VOTE

Get out there -- take part in shaping your world.

I vote because (oh why can't I figure out how to do bullets in Blogger?):

* if I don't vote, I can't bitch about the government. And I like to bitch.

* people have given their lives in order that I may have a voice in my government. I don't want to let them down.

* my ancestors came to this country for the freedoms and rights it offers -- including the right to vote. I really don't want to let them down.

* I served in the U.S. Army because I believe in this country and I cherish its democratic principles. Voting is part of my continuing duty to my country.

* women were not given the right to vote in this country. They had to FIGHT for it -- for my right to vote. I don't want to let them down.

* I am unhappy with the way the U.S. is doing things right now. It may not change anything, but it is one way I have of voicing my displeasure.

* I am teaching my children that voting is a right and a privilege -- and one that should NEVER be taken for granted.

* I actually LIKE wearing that cheesy little red "I voted" sticker. All day.

* I participated in the process -- I attended rallies, put out lawn signs, called people for Get Out the Vote efforts -- perhaps not as much as I have in past years, but I did it. And every little bit counts -- just like every vote counts.

Vote.

Seriously.

It matters.