Election Day!

First let me congratulate the Cardinals on their victory in the World Series and let me say Happy Belated Halloween. Last week was a little crazy with all the events going on and with me working a week in St. Charles so I haven't been able to blog in a while, however, I wanted to make sure to blog today, Election Day 2006.

For a political junkie like myself Election Day is a kind of "Christmas." It does matter which party wins and what is decided on, however, the bigger picture of a functioning democracy is what really is important. As an American I firmly believe in the value of our democracy and the rule of law created by the people. This is why I am genuinely disappointed with the low level of turnout across the nation in all the elections during the past couple years. Yet it seems with the preliminary reports from the media outlets across the country that this particular trend may have come to a close today. It seems as though citizens have come out to make their voices heard today.

This election day, similar to many in the recent past, there are more than just candidates on the ballot to be decided on; stem cell research, taxes on tobacco, and a minimum raise increase are important issues and no matter which side you come down on the discussion is what is important. Get involved in political groups, political parties and community action groups, your democracy is only as good as you make it. Be an informed voter, know the issues and VOTE! When you vote please don't let the media campaigns be the only source of your decision use your head, your heart, your conscience and then make an informed and passionate decision on where you stand. Be wary of lies, be wary of the negative campaigns, and please read what you are voting on completely.

As of right now it seems as though there is an angry electorate one that is unhappy about the situation in Iraq, tired of the hypocrisy in the "leaders" of our country, the growing national debt, the mudslinging and the continued polarization of the electorate. Hopefully the new class of legislators and leaders can learn the values of negotiation and compromise so that a dialogue can be opened between the many different voices throughout America. As of right now the only thing we can do is see what happens when the votes are tallied and see what the voters have to say.

(Stay tuned for reactions to the results)