by Paul Schingle

Created on: March 04, 2008   Last Updated: March 19, 2008

As I write this, today is a supposedly make or break day for Hillary Clinton. Tonight, they will be counting votes in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont. The experts say if Senator Clinton doesn't win, and by most accounts she has to win big, in both Texas and Ohio, she is through. I, for one, would be okay with that. But, many out there would be crushed if that were the case. Well, there's something they can do about it-assuming they're in one of the four aforementioned states.

As cynical as I am, and as much as I'm one of the first to criticize America for her failings, I believe very firmly in the vote. We, the people of the United States, GOVERN OURSELVES. Now, you can write that off as just so much fluff. But, the sad truth is, we do choose how we are governed. Even by not voting, we are choosing to govern ourselves (often with less-than-qualified candidates), albeit badly. Is that what we really want?

Again, I've often been accused (and rightfully so) of being a cynic. That may be true, but I always vote. I often vote third-party (which many say is wasting my vote). I will likely vote third-party again, if Hillary Clinton ends up getting the Democratic nod. But, since turning eighteen, lo these 28 years ago, I have never-not even once-missed an opportunity to vote. That holds true for presidential elections right on down to city council. In order for the process to work, we have to participate. Self-government means involvement. It is not only a right and a privilege, it is a duty. If for no other reason, we need to voice our opinions to let the elected ones know we're watching them. I firmly believe that if you don't participate, you can't whine about the results. And where's the fun in that?

Seriously, we're given an opportunity to voice our opinions. It's a luxury a lot of countries aren't afforded. Even if you vote and your person loses, you know you did what you could to try to make a difference. Why is it worth it? Just ask your own conscience. Why should you vote in the next election? Because you can. And that's the beauty of America.

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