The U. S. presidential election cycle will end on November 4, 2008. How long has this one been going on...years? "We are drowning in words and news flashes!" we complain, yet democracy's loud words thrive or dive based on free and private voter participation .
The non-stop talk and the tactical smooze and the desperate spin lead somewhere... an actual voting place on a real calendar day! That's when our hearts and minds must filter or combine information for wise, lasting judgment. We hope, and we will try. It is up to us for our country more than for any candidate.
By the U. S. Constitution, the people hold the power behind the people and actions of governance. We either grant that power wisely or foolishly. The voters of the United States loan power to elected officials for legally-set periods of time.
Therefore, the key election power rests in voters' decisions announced on every election day. The process is imperfect. "It has ever been thus!" Yet, ultimately, voters decide the outcomes. They move the direction of every electoral college vote. These are outstanding reasons for eligible non-voters to turn around and to exercise, gratefully, their voting freedoms and rights.
If you are eligible to vote and are not yet registered, your local voting registration office is there for you to do something about it. It's nobody's business what political party you identify with when you register. If you are not sure if you want to register as a Democrat or Republican, you can register as an Independent voter or under another option, as available. Later, you can change your allegiance if you want to do that. In fact, even elected officials are examples that one can change parties more than once.
During political campaigns, citizens young, old, and in between watch for anything to help or hinder favorite candidates of whatever moment, depending on who is liked or not on any given day. That's the normal nature of the decision-making process. It's a very human thing.
This year has yielded an unusually wide two-party candidate field. It has now narrowed as far as it will go, with two major teams before us.
Along the way, we follow mountains of words that march across news reports, debates, interviews, and ads until we feel like experts on every eyelash above candidates' eyes as well as their sometimes quirky comments.
Political rhetoric has been lobbed across lines of experience, records, associates, age, histories, genealogies, houses, cars, motorcades, insiders, outsiders, scandals, potential scandals, and all the other typical stuff of campaigns.
We have little to no idea how much of any report is true or somewhat accurate or absolutely false or the stuff of wishful thinking. It's not much different from the times of the colonial town-crier, yelling out this headline or that!
The recent VP-candidate announcement tells us the end of this season's campaign battles is nearer than ever. Along the edges of oceans of information, we gaze to see, thankfully, that we now have fewer candidates to keep an eye on.
We will not get all of what we expected, no matter who wins another historical event in the upcoming election. As our ancestors before us, we will either be disappointed or surprised over the performance of the man that ends up in that chair behind the Oval Office desk.
Some voters will be gleefully disappointed by the bad reports sure to come or sadly surprised by the good reports.
At that point, the usual indicators will matter less than reality. The reality of who ended up there will sink in. The reality of candidates' character strengths and weaknesses, truthfulness or avoidance, knowledge or good spin, dramatic effects or important decisions will sink in.
And what are the usual indicators for how all of us will behave so that the outcome that happens can happen?
---Many among us will vote based on feelings with some facts thrown in.
---Some among us will vote from fear.
---Others among us will vote from a sense of pride or relief.
---A few or more among us will vote from anger.
---Lots of voters among us will vote with hope that we're making the correct choice based on the country's needs now.
---All of us will vote without being coerced, threatened, or forced to make our choice public! Those are precious freedoms not guaranteed in all "democracies" or in any non-democratic systems.
Every historical indicator says that the outcome will be known soon or later, depending on modern voting apparatus, absentee ballots, challenges, cell phones, or chads. Most of all, we seek the independence and peace of our homeland, a goal that democracy works hard to keep and to make real.
Won't you be glad when this is over, though, even as you know how important it is whom we elect to lead this country for the next four years? Do you think often about how important it is that the winning candidate surround himself with people of good character, a sense of history, and knowledge of key issues and good judgments?
May there be more reasonable days ahead of us. The televised interviews from Saddleback church recently showed the wisdom of reason. Both candidates had opportunity freely to express themselves. I did not see the sense in Rick Warren's idea when it was first announced. But the way he handled it indicated to millions that it was a good plan.
On the other hand, I dearly hope there will not be more fog of high drama that has clouded much of this process. I look forward to November 4, a day for clarity and choice regarding the next U. S. president.
It is every citizen's duty to vote, required by the conscience of every American of voting age. Listening carefully to candidates, whether we have time or not, is another mandate of conscience.
Informed voting is part of our freedom and participation in a free society called a democracy. Citizens have given their livelihoods, reputations, or even their lives to ensure our freedoms that we freely enjoy. I hope to vote early that Tuesday. I hope every voter will desire to indicate where our hopes lie as a nation.
It bears repeating: America remains the best free, democratic republic on earth. History indicates that to continue to develop as such a country we need informed voting action as well as complaining or convincing words! Help get out the vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2008!
