by Shannon Chicoine

Created on: June 27, 2008

"United We Stand," is not an applicable statement about the presidential election in 2008. It's hard to remember when the United States was so split on presidential candidates and for such vast reasons, with each side sure they are correct. Gone are the days when one candidate could inspire and motivate voters on both sides of the isle. In every direction American's have someone screaming in their ear about why their guy is the best choice. Media outlets bend mostly to the far left supporting the Democratic Party and Barrack Obama while conservative right wing talk show hosts back Republican John McCain.

There are many immense differences between the two candidates; it's easy to get lost in all the information and not go to the polls in November. No matter who you vote for, you must first find out the facts for yourself instead of being lead by a biased media. Never trust what someone on television or radio is trying to preach, discover the truth for your self. Media figures have an agenda of their own and usually only tell half the story, if they tell it at all. For American's to come together, everyone needs to take the time to research the issues for themselves. It is on honor to vote, don't waste yours.

Hot issues are abundant in this, the post 911 world. National security, the economy, personal values, health care, immigration, and the war in Iraq are some of the most discussed issues. Take health care for example; Barrack Obama would like to instate a program of nation wide health care even though the same program has not worked in any other country, leaving patients waiting months for an appointment. National health care in Canada sends patients to the United States in search of better medical care. Also, when have you ever known the government to take over a program and make it better? It doesn't happen and takes the choice of health care away from citizens. Another issue is the war in Iraq, which most Americans disagree with. McCain is a former POW (Prisoner of War) and very proud military veteran; would he listen to the American public's outrage if things turned badly in Iraq again? Both John McCain and Barrack Obama have been attacked continuously, McCain for his age and Obama for his inexperience.

With so much information available to the American public, including the candidate's senate voting records, there is no reason to be uninformed at the polls. Search the issues that matter to you and find out who it is that represents you best, don't just fall into party lines. Discover whose family values resemble those you wish for your family, inform yourself and your neighbor. It's an honor to vote, but it's also a responsibility. It's your responsibility to not be lead into voting for who the media is pushing, but to take pride in your informed choice for President of the United States.

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