To vote, or not to vote:

I just voted for the first time today.  I know that my vote won't have any effect on the outcome of this general election, but I am glad that I voted nonetheless.  It is an exciting new chapter of my life, and one that I hope to pursue responsibly.  Just knowing that I was planning on voting has forced me to look a little deeper into issues that I would normally not even think about.  I believe things could be different if people were more politically active.  The problem is that too many people would rather just "leave politics to the politicians" or think that there participation doesn't really matter anyway.  This is not true.  Strong lobbying against the federal government has been a effective check on legislation throughout the history of our country.  These large interest groups started as small groups, which consisted of individual members, who came together to make their voice heard.  

Start small: learn what your own interests in government are, and try to recognize what kind of effect the outcome of this election is going to have on you personally.  Having a voice in government starts when you know what you want to say.  For me, voting has been a small step in this direction, and I hope it can be the same for other first time voters out there.

Don't think, "To vote, or not to vote: that is the question."  Don't make it a question; just go do it.  I encourage everyone who reads this today, if you have not voted yet, please go out and make your voice heard, even if you are the only one who is listening.  

Please feel free to leave a comment about your election day experience.  November 4, 2008.  

 

It has been exactly one year, to the day, since I last posted.  That's a disgrace to the good and useful nature of blogger.  My new resolution for One lively ghost town, is that I will be able to utilize it in way that will really encourage others to be engaged and give me some feedback.  My only request upon my return is that you all will try to leave me some comments.  I don't care whether or not they are good or bad, just as long as they are honest.  Also feel free to ask questions if you don't understand my reasoning.  I welcome your thoughts and comments, and value your opinions. 

P.S. this is not a sign of weakness

Untitled

Man dreams and pines to take to the sky,

But always has had the power to fly.

We know that we can, so we feel that we must,

But in doing the deed lose our faith, hope, and trust.

We want, we need, we think we feel,

Something so good it must be real,

But desire and love must endure to the end,

Working each one, the other to defend.

I long to pull close every good thing I see,

But God, in his mercy, has a better plan for me.

Better than rubies! We're instructed to seek,

She who is righteous, mild, and meek.

The path of righteousness hath greater worth,

Then any of the pleasures we may find here on earth.

Footnote: When I say, "lose our faith", I'm not implying that we can lose our eternal salvation, but that we lose our general sense of trust in ourselves and the people around us.