I will definitely do my part to vote on Nov.4. I will also be extremely glad when the process is final. I understand that we need to make informed decisions and on what we believe will support our country and citizens. I am however tired of the rhetoric and slander of who is supposedly doing what. I would like to post a huge sign that reads...Would the candidates step up and be real. Please tell us the truth of what you really are capable of doing and how you propose to do so. Please stop riding the ticket and blow us smoke of what you think we want to hear. Now that I am done venting, I will just pray that God gives us the discernment and wisdom to make the right decision when Nov 4 comes. God bless you.
Jane, I vote based who I agree with on the most issues. I try not to be affected by emotion or judge any candidate by his or her show of emotion or lack thereof. And I certainly don't take into consideration who is the most "presidential" -- whatever that means. Also, I'm not going to let world events influence my decision or be frightened by the prospect of some theoretical 3 a.m. phone call.
BTW, does anyone really think it'll ever be over? As soon as one election ends, the next one begins. Unfortunately, that's the reality in today's political environment. It's like the NBA and NHL. As soon as one season is over, they start preparing for the next. There's never really any off-season.
Terry, I wish more voters would pay attention like that, and I wish more non-voters would at least try to care and vote! Thanks for the comments. And no, I fear the 2012 election will start before Jan '09. I wonder if enough of us can get the point across that we are not interested...yet! Thanks for commenting.~Jane Respond to this comment
Jane, a really good article but hoping for these candidates and our politicians to step up and address the issues many average Americans, lower middle income and the poor see staring them right in the face every single say is well sadly to be naive. Our own silver spooned President says it best. His America has no problems. Yes one only needs to understand the goal, objective, agenda to understand why. If you listen, now I said listen, you will always hear very distinctly and even as Ted Kennedy spoke last night the reference to the "WORLD", their problems, their needs, their hardships and what America needs to do for the World. What of wehere in America being forced from our homes. No not because of coveting as many might express, no because of Greed, exploitation and all the rest. The truth before God almighty is right there. That is for those who can see and care to see. Good job but unfortunately, the word of this century only 50% of eligible voters will vote, the other 50% default. They just do not see any real difference and frankly they are right. Best wishes, Robert
Robert, I always value your comments. Keep on trying to wake people up and I'll keep on hoping! You are right--the problems here at home are at crisis for many people and need first attention. I don't agree with the numbers of people who have intentionally defaulted because their home value went down in the middle of this mess, which is what a mortgage broker told me has happened at her bank. They can pay their mortgages, but they don't want to anymore because their house value dropped and they don't want to see if it will rise in the next two years, even a little. Both the lack of regulation of home loans and almost unlimited credit without questions lack the basic of common sense and economic sense. The banks went crazy! Thanks for writing!~Jane Respond to this comment
Jane I agree with you many are taking the route you described. It is another symptom of our nation. However, please remember, there is no real help for peopleuntil they are in default. Once they miss a payment they can renegotiate their rate. That is the only change they get. Have you read my article on foreclosure? If not that should give you a factual idea of just what is happening not just what people hear or think. Let me know what you think? Now they can sell short to an investor, they can write off a percentage of the loan, but they can't seem to help people in distress who own a home they can never repay? Plus Jane they have now passed all the risk over to us, the taxpayers and yet we still want these politicians and we still believe them. I am so perplexed and bewildered, how? Jane, then again how about this one? They never and I do mean never or rarely if ever speak to usury. I defy anyone to tell me where these candidates speak to the usury on Credit Card debts, Obama, looked the other way. A fact they just don't care to address any of them. Yet, it is usury by any definition. Honor, I'm sorry, none to be found. Professors in Christ, really? Jane you write well and bring issues to the fore, yet these politicians need to be held accountable. I enjoy your work and thoughts, Robert
Robert, I have been out of the loop for a while and going out again soon, due to events, travel, & a funeral. Thank you for your encouragement always. I am reading your comments again and still reflecting on them. Until later, Godspeed to your efforts to wake people up! Until next time, ~Jane
» left by dennis from west palm beach (32 days 13 hours ago.)
Thanks for this article to remind voters to use the voters rights in this crucial election. Each and every eligible voters must vote in this historical election. Thanks
Dear Citizen:
Are you ready yet for the November 4th Elections? How about your friends, family, and neighbors?
More Americans are expected to vote this year than ever before in history, so don’t be left out! Be sure to ask everyone you know the following questions:
Are you registered to vote? If you moved recently, have you updated your voter registration?
Did you apply for an Absentee Ballot? Do you know your state may not require any reason?
Can you find your local Polling Place? Do you know it may have changed from last time?
Hi, Dennis, those are good reminders. Voting is one of the greatest
privileges of democracy, along with a free and reliable press.
Regardless of who wins, I hope all voters will have a great degree of
confidence in a free and fair election. Thanks for your comments. Respond to this comment
Dennis, A postscript to my response: Our key freedoms include not only voting and a free, reliable press, but also freedom of speech and of religion and worship. I hope every voter will be sure to be registered, to prepare to vote, and to check out in advance their present assigned voting place, as you mentioned. Terrific advice. ~Jane Respond to this comment
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