REFLECTIONS: Being educated is key in 2004 election

NOVEMBER 2004

Don’t just vote to vote! Sure, celebrities across the board have commandeered your television, urging you to register to vote, but don’t. Don’t do it because P. Diddy tells you to. Don’t do it because Michael Moore wants Bush out. Don’t do it because your parents tell you it’s the American thing to do.

Vote because you are educated. Vote because you know enough about the elections you are about to influence. Don’t get me wrong, I encourage everyone to have a voice, but please, spend at least an hour watching CNN, reading the newspaper, or even browsing political blogs so you will have a firm grasp on the opinions that you are about to place your clout behind. If you can’t write down 10 reasons for why it is better to give your vote to John Kerry or George Bush, do me a favor: Don’t show up on Nov. 2. STAY HOME!

I think one of the major drawbacks of America’s democratic system is that not enough Americans are educated on the issues. For generations, we have fought and fought and fought to make sure every citizen will have a voice – but why have a voice when you can’t speak intelligently about the topic you are speaking in favor of?

Don’t be stupid.

If the only reason you are voting for President Bush is because your parents are Republican, that’s stupid. Rather than clicking for Dubya, find out what he is fighting for. Figure out if he is truly the one who will represent you, and America, properly. The same goes for Sen. John Kerry. If have been told you are a Democrat but don’t know why, take the time to develop your own thoughts before going to the polls. Become your own person.

I agree that this election is a Vote for Change. The change I want to see is a more educated population. I am confident that 9 out of 10 Lumino readers are smart and educated about the election, so I campaign a challenge to you: Use the final days before the election to educate those around you. Don’t sway them, but give them facts and allow them to make their own decisions.

Let’s get change for the better. Let’s vote educated.

– NP