For justice for all

So I’m stepping out of my normal pattern to write to you, because I feel it must be done. I’m not going to write to you, in hopes to sway you one way or the other. My blogs of information pointing out positive or negative attributes to either major party of the election will go on hold for the next few days, because it’s time for us to band together.

Regardless of your opinions or feelings either way in this 2008 presidential election, I hope that you’ll step back and listen, as this goes out to all.

I have a sad feeling that this election will be decided not by those swing voters alone, but by those voting within their party lines because that’s what they know. I’ve traveled over a thousand miles in the past week, from Pennsylvania to New Hampshire and back, and I am saddened to see the same patterns as before.

My point is this - voting within your party lines because that’s what you know and are comfortable with will in no way help resolve any problems we have, currently are having, and will face in the future. Basing your voting on whatever party you are from will not help decide the best candidate for the presidency.

Elections are not competitions for voters, no matter what the parties and candidates may try and tell you. Yes, they are competitions for the candidates themselves, but it is up to us to listen, decide, and elect the best possible candidate to the office of president. A candidate may win the competition, but without proper consideration and decisions made by the people, we may lose. By blindly voting for a candidate because they stand as the choice for our parties, we may unintentionally give the power and control of the presidency to someone who is not the best-suited individual.

I ask that in the ever dwindling days before the election, we all reassess and examine our choices for every office we are voting - president, state representative, or local offices. Think about the issues that really matter to you, your family, and the nation as a whole, and look at the candidates and where they stand. Read their platforms and plans on education, foreign policy, health care, and spending, don’t just listen to the television and radio ads - look it up for yourself.

Step back from whatever position you have and listen again to the debate performances, look at the ads he supported, and examine the ideals for which each candidate stands. Look at the styles, understanding, air, and approach of their public appearance, presentation, and acceptance.

I hope you base your decisions and votes on your personal feelings, beliefs and considerations. I hope that come Election Day, you have a good understanding of both (major) candidates and where they stand on the issues, so that come the next president’s term, we do not find ourselves questioning our decisions again.

No matter which way you decide to vote, I hope you do it with confidence and complete consideration. When asked why you support one issue or another, I hope you’ll be able to answer with interest and knowledge, and the willingness to debate and discuss.