My first, last and only political post.

I have a few friends that don't vote. I understand that it is their right not to just as it is my right to place my vote. I have heard several reasons why ranging from 1) I don't know enough about the candidates to make an educated vote,
2) My one vote isn't going to make a difference, 3) I didn't vote because I trust God has a plan and who am I to interfere.

I have thought long and hard about it and the more I think about it, the more agitated I get. In order to try and not turn this into complete word vomit, I will address the one at a time.

Not knowing enough about the candidates is just plain laziness. It is so easy to gather information about them and where they stand on certain topics. At the very least, watch the debates. See how each candidate treats the other and how they present themselves. Read an article, talk to people, get curious! I just can't understand why you wouldn't when the government has such a huge impact on your day to day life.

I'll admit, I often think that my vote isn't going to count because there has got to be someone out there that is voting for the other guy and is therefore cancelling my vote out. Right? In essence, yes but who is to say that your vote doesn't count. If we all took a passive approach and just let other people take the responsibility, then you are more likely to end up with less ideas. Like they say, two heads are better than one. Who is to say that what you think doesn't count!? By not casting your ONE vote, you are making yourself insignificant. You are resigning to defeat.

Lastly, and probably the most controversial point when considering my upbringing and my current feelings on religion in general but I digress, is those that don't vote because they feel God has a plan and it will be however he deems no matter if they vote or not. It reminds me of the story of the man who stayed in his home during a flood. He is approached three times by others that were willing to help him and save him and yet he repeatedly turned them down stating God would save him. He couldn't see the forest for the trees. Each person that stopped was God providing an escape. God provided for you to vote so that you can in essence 'save yourself.' To not utilize the means seems overtly contradictory. Maybe it is jealousy of the complete faith or maybe it is my common sense module doing into brain-goo inducing overdrive. Either way, to not vote based on any of these reasons seems such a waste.

Not everyone in this world has the ability to vote based on what they feel is right. It is a priveledge that I think is often taken for granted. Now I wont go so far as to say not to vote is going to cause our forefathers to roll over in their graves but I'm thinking they wouldn't be exactly thrilled. In essence, it is your right to vote for Michael Jackson if you wanted to or just abstain from the election process all together, but it is also my right to think you are a bloomin' butt for not.

All I can say now is at least it is all over with... for now.