Friday, April 29, 2011

Decisions Decisions!!!!!



Let me begin by asking a few questions. They may seem a little in left field but just go with me for a minute.

1. Would you go to a restaurant and allow the strangers at the next table to select your dinner for you from the menu? Probably not.
2. Assume you’re thinking about a career change. Would you allow your co-worker to choose what job you’re going to apply for? Not hardly.
3. Would you let the guy down the street decide if your child should go to college or not? Not likely.
4. If you had an ill parent or child, would you allow a stranger walking down the corridor in the hospital to decide if your loved one should have medication or a procedure that would determine if they lived or died? Absolutely, not!
This all sounds utterly ridiculous, right? No sensible person would ever do anything so absurd, right? Wrong! Every time anyone chooses not to vote or to educate themselves on the candidates running for office before they vote, that’s exactly what they are doing. When you give up that right you give up your voice to make decisions for yourself and your family. I personally get livid when a person doesn’t vote but then have the audacity to ask me for a “favor” because they’re having hard times as a result of their choice not to vote. I also don’t choose to hear the complaints of non-voters. Sounds harsh? Well, think about it for a minute. Just as you would have no right to complain if you didn’t like what the guy ordered for you at the restaurant, you have no right to complain when you leave your future and your children’s future regarding healthcare, taxes, education choices and so much more in the hands of perfect strangers by not voting. Food for thought. Literally.

In the upcoming election, I challenge you to do the following;

1. Register to vote. If it’s too late for the upcoming election register now so you’ll be set for the next one.
2. Do some research and find out about the candidates. Don’t take their word for how great they are. Campaigning is like a job interview. That's their moment to shine.  They’re going to tell you all the good stuff. Some may even exaggerate a little.  Do your homework so that you will choose the candidate who will work hardest for you based on their voting record and their position on issues. (Caution: Remember, they are all human. Not all of their views will line up with what you believe but learn which ones are most likely to work for you!)
3. Tell your friends and family to register to vote and share your knowledge.
4. Get to the polls and vote! Make sure your friends and family go too!!!


The choice is yours. What will you decide? I leave you with this, “We must be the change we want to see in the world” ~ Mahatma Gandhi.

Until next time, I hope you have been encouraged, empowered, enriched and enlightened.


Cherlisa