Posted by
Michael on Saturday, November 04, 2006 3:26:52 PM
As you fill out your absentee ballot or make your way to your local polling place, there are many things you should make sure to keep in mind. These issues go beyond just Madison Park, Seattle or Washington state, and they affect all of us.
The war on terror
The war on terror should be first and foremost on people's minds. It's been more than five years now since we were attacked by vicious terrorists on Sept. 11, 2001. And since then, we have not been attacked.
Despite that, the threat of radical Islamic terrorists still threatens the Western world and all those who do not follow lockstep with their ideology. Our safety from this threat has not come from us taking up diplomacy and talking with the terrorists; it came by going on the offense.
No one ever said that the struggle against Islamic terrorism would be easy. We're fighting a deadly, suicidal and sophisticated enemy that is extremely patient. However, it's a struggle that we cannot afford to lose.
From minimum wage to scandals
Another key issue is that of the minimum wage. Currently at a federal level of $5.15 an hour, there are many who want to raise it. Economists almost unanimously agree that the minimum wage works against those it is supposed to protect, shutting out low-skilled workers who are willing to work for cheap.
The issue of the constant scandals involving our elected officials is also important. While none of us is perfect, we should expect a certain level of integrity from those we elect to serve the people. Youthful mistakes are one thing, but acting like a buffoon while being paid tax dollars is another.
Whether it's lobbying scandals, sex scandals or whatever else is hitting the headlines this week, there's a time when we need to say, "Enough is enough."
Going outside the box
Also, make sure to think outside the box.
We live in an area where one party dominates politics. And across the nation, the political system is gridlocked by two parties unwilling to let other voices come into the debate. This is one of the biggest issues of all, and one we do not discuss enough.
In a recent poll conducted by the Pew Research Center, it was revealed that 33.5 percent polled identify themselves as independents. That poll correlates with the complex social realities of America: Not everyone's beliefs fit into a box, and there's no reason we should vote as if they do.
If the Republican and the Democratic candidates don't seem deserving of your vote, don't let them have it. There are third-party candidates running for many different races, and they are not all far-out-there, fringe candidates. Many are very qualified.
Using our right
Whatever issue is most important to you, make sure you act upon it by voting. We live in a country where we can practice democracy without threat of violence.
Voting is our right, and it's our obligation as Americans to use that right.
Michael Powell can be reached at mptimes @ nwlink.com. He also has a web log at rollingthunderblog.blogspot.com.