by Jesse Mathewson

Created on: September 03, 2008

There are approximately 303,000,000 Americans today. Out of these, there are approximately 200,000,000 of voting age or ability. The simple fact is that only around 54% or so of these capable voting age adults will actually cast a vote. This is sad and unfortunately, the largest reason our government can get away with overspending and pork barrel politics. For those who may not know what this is, pork barrel politics means that a politician is out for themselves or only their individual backing voters, and corporations. Since we know that none of the current running presidential candidates have ever done anything for themselves we can rest in peace. Sure John McCain is adamantly against overspending on the campaign trail, he is also for campaign reform, yet he still thinks it is ok to send billions of dollars overseas while people lose their homes, and jobs, here in these United States. Obama stands for (well to be honest I am not sure- it has changed several times) but the facts are clear, he and Hillary spent more together than the majority of Americans combined will not make this year in income. Several hundred million dollars spent arguing over who was the better socialist choice for this countries future. Therefore, do I want to vote, not really, must I vote, unfortunately. Sadly, my ethical standards require me to contribute and take advantage of the last truly free act we as citizens of this great nation have, voting.

So I say again, vote, people who really cares why or who you vote for, however if you do not vote can you really complain?
Here is the sad fact, many of you will "forget" or simply just blow it off by saying that your vote really does not count. I wont disagree that alone 1 vote means nothing, however place that one vote with the other 200 million non voting Americans and all of the sudden your vote really matters!
Therefore, people, no matter whom you choose VOTE, do not allow our government to win, the peoples voice MUST be heard and will be if everyone votes.
I hear people complaining about the economy, the president, the war, and every other thing on earth. However, the sad fact is if you choose to not vote you are giving away your right to complain. Voting is a privilege and a freedom that most other countries do not have. Would you as an adult cut your own foot off and than complain that, it was gone? Not voting and complaining after-wards are the same. By not voting, you are hamstringing yourself, and showing the world why Americans are generally hated and disrespected. After all with all our freedoms we do not even vote.

So no matter whom you vote for today remember just vote

Learn more about this author, Jesse Mathewson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.