Do I care how you vote? Of course I do. I would like to see my candidate of choice win this race, and we can use all the support we can get. But what I really care about is that you have taken the time to research and educate yourself on the issues, the policies, the stories, the lies and the truths that are swimming like mass schools of lost fish all over our media. I know it's been hard to discern what is right and what is wrong, and to make decisions based on nothing but biased reports. And I know that it often feels as though one little vote can't possibly make a difference.
But the bottom line is, your vote counts. However you do it. Whatever beliefs compel you to stand up for your right to determine the future of this great democracy and state your position are fine with me. Even if I disagree with everything you stand for, even if it means that "my" candidate loses, I still believe with all my heart that the most important thing you can do today is vote for what YOU believe in.
There are so many places in this world where people don't have the rights we have, where people have no say in the way their governments are run. Places where people are killed for defending their principles and condemned for attempting to make change. We may all have our complaints about the United States Government, and they may all be valid. But we also have the right, the responsibility and the privilege to voice our opinions and be heard. The most amazing thing about this country is that we don't all think alike. That's what makes us interesting and diverse; it's what keeps us searching for the best.
Sure, I have my opinions. On gay marriage and the legalization of marijuana and women's reproductive rights. On how the national budget should be handled and how we interact with other leaders of the world. Do I need to tell you what my opinions are?
I just did. I put my ballot in the box and I told the entire nation.
I hope you did too.
