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2/19/2008

Help Me Obi-Wan Kylenobi, You're My Only Hope

I turned 18 right before the 1988 Presidential election and was very excited to participate. I vote every chance I get and do feel like it's a civic duty. I understand there are a lot of excuses people have to not bother. I do think if our system was less complicated and uniform across states, there might be a higher turnout. I do believe that if you don't vote, you can't complain.

My youngest brother turned 18 a few months before the last Presidential election. Even though I live across the country, I did what I could to help him get registered and he didn't get it done in time. I was disappointed.

Politics is a rather sticky wicket in my family for some very good reasons that I won't go into. The issues range from apathy to staunch conservatism. I have hope that some of the next generation will get involved and take part in the process. I spoke to the youngest one tonight and begged him to vote. He was actually knowledgeable about the candidates and I might have gotten through. I have several months to work on him. I did leave him with this thought, "Just think about it this way. You could cancel out your grandmother's vote," which gave us a good laugh.

It's not about imposing my views onto my brother, but to open up a discussion and encourage him to be a part of the process. I'm a little optimistic. He truly is the best hope at this point.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I could not agree more. Everyone that can vote...SHOULD vote! No excuse not too. If you don't vote, then keep your complaints to yourself. =)

Anonymous said...

Yup. If you don't vote, don't complain about what you end up with!

Joanne said...

I am a big fan of voting. I'm a bit sad that in WA, we will no longer be going to the polling places - doing absentee ballot only. (Hmm I wonder if I have to register for that). We don't talk politics in my family either... as the commie pinko bedwetter in a family of raging Republicans I have to be wary.

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