out on top on our quizzes, we wouldn’t always have it be a fight between the two major parties.
So, my point?
It’s about educating yourself.
When I have taken the quizzes, I have had to google some things, some acts, some issues. I admit, I don’t know 100% of every thing out there that a candidate supports or opposes.
I’ve said this before…I think voters should have to take a test and score above a certain percentile in order to be able to vote. This would eliminate a lot of the crap we may have or may get ourselves into as a country. It would force the American voters to really pay attention and, oh gasp, even care!
Now, I challenge you to quiz yourself. Take a moment to learn something NEW every day about EACH of the candidates. I made it a point to learn about a new candidate yesterday - and now I feel more confident in my own decision thus far. It’s a long road to November. Everyone shouldn’t vote for someone because they are a man, a woman, a black person, a white person, whether they have served in the military or not, have kids or not.
Educate yourself. It’s the best thing you can do.
Here are some links to some quizzes and don’t be afraid to look things up on Wikopedia!
http://www.ontheissues.org/Quiz.htm
http://www.politicalbrew.com/politest.cgi
http://www.selectsmart.com/president/2008.html
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008/candidate-match-game.htm
http://www.votebyissue.org/election2008/q.aspx?q=5
and, if you really want to dig into the issues…click here.
http://www.politicalbase.com/issues/
Okay, now, please don’t bash me for my beliefs, or because I posted this. I don’t want to hear WHO you choose or why. I just want you to educate yourself. You are welcome to comment on THAT point, but not a political choice. Let’s keep the discussion respectful!
