My Favorite Election FB posts: Proud to be an American

Here are some of my favorite Facebook status posts, of which I heartily agree:

This election has been historic and frankly, so overwhelming in coverage, reports, posts and tweets. It's been interesting to see how divided people are in their thinking about both Mitt Romney and President Obama. I believe these are good men, with the best intentions for America. Although the vote didn't swing my way, I'm optimistic about and supportive of President Obama. I heard a lot of great things from him that I hope come to fruition. It's going to be an exciting 4 years. In reflecting on what I've learned, I would say my greatest take away is to "pay attention" to the decisions being made moving forward. So as to empower my understanding in the future and hopefully eliminate, in large part, the 'scare tactics' I felt where abundant in this election. - Matt Buttle

I see many comments about today being a terrible day for America. I disagree. Today, as Americans we exercised our right to vote. We did not worry for our safety on the trip to or from the polls and a peaceful transition of government will ensue in January. Today was a great day for anyone who exercised their right to vote. The simple fact that we had the opportunity to use our agency and make a choice today is something that we should be grateful for. It is wonderful. - Nathan Maynes

Regardless of who wins today & regardless of your political beliefs, tomorrow we will wake up & be the same people we were today. We will still focus on being good fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, & fellow citizens because that is what makes this country great. - a post from Nathan King

AMEN to you all. What a great race! What a great country! I am proud to be an American!

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!!