Okay, so although I've read blogs from other people, I've never written one on my own. The reason? EVERYBODY MUST VOTE!!!!!

Regardless of your beliefs, or political affiliation, everybody needs to exercise their right to cast a vote. My mother traveled with the Freedom Riders in the south registering voters during the Civil RIghts movement. For us to ignore this fundamental right, is absolutely shameful. People have bled and died just for the opportunity to express their opinion. Although we consider it a right (and many take it for granted), in many countries they don't share this blessing.

Finally, although I hadn't meant this to be about my personal politics, I'll express (I'm sure to no one's surprise) that I'll be voting for Barack Obama in 3 days (I'm counting the minutes). My reasons are many, but here's the Reader's Digest version: I not only agree with Barack's policies on the economy and social programs, but I also believe that it's time we turned our back on the Bush doctrine of preemptive strikes. This has weakened our position as a world leader and dismantled whatever ethical cache we've built up over the years. In addition, we have a unique opportunity to elect a man that represents something bigger than himself, and can inspire a country (and subsequently the world) to strive for ideals like Hope and Freedom and Prosperity. This is not hyperbole. I believe that we as a HUMAN RACE have an obligation to our children and our brothers and sisters around the world.

Anyway, I'm climbing off of my soap box. Please... VOTE. This may be the most important election of our lifetimes. Don't stand silent. Don't turn around when your children and grandchildren ask whom you voted for in this historic election and answer: "Well, the lines were too long so I didn't vote..!!!"

Love one another, and be good to each other.

Tariqh


EDIT:

Hi guys, thanks so much for your responses. First off, GO VOTE!!! Secondly, I've received responses from both sides of the aisle. I've chosen to only post those that have a positive message versus those that I feel run down the other candidate (either candidate). If you'll notice, I never said anything overtly negative about John McCain in my post. I have a great deal of respect for him, and although I'm a lifelong liberal, thought that if he'd ran in 2000, I might have voted for him. For those of you that are voting McCain/Palin, I have no problem posting your responses if they are POSITIVE McCain as long as they are not negative Obama (and vice versa). I don't like the mudslinging and party lines, so I'd rather hear WHY you are voting for McCain or Obama versus why you WON'T vote for the other candidate.

Thanks all. T