A Civic Responsibility

Election time is quickly approaching.  The first caucuses are just days away. 

I have heard some disturbing comments made over the past few days --- people who are planning on voting for candidates based on "hotness", or cute shoes.  I've heard a 20 something say that she is tired of looking at Presidents who "wear nothing but suits and ties, and she wants to see them mix it up a bit." 

NO!  NO!  NO!

Electing the next President of the United States is a solemn responsibility.  It is the responsibility of every U.S. citizen of voting age to put in some serious research on our candidates, and to make the best choice to represent our country.

I feel as if our nation is at a crossroads.  There is much chaos abroad, and a stumbling economy here at home.  We need a leader who can lead.  Someone who has the vision to see where our country could go.  This person should have the ability to put together a respected team of leaders in their fields who will be able to give the best possible advice to guide our nation.  They also need to have the ability to work with foreign leaders.  Not only to negotiate agreements, but to work within the bounds of diplomacy to accomplish great things in the future.  Remember the saying made famous by Teddy Roosevelt:  Talk softly and carry a big stick.  

Even more important, will your candidate be able to work with people on both sides of the aisle?  Will they be able to reach across, build consensus and get bills passed?  The last 8 years have been remarkable for their contentiousness.  Much has been argued, the government has been shut down, and the debt has continued to grow.  But, has much been accomplished?  Our nation is crying for a leader who can work with Republicans and Democrats alike to go about the business of running the country.

Only you can decide which candidate best represents your view of how our country should be run and which candidate best represents your view of our foreign and domestic policy for the next four years.  Don't take the word of what is posted on Facebook or Twitter.  Do some real research.  Read their platforms on their websites.  Look through the newspapers of note in their home districts and read about what they've done in the past.  As Dr. Phil would say - "The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior."

And then, exercise your Civic Responsibility and get out and VOTE in your primaries.  Please!  Your vote matters!