FRED'S BLOG

Your Vote Matters

Posted: 2010-08-25 14:00:54

I'm a centrist. I really don't belong to any one political party. I'd like to think that I'm issues driven. I could side with one issue that might be proposed by Republicans, or I could support another from the Democrats. Unfortunately, like too many Americans, I've seen a complete disconnect for many years between our government, regardless of whom has been in power, and the citizens that they swore to represent. 

The current Congress has an approval rating of 11%, the lowest rating since the 70s. For single boomers, that's most of our adult life! Our current President's approval rating, once in the 70+% bracket is now in the high 40s. Eventually people do get it. It might take awhile, but they eventually do speak out when they think that something is not right. In less than 70 days you will be called on to step up and vote for new members of Congress. I know that some of you are apolitical and apathetic. You really don't think that your vote matters. But, your future and the future of your children and their children are critically dependent upon the choices that you can make. Try not to make lock step decisions. Political parties are constantly changing as new leadership comes into power. And, irrespective of who is at the head of the executive branch, remember, it is the legislative branch of government who makes the laws. Try to decide upon the issues, and who might be best at resolving them. Forget about the party the Congressmen represent. Discover if they represent your point of view. Do some work so that you can make a better, more informed decision, because without too much hyperbole, this will surely be one of the most important elections of our lifetime.

Our founding fathers were often at severe odds with each other. Their points of view as to what was best for our young country often differed greatly. On election day you have the ability, in the spirit of your founders, to do what you... Read more