Chicalorado

If there is one right we get as Americans that I think is most important, I would have to go with the right to vote. We as normal people do not normally get to participate in the daily happenings of our government, but for one day, we get our voices heard loud and clear. That’s what makes voting so special. For just one day, we get to tell our government what to do, instead of the other way around.

Here in Colorado, aside from electing a new governor and state representatives, we had the opportunity today to decide on an almost overwhelming amount of issues, ranging from equal rights for same sex couples, raising the minimum wage, legalizing marijuana, and raising taxes to fund pre-schools. I have really enjoyed voting on ballot measures since I’ve lived here. I think it’s much more important to give the voters the choice instead of relying on politicians that much of the time are out of touch with normal constituents. Look at Colorado’s own Marrilyn Musgrave. Aside from being named one of the most corrupt members of Congress in the most corrupt Congress ever, she thinks the most important issue facing America today is gay marriage. Yeah that’s right, gay marriage.We’ve lost almost 3,000 men in the war in Iraq. We have North Korea test firing nuclear weapons. Iran and Syria are also emerging as threats. Global warming is slowly melting our polar ice caps that will one day turn Manhattan and Florida into Atlantis. The soccer moms in their gas-guzzling SUVs are depleting our natural resources. Social Security looks doomed. But God forbid a couple that loves each other want to get married. This woman has lost all touch with the pulse of the public as well as reality. That’s why it’s so important to vote. When politicians forget about you, you have to remind them what you want and what you stand for. Remember, they are supposed to be representing us, not telling us what to believe. That’s what democracy is, “of the people.”

I’ve never understood how people can be so opinionated yet so unmotivated and lazy to actually vote. And of course, these are the ones that complain the most. Lets keep this simple, if you don’t vote, shut up. You don’t deserve to complain if you can’t even take a few minutes out of your day to cast your ballot. You lose that right. Now, I’m not telling you to subscribe to the Wall St. Journal, watch three hours of PBS a night and be able to write a dissertation on school vouchers. You just need to get off the couch and do your duty as an American.

This is a very crucial election. With G.W.’s approval ratings hovering around 35% and the Iraq war having about the same popularity as Steve Bartman in Chicago, it’s time for change. And the best way to change Congress is to change who goes to Congress.

Do your American duty. Vote. Even if you’re going to vote Republican. Let your voice be heard. Vote.