Vote

[only_more_love]

T minus seven days till November 4th, 2008, otherwise known as Election Day here in the U.S.

I'm going to be posting this every day through then because I believe so strongly in exercising this privilege and responsibility.  If that bugs you, skip these posts. 

If you're a U.S. citizen who's old enough to vote, please do so.  If you've voted early, thank you.

Yes, we have an electoral college; vote anyway.

Vote because things are bad and getting worse.

Vote because in another place, in another time, you wouldn't have the chance to do it.

Vote because people fight, kill, and die for that opportunity.

Vote because you don't think the world can take another four years that look like the eight preceding it.

Vote because you want leaders you'd like to have coffee or a beer with. 

Vote because you want leaders who are smarter, calmer, and more thoughtful than you.

Vote because you don't believe having an education makes you an elitist.

Vote because you don't believe a man's middle name dictates his path or illustrates his beliefs.

Vote if you love Fox News Channel.

Vote if MSNBC is your drug of choice.

Vote if the Ashley Todd hoax made you sick.

Vote because the "last lynching" in the U.S. took place in 1981.

Vote even if you think politics sucks.

Vote even if you think government is a joke.

Vote even if you think fandom is more important and more fun.

Vote even if you think you're choosing between multiple evils.

Vote despite your apathy and cynicism and the little voice that says, "It doesn't matter."

Vote because of your enthusiasm and optimism.

Vote because this is your home and your country and our world.

Vote so you can tell your kids/pet/friends/family you did. 

Vote because you can.

Just vote.

Comments

[heather-berry78.livejournal.com]

I've been hijacking threads on voting left, right and centre.

I'm not from the US, I can't vote in your election and nor do I want to (edit - because I can vote here in my own country - I want you guys to do what needs to be done.....!)...but I add my strongest support to this thread - please vote if you are able. What affects your country affects my country. We do live in a global community no matter what it might look like some days. I believe things can and will be better.

Ta muchly.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

We do live in a global community no matter what it might look like some days.

Absofuckinglutely, to quote Big from Sex and the City.

[(Anonymous)]

I wish I could vote there!! President of U.S is almost the president of the whole world. Everyone should can vote!!!

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Everyone should can vote!!!

Agreed!

[bertie456.livejournal.com]

*waits for outcome of the US general election with interest*
Good idea to post this every day.

Also, happy Diwali if you're celebrating it today. :)

[tempertemper77.livejournal.com]

Also, happy Diwali if you're celebrating it today. :)

Oh yes, I meant to say this too. Joe brought sweets home last week from nursery and when I asked what they were for, told me: "For Happy Vidali" - cuteness!

[bertie456.livejournal.com]

Aww, that's adorable! *smooshes*

Also meant to add to my original post: Lerdo, thank you for reminding me of the journalistic hilarity that is Fox News. I'd never watched it before this summer but caught some of it when they were presenting coverage of Obama's speech at the Dem. Convention. It was... interesting.
(TT, if the Daily Mail had a news channel, it would be this one.)

[heather-berry78.livejournal.com]

(TT, if the Daily Mail had a news channel, it would be this one.)

LOL absolutely true......now there is a ranting post for another day!

[tempertemper77.livejournal.com]

*groans*

My Nana buys that, 'Just for the crosswords, dear, you know I cannot stand that tory drivel they print.' Hmm, yes Nana, other papers do have a crossword you know... *despairs*

[heather-berry78.livejournal.com]

that is EXACTLY what mother says *facepalm*

[tempertemper77.livejournal.com]

*snorts*

No way?!

What are they like? :D

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Yes, Fox News is interesting. That's one word for it. *g* I watch when I want to point and laugh or see what journalism is NOT. Sean Hannity, in particular, is a paragon of journalistic integrity; the man won't let other people talk. He just talks OVER them.

Fox News is to journalism what crack cocaine is to prescription medication.

[bertie456.livejournal.com]

LMAO at the crack cocaine comparison. I'd heard bad things but had no idea how bad it actually was till I watched it.

My favourite example was when they were talking about the Greek pillar style scenery at the Dem. Con. and every other channel was saying, "The backdrop is reminiscent of the Lincoln Memorial and the buildings in DC, etc. etc." while Fox News was like "OMG, it's a Greek temple! He thinks he's a god!!1!" *headdesk* Funny but horrifying at the same time.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

I didn't celebrate, but thank you! And that's such a cute story. *g* Give Joe a big kiss for me.

