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A few days ago some of my friends started sending massive amounts of emails about the upcoming caucuses and Presidential election. After getting to the point where no one could keep up with the conversion, rubyrigby proposed that we start this blog so we can organize our thoughts about the political events that will be occurring between now and the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of 2008 (thats 20 months from now if you’re counting). Well, as intriguing as this whole process is to me personally, I’d like to use my first blog on here as a reflection of past events, because the past is what will take us where we are going.
In November of 2000, I was a freshman at Ithaca College, and while my knowledge of the political landscape in America was admittedly very weak at the time, I knew enough to know that the outcome of the election would have a dramatic effect on my future as a citizen not only of the country, but the world. I remember thinking how odd it was that the first Presidential election I was able to vote in could dictate how I and everyone I know lived the rest of our lives. When I filled out my absentee ballot to send in (I was a resident of NJ in school in NY), I checked the box next to Al Gore’s name, knowing that he was going to win the election and lead us in the right direction. In my mind at the time, I couldn’t comprehend that what I wanted to happen wouldn’t. Granted, this confident thought process became part of my life during the NY Yankees dynasty of winning 4 of the previous 5 World Series, but I was determined that whatever I wanted to happen on the world stage would happen.
Well, fast forward 4 years, and George Bush was running for re-election in 2004, not Al Gore. By this point, I came to realize that the reality of life is that what I think is best for the country just might not be what the rest of the country thinks. And, most of the time, I’m now ok with this. I love the fact that we live in a country where everyone has an opportunity to vote (for the moment I’m intentionally leaving the age bias against those under 18 out of this), and if the country as a whole votes for something or someone that I don’t like, at least I can be satisfied that other people are getting what they wanted. The part of this equation that frustrates me is those people who vote strictly across party lines because they feel obligated to, or the people who don’t vote at all because they say their vote doesn’t make a difference.
I know what my values and belief system are, and I would hope that everyone who votes believes as strongly in what they believe as I do in what I believe. For those who don’t vote, I can only hope that in some way, this group of blogs will help you to understand that your thoughts do matter, that your vote does count, and that this country will only be stronger because you are making and expressing your informed decision. And if you feel you don’t have the time to make an informed decision, you can always write in Mickey Mouse on the ballot.
Hello all, and welcome to the close look at the 2008 presidential election. This year will host one of the most exciting elections in recent history, as it is the first time in the last 80 years with no incumbent! President Bush also has some of the lowest approval ratings in history, and this country is crying out for a change.
We are a group of young professionals working in various fields ranging from doctorate student, PR professional, property manager, and medical illustrator. But we have gathered together to share our thoughts on the upcoming election, by taking a close look at the candidates and the issues. Following the election from candidates throwing their hat in the ring to the debates.
We’d like to think that we’ll be able to stimulate some civil political debate and discussion, learn a thing or two about the candidates, and amuse ourselves in the process. Therefore, any comments we receive will be greatly appreciated. And if we can’t do all that, well either way I’ll be amused.
Enjoy!
