(2)......so I was thinking....

This November will be very interesting. Actually it is a time that I was looking forward to with great anticipation. For years I have followed politics, somewhat closely, and have certainly felt the affects of more than a few of the decisions that law-makers have made. I’ve listened to those around me who have eloquently made their own opinions of the state of our nation known, some of whom I agreed with and many I did not. In fact the old saying that opinions are much like noses (insert laughter here), everyone seems to have one seems to fit perfectly!

I have my own opinion as well. Decisions are made everyday, on every level by our elected government officials. From city planners, to school board members, all the way up the ladder to president. Yet, we focus on the presidential election mostly because it is forced upon us at times much like babies are coerced into eating foul tasting strained peas, just because it seems that someone, somewhere believes it to be good for us. I ask why? Why is it good for me? I am participating in my first presidential election and I am already jaded by it all. The media coverage, the nonsense, the meaningless comments. From what I have seen, apparently becoming a candidate for president actually requires an immature quality of paybacks and sticking your tongue out at your competition.

As for meaningless comments, can someone with a vagina lead our nation? I mean really! Doesn’t whoever coined this particular question mean to ask, can a woman lead our country? Afterall, I am not a science major but all my reasoning tells me that in fact only women have vaginas. Perhaps our nation isn’t ready for a woman as a leader, however, if you really look at what women are capable of perhaps they are more qualified than the male gender. Do we want to decide based solely on sex, or race, or religious preferences who shall be our leader? Or shall we take the path less traveled these days and actually look at the facts of who might have the experience, ideals, compassion, integrity, and strength to lead us during such trying times. To say the least, I am unimpressed. I would like to just write in a name on my ballot, if I could think of someone who deserved the opportunity.

I long for a time from history when a strong leader meant someone who was not living in their senior years, perhaps someone who has recently served in our military instead of remembering what it was like forty or so years ago. Or, just someone who really stands out, makes a good impression, or simply is good looking enough on camera. But what it seems we have is four candidates who any on their own come up short. Indeed, if we could mold them all together, we might have a qualified candidate. The experience of McCain, Bidden’s seemingly good sense, the woman’s compassion and sensitivity, and the ideals that the nation can heal from Obama. Each have great qualities, yet none stand out alone.

But back to my point. We all have noses. And, no matter what your opinion is we have the right to vote in this election. A right that not everyone on this planet has and one that is taken mostly for granted here in the United States. I will decide who shall receive my vote in November, but not only for the big election but also for all the little ones; believing that all of our government officials count when you look at the big picture. Afterall, one day perhaps one of the county officials will aspire to lead our nation and I for one would like to say, 'I knew them when.'

Our right to vote was paid for by our ancestors, and even today in remote places where we would not think of standing alone, there are men and women who are in situations, defending freedom, standing there for us. They serve, defend, and occupy places where freedom isn’t taken for granted, elections are celebrated, even if doing so is dangerous. Many have died fighting for what we take for granted. It is my right to vote, it is our obligation.