Here's a little political food for thought . . .
Why is it that during campaigning, the two main parties, the Democrat and the GOP, are focused on and the Independent, Liberitarian, Green Peace, and Constitution party candidates seem to get little or no press at all?
With the spending of billions and lose of lives in the war in Iraq, The economic system falling apart, foreclosures on a rise, health care being unaffordable, the cost of further education going out of control, our education system failing our students, I feel that the 2008 election is the most important season to vote of our time.
I've so many concerns, but they're being confused by the flip flopping and negative campaigning of the candidates, the corruption findings in the background, the dishonesty and skeletons in the closets, the outrageous and unfair campaign funding, and the confusing media coverage. I've been trying to follow all of the campaign but how do I know what's truth from fiction? How do I know whose media coverage is most unbiased and just informing the facts? How do I know I'm going to be making the right decision? With the all of the negative commercials that McCain approves, the idea of him choosing a woman running mate just to get him more female votes (Women are smart enough to know that the views and office plans of a potential president is what should be voted for, not the gender.) disgusts me, with the unspecific change that Obama platforms with, perhaps we need real change, a big change. Perhaps this is the election where Americans should be voting in an entirely new political party all together or writing in someone else.
If this country is founded on free speech, why don't more Americans speak up and vote their true issues of concern, instead of just voting the party they're registered? Is it that citizens don't do enough of their own research? Is it that citizens trust what the media is telling them? There's more at stake, especially this November 2008, than just the political affiliation. We need a difference that is going to move our nation forward and upward. The time is now.
I've voted in elections prior, but I've never taken the opportunity this seriously before. I'm doing my best to follow the process, but I'm still unsure as to which candidate would be the right way to go.
We need to start asking our media to make the four other parties heard. We need to do our own research; collect, read and reread the views and plans of all six candidates. Know who you're voting for and not just based on the media's rendition. Find out what each and every presidential candidate plans to do in office. See if their plans match what you would like to see get done.
So, the best way to find out is to do my own research. Hopefully, my findings will help you out as well:
First, perhaps you might want to familiarize, or re-familiarize yourself with how the electoral process works:
http://history.howstuffworks.com/american-hist ory/electoral-college.htm
Perhaps you'd like to know which political party closely reflects your views. Maybe, you'd like to know the rundown and history of all of the political parties. The following link might help you out:
http://www.politics1.com/parties.htm
Would you like to know what each candidate's views and bios are? The following is a link to the run down on all 6 candidates, including Q &A lists and short bios for all candidates:
http://2008election.procon.org/?gclid=COj Xp4KS6ZUCFQ0xawodZW9sfQ
Here's a comparison of the two main party candidates; but please be aware that there are 4 other party candidates running, as well as a write in, just in case neither of the main party candidates reflect your views!:
http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/index.html
H ere's sites that discusses the third parties:
http://www.freewikimedia.com/en/wiki/2008_th ird_party_presidential_candidates
http://www.mapsofwo rld.com/2008-usa-presidential-election/third-party-p residential-candidates.html
Here's a site where you can check on what the third party candidates are up to:
http://www.thirdpartywatch.com/
Do none of the candidates fit your views? Here's another option- Write-In:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Write-in_candi date
Still have questions? There are so many books, articles and sites you can look up. Just make sure you put in the research necessary for your educated decision.
When you receive your ballot booklet in the mail, before you go to the polls this November, take the time to read the information for every candidate in the booklet, not just the Republican and Democratic candidates, but the Independent, Libritarian, Reform and Green Party candidates, even a write in too. Perhaps you might find a change of heart when you see what the other party candidates plan to do in office. If your decision doesn't change, fine, make your mark, but at least take the time to consider a new political party candidate as America's next leader.
Another note, if you're a new adult and haven't signed up to vote. Take the time to register now because it's your income and the future income of the children in elementary school now whose taxes are already paying for the today's federal debt! That's right, the taxes of the children now and future children is already spent! So have your voice heard and change the future!