ljcfyi

Election Day

Ahhh. The day we all have been waiting for. Because after today, we won't be bombarded by venomous campaign commercials and election day news updates for another few years. I will even be glad to no longer see the "Get out and vote!" messages as well.

Now don't get me wrong. I think it is important to vote. I think it is our civic duty. Just look at all the things that have happened because of one vote.

In 1876, one vote gave Rutherford B. Hayes the presidency of the United States of America.

In 1875, one vote changed France from a monarchy to a republic.

In 1868, one vote saved President Andrew Johnson from impeachment.

In 1845, one vote brought Texas into the Union.

In 1776, one vote gave America the English language instead of German.

In 1649, one vote caused Charles I of England to be executed.

In 1645, one vote gave Oliver Cromwell control of England.

In 1800, one vote elected Thomas Jefferson president.

In 1923, one vote gave Adolph Hilter leadership of the Nazi Party.

That last one is especially scary. So I certainly plan to vote. Mostly so I can complain about the winner if they aren't the one I voted for. I think if you don't vote then you are not allowed to complain about the person that wins.

But as for encouraging people to vote, I liked what Andy Rooney had to say on "Sixty Minutes" Sunday night. He said that if a person has to be begged and cajoled into going to vote, then they probably aren't bright enough to be voting. They are not familiar with the issues and their uninformed votes are canceling out our informed votes. He wrapped it up by saying, "If you are too dumb to decide to vote on your own, then don't vote. Unfortunately the people that need to hear this are not smart enough to be watching Sixty Minutes right now."

Now I don't claim to be any political science major. Sometimes I even have trouble following "The West Wing". So I am a little fuzzy on the issues myself. I recommend this site before heading out to the polls.