Mark Your Calendar
November 8, 2016
United States Election Day

What is most likely the most important and controversial election in the history of the United States is rapidly approaching. While the official election is not until November 8^th, in some states early voting begins in about five weeks.

As we move closer to this all important date, those of us of age to vote must carefully ponder the decision we are going to make. We must ask ourselves: Which candidate should I vote for? Why should I vote for that candidate? Why should I not vote for one of the other candidates? Should I vote at all?

I do believe it is our responsibility as citizens of the United States to exercise our constitutional right to vote. However, I believe that it is not only our responsibility to vote, but to ensure that we vote for the individual who will best serve this country regardless of their political party affiliation. For this reason, I have watched many of the debates, listened to candidate interviews and speeches, and read articles and other news stories about the candidates. As I have done this, thoughts of division in our nation have continuously come to mind.  

As republicans, democrats, independents, or followers of some other political party we stand divided. I am tired of hearing comments such as:

• We need to defeat the republicans!
• We need to defeat the democrats!
• We can’t have another four years with the democrats controlling the Whitehouse!
• We must take back congress from the republicans!

It’s as if our mindset, agendas, and actions are really aimed at doing what is best for our party and defeating the opposing party. This is especially true for the politicians. Which is why congress cannot get anything done. Our political leaders come across as more concerned about aligning themselves with their party in order to keep their job instead of what is best for our nation.

When are we going to focus on what is best for the country? Sure…the candidates do mention things they plan to do that they say they believe are best for the country. However, many times it comes across as though they are only saying this in an effort to defeat the other political party.

We need to end this political party system. We need politicians who could care less about affiliation with a political party. We need politicians who are truly concerned about what is best for country even if that means they disagree with each other.

Unfortunately, ending the concept of political parties is not likely to happen. Therefore, we still must take action. We just can’t ignore the political process and hope it all works out. As I stated above, as citizens of the United States we have to exercise our constitutional right to vote.

So…if you have not already done so, begin now to prepare for the upcoming election. Don’t wait until the day before the election. Begin learning about the candidates that are running; both presidential and congressional candidates. Carefully consider the issues facing our nation; be it the economy, education, diversity, foreign policy, immigration, equal rights, or any other issue. Evaluate each of the candidates and determine which one you feel will be best to handle these issues.

Also, remember, ending political division is just one part of ensuring our country is great. We must also end the division that exist between individual citizens. As I said in my previous post, We the People, while “We need the government to help maintain order and structure, as citizens of this country we have to change. We must work together. We must share our time, knowledge, skills, abilities, and resources to build a greater union. It is up to us.”

Otherwise, if we continue down this path of division, eventually our nation will crumble. We will together “FALL” as citizens of the United States if we continue to “STAND” divided.