THINK AGAIN. AN OPEN LETTER TO NEW VOTERS

Tuesday, November 4th, 2008 is Election Day. If you haven't yet registered to vote for the general election, check your State's deadline now. You can do this, as well as register online at:

https://www.VoteForChange.com

To register, you must be a U.S. citizen, and be 18 years old by November 4, 2008. Don't miss this opportunity, this precious right to vote.

Some of you may be thinking: voting doesn't make a difference, it is all politics in Washington; the powers that be will do as they will, and manipulate the situation to their advantage. I would invite you to think again. In fact, that's how this next election is going to be determined: by either people who think, or people who let others do the thinking for them.

During the last two general elections this writer spoke out against the Bush Administration by publishing editorial comments in the local paper, by talking to as many young people and to those who felt disenfranchised. The warning was this: If you elect George W. Bush by either voting for him, or by not voting at all, there will be a huge price to pay. And that price, in terms of American economic, political and moral decline, has now come to be.

Our Nation cannot stand another four years of the same kind of executive abuse and failed domestic and foreign policy. Of padding the wallets of billionaire oil tycoons and corporate military CEOs. Of continuing an immoral and trumped-up war in Iraq, and by arrogantly posturing toward other countries. Of failing our environment by ignoring global warming or by proposing more disastrous and ineffective energy measures. Of ignoring the mortgage industry, of ignoring the people of New Orleans. Of providing huge tax breaks for the ultra rich while letting the middle-class fall into bankruptcy. The list goes on and on. John McCain has voted 90% of the time for the policies of George W. Bush. Our country cannot survive that kind of leadership again.

America and the world needs a statesman who can think, who can speak, who can use diplomacy and wisdom to symbolize a new future, and lead us not into war but into a new era of political negotiation based on strength of character, not on the number of bombs in our silos. To come to war only as a course of last resort, not as a method for bullying other nations or for some imperial advantage. That statesman, that new leader, is Barack Obama.

Perhaps you are a student, will graduate from high school or college in the next year. Do you want to face more of the same economic decline that your parents have faced for the past eight years? Do you want a job, a home, medical insurance, have the desire to raise a family? Or do you just want to live peacefully, without fear for yourself or your children? Then you need to think, and think again. A vote for John McCain is a vote for more economic decline, more protracted wars, disrespect for the environment and the values of other nations, and an underlying ideological message that plays on people's fear and religious misunderstandings. If you don't vote at all, you will be at the effect of those who let others do the thinking for them. Either way, you will loose, America will loose, and the world will suffer.

Stop and consider the various issues at stake. Be wary of the misleading statements placed before you by political pundits, the media, the Evangelical church, and the Republican Party machine. Ask yourself, what they are saying? Is it true? The record of the Bush Administration is a clear failure, perhaps the worst in U.S. history. That's a given. So, without a record to stand on, the Republican's can only attempt to undermine the character of Barack Obama. They have, and will continue to do that, in the following ways:

Race. The Republicans will play this card, hoping to put doubt into people's hearts, people proud of their race and reluctant to have the first African American elected President of the United States. But think again. Whether you are brown, black, yellow or white: what would you rather have, a corrupt official of your own race, or someone ready to end the corrupt politics in Washington? And know this: a person of color in the office of President will mean people of all races and socio-economic backgrounds will have greater access to leadership roles in the future. This precedent is of value to all. As a parent who has both a black child and a white child through marriage, I can tell you this: I love them both the same. I brought them into this world, I nurture them, and I pray for a bright future for them both. Proud of just your race? Ok, but think again, think of the Human Race.

Moral issues. Let's take the big ones on: Abortion. You maybe a churchgoer, you may have been told that abortion is wrong and that one should judge a politician solely by his stand on this issue. You are being manipulated if you believe that. These same politicians who claim to be Pro Life, are in favor of the death penalty, and are the same ideologues that lied about the reasons for going to war in Iraq, killed thousands of Iraqis, and sent 18-year-old Americans to be killed or maimed. For what? Oil. Not democracy in Iraq, not to fight terrorism, but for control of that country's oil. These are the politicians who say don't vote for Barack Obama because of his stand on women's rights. Think again.

Gay Rights. The Evangelical church loves to moralize about this one. Watch out, however, when someone points a finger, there are four fingers pointing right back at them. How many have gays in your family or have a gay friend or business colleague? Ask yourself, what's your experience? People, just like you and me. They love, they cry, they experience joy, and they feel pain and they die, just like everyone else. We each are free to have our own preferences. Decide this for yourself, don't let others do your thinking for you by preaching who is righteous and who is not. If you are Christian, ask yourself: how would Jesus give his blessing? Just like He does to all His children. Think about this, again.

Environment. John McCain wants to jeopardize our costal environment by drilling for offshore oil, irrespective of scientific evidence showing results would take ten years, and offer less than 3% of our energy needs. He wants to continue with the war in Iraq, hoping to achieve some payback in terms of oil resources from that country. The problem is, America needs to wean itself away from foreign oil, and eventually, oil altogether. You want to be free from terrorism? Limit your need for Middle-Eastern oil.

Shoot for the moon, as John Kennedy did. Commit America to a program of alternative fuels: solar, wind, hydrogen, as well as conservation. That's what Barack Obama wants to do, and in the process create a new Green industry with hundreds of thousands of jobs. Sarah Palin thinks God has ordained the gas pipeline through Alaska. Do you think God has? Think again.

New voters: it is not just the cost of gasoline, it's the cost in lives, and the future for not only America's children, but also the future of the planet. We need leaders who understand this. Who use their brains, not their military misfortunes, to represent America. The time for change is now. Register to vote today. On November 4th, elect Barack Obama, President of the United States.