Voting

I haven't been very politically involved in the past. The last time I voted was during the Presidential election of 2004. Since then, I haven't really felt like I should vote either because I didn't feel like I was familiar enough with the candidates, or because I didn't have enough faith in my vote to really make a difference. I am sure I am not the only one who felt or feels this way.

Right now, I am sitting on a hill near the Union at the University of Utah during their Impact Day, where I have a chance to meet all the candidates running for office. I am surprised that not very many people have come with their issues to discuss with the candidates running. I hear a lot of whining against the government, and especially politicians, but not very many people take the opportunity to come and see what these decision-makers have to say in regards to these issues. I used to be that person. I used to whine about government this, policymakers that....and you know what, it didn't do me any good. I recently had a conversation with someone who decidedly doesn't vote...and yet gripes about government all the time. Sorry sir, you don't have a right to complain. Was that harsh?? I also did not have a right to whine.

As part of my coursework, we discussed citizenship and what it means to be a citizen. While a lot of being a citizen is about family and community, it also means being active. I regret not having been a true citizen of the United States up until now. And so....here I am.

With that said, I laugh at these different political platforms. Laughing really at how simple it is to find out about the issues and what is important to society right now. I find that I am impressed with politicians who have specific items that they are hoping to pass with realistic expectations of how to accomplish those tasks. I laugh and support all libertarians....thank you for your passion. My favorite platform, while I may not be voting for him, was from District #3. He is running libertarian and said "I am not going to blah blah blah, blah blah blah you. I am here to guarantee your rights and if the popular vote is gay marriage, or legalizing marijuana, I am going to guarantee your rights and fight for them too." It was awesome. While I don't support these issues, I too am for freedom.

I also love the Constitution runners. I agree that the principles of the Constitution need to be adhered to once again, but it is SO funny to me that these candidates are so busy dicing and slicing the political parties that I have no idea what their campaign is. While upholding the Constitution, there still needs to be a way to pass these initiatives, whether driven by the two-headed beast or not. I too am for the Constitution.

Republican or Democrat, the main issue I am concerned with is what education is going to look like with the election of these officials. With these 10-year plans that are proposed and part of overall state government initiatives, who is to say that these elected officials will be able to guarantee the successful implementation and support bills in order to keep the initiative going?

Sitting here and listening to these platforms makes me realize that I need to be active in discussing those issues that really matter to me, my family and my future family. Generally, I also feel that "We the People" is a failing idea or principle. Whether or not we agree with "politics" we still have a responsibility to be citizens....now I feel like I am campaigning....but you get the point. I am for being a citizen.

Do your homework. Get out and vote.

And I will too!!