oh crap.

you know, i understand when people say that they dont like to watch the news or be involved in politics because its too depressing. i really do understand the distaste for it. the problem is that its like a little kid thinking that if they cant see you, you cant see them. just because you hide from the reality that is the shit storm enveloping the US, doesnt mean its not there.

your ignorance isnt helping. its hurting. the worst possible thing for the US is that in our democratic elections everyone gets to vote regardless of how educated, informed, or intelligent they happen to be. while it is a beautiful thing that everyone gets a voice, its scary that people who have no idea what our leaders face will have a say in picking those very leaders. the founders of the US tried to solve that problem with the electoral college, which is little insulation. the best solution is a well informed electorate, which brings us back to those folks with hands clamped over their ears and eyes shut tight. if youre hiding from the world, how can you possibly think that you can choose the leader who will best be able to guide us through it?

i am all for voting and democracy, but i am also all for knowing who you are voting for and why you are doing it. know the issues. know the candidates. if i ask you why you are voting one way or another and you cant formulate a real reason, you need to do some more research. if was to ask which candidate you favor based on foreign policy, you ought to have an answer with more substance that 'McCain is just like Bush' or 'Obama is too inexperienced.' you ought to be able to talk about how McCain has been provoking Russia for years with Cold War rhetoric or how Obama is willing to sit down an talk with everyone and anyone without any conditions.

the point is, its a big scary world out there, and we need a leader who can show us the way through it all. if youre tuning out the world at large in favor of celebrity gossip, or sports, or music, you need to think seriously about November 4th. if you plan on casting a ballot, please know why. dont just vote for the guy who you want to have a beer with. dont vote for the black guy. dont vote for the spunky girl. a single word or simple catch phrase arent enough in the times we are facing ahead. if you plan to cast a ballot know who you are voting for and why. democrat or republican, green or libertarian, dont let party lines dictate your vote. decide for yourself who is best equipped to take on the challenges that will arise. know the issues and know the candidates.

please vote, and please be an informed voter. what is at stake is far too important to be reduced to a popularity contest.




the spark that started this fire.