It's interesting to me that both you and Bertie, two Brits, mentioned Diwali. That's not something about which many non-Indians here in the U.S. have an awareness. I am speaking very generally, of course.

[tempertemper77.livejournal.com]

I think I might not have realised it was now if not for the school, but I have been brought up knowing about most religious festivals... and British schools have to teach children about them - part of the national curriculum :)

ETA: Joe doesn't deserve the kiss right now, but I'll pass it on.. he screamed all the way to his child minder today - oh well, I have the next two days off, so all good :)

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

I think the world is collectively holding its breath...

And I didn't celebrate Diwali, but thank you for the good wishes! :) (Hope those people didn't keep you up too late. *g*)

[la-tante.livejournal.com]

you rock so hard. can i post this too?

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

As long as there's attribution, be my guest. :) Voting matters!

[simplyn2deep.livejournal.com]

My former Political Science teacher has a petition to abolish the Electoral College. He’s also running for Senate, I believe (I get Congress and Senate mixed up)

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

I agree with your former teacher.

[simplyn2deep.livejournal.com]

It's been a while since I learned about the electoral college so the way he explained it, a majority of the class agreed with his reasons for wanting it abolished. I need to get back in touch with him to see what stages his petition is at

[tempertemper77.livejournal.com]

Vote because this is your home and your country and our world.

Yes, yes, YES!

And I'd like to add one: Vote because I can't from here, and I'd dearly like to. What your country does effects us all.

ETA: My new icon (and Obama) FTW ;)

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

hahahah "That one." *g* That was a great debate moment.

The cliche is true -- it's a small world, after all.

[leah1813.livejournal.com]

Sometimes I think Canadians should be voting in your election considering just how much everything that America does effects us. Our economies, medias, foreign policies (besides Iraq) are inextricably entwined. I'm hoping we've elected a PM that will move us in our own direction, but for now it is a reality.

Our voter turn out this year was around 59 percent. Devastating so I loved your post and when it comes down to it all you can really say to such an apathetic generation is to vote just because its your right, even if you don't think it will make a difference.

I'll be eagerly following the proceedings. In fact I think more Canadians will tune in to the broadcasts on the fourth than they did on October fourteenth.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

Voter apathy is a sad, sad thing. I understand why people feel that way, but I really wish people would vote anyway. They're taking for granted a right and a duty that many people still don't have.

The world is shrinking; it makes perfect sense that non-Americans would like to vote in the U.S. election.

[ladysophiekitty.livejournal.com]

I wish I could vote :(

This election terrifies me a bit, and I await with knots in my stomach and feeling bad because I can't be a part of it or help at all.

At least I can next election!

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

If you could, you would. :) You have the rest of your life to vote.

[siapom.livejournal.com]

*nods*

That's it exactly! And, after standing in - and later seeing - the lines for early voting... Boy am I glad I'm already done! :)

[heather-berry78.livejournal.com]

That is so encouraging though!

[siapom.livejournal.com]

Fully agreed! Especially since the line I was in was a slice of everything that is America. Young, old, white, black, latino/a, veterans, current members of the armed forces... You name it. Everyone was there to vote. People of different faiths were talking and debating - trying to sway last minute votes. :) It was incredible.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

*cheers* That's awesome.

Thanks for voting.

[makd.livejournal.com]

Excellent!

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

:) *oohs and aahs at your icon*

[lizook12.livejournal.com]

Yes.

I'm kinda intrigued to see what lines are like here in our little town next Tuesday. There seems to be so much more interest than last election.

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

There seems to be so much more interest than last election.

That's really encouraging to hear.

[bea-tricks.livejournal.com]

*is really really hoping that the LA county online voter registration verification system just hasn't had all the information entered yet and that the US postal service didn't lose her form*

*is going to throw a shitfit if this is not the case*

[lerdo.livejournal.com]

:( Hope that gets straightened out.

[bea-tricks.livejournal.com]

well, apparently they're not finished processing registration applications since there are a gazillion people here. (and a gazillion voters, fortunately) i wish they said that they're still working on it someplace on the website!

the nice thing about living in cali is that i know where our electoral votes are going, and we have the most of em. the flip side of that is that my vote would be more helpful in, say, ohio.