How To Not Be An Idiot in the 2008 Elections

Status Update

This world is an interesting place.  I’ve learned that firsthand here in Atlanta, where I’m on a trip to visit Oglethorpe University.  It’s surprising to see how much a small liberal arts school can offer.  So much personal attention, a comprehensive and integrated core curriculum that leaves plenty of space for elective classes and work.  What’s more, the beautiful gothic campus and perfect college town placement make it a surprisingly tantalizing option from a previously unheard-of institution. There’s a significant religious revival on campus, with a number of active faith-based groups and a growing tradition of inter-faith cooperation (there are particularly strong ties between the Muslim and Jewish student unions) as well, adding to the unique experience the place offers. I kinda like it.

The good stuff

Here’s a roadmap to 2008, and some pretty obvious ways we can keep the country from spiraling any further into disgusting, ignorant chaos. They’re quick and painless, and if people actually listened to them for once and cared about what’s happening around them, we’d be in a much better place. Just sayin’.

Blind Partisanship

What I’d really like to rant on though is the ridiculous partisanship that is plaguing the nation. So many people are pulling for a candidate just because they’re black or a woman or because of 9/11 (Rudi has made an entire career out of that day, just like his antlered and red nosed brother), and so few of them have any idea what they stand for. It’s terrifying to know just how flippant our society is, especially considering how important this is to the lives of all those involves.

So Barack is black. Does that mean you should vote for him? Does that mean he will represent African American interests? Should that even be a credible question? No! It shouldn’t matter at all. I don’t care what race you are. It shouldn’t matter, and the only reason it does in some of the more racist communities is because of people who paint themselves as the victims and become even more violently racist than any big brother could ever be. Reality check. You make yourself who you are, it doesn’t come pre-packaged. If you’re treated “unfairly”, which happens to be claimed far more often than it’s true, shrug it off. Don’t sink to the same level. Rise above it, and make something with your life. Secondary education is free…don’t give it up for anything. Don’t let your kids drop out, don’t drop out yourself, do whatever you can to get an education. It’s the gateway to the American Dream, it’s the only way you can truly become who you want to be, instead of what you’re born into.

That’s what it’s all about.

Pick your candidates based on what you believe is right and important. Barack isn’t part of your crowd, he’s not going to change your life for you. That’s your job. For all I know, it’s not on his agenda either. Presidents tend to be a bit busy for that kind of micromanagement.

Sexism is the same way, but without even the slightest hint of a justifiable cause for complaint. There is no large sexist block (save yourselves) causing trouble, you have your rights. So Hillary is a woman…so what? Will she favor women or help women rise in status? Probably not. Even if she does, guess what that’s called? Sexism. That’s right kiddies, you’ve got to play by your own rules.

I’d go into Edwards, but I think it goes without saying that if you vote for a guy because of his hair, you need to be dipped in honey, rolled in candy, and released in a daycare center.

Don’t vote for Mitt because he’s Mormon. Don’t vote against him because he’s Mormon either. There shouldn’t be a political litmus test.

Don’t vote for McCain because he’s a veteran. There’s lots of those. Many are sane and very amazing, courageous people, but overgeneralization could result in a very poor decision. Don’t vote against him because he’s a veteran either. If it’s got to be military, vote against him because you don’t like his war policy.

Don’t vote against Ron Paul because those same blind morons keep spamming your site. I know you want to…but don’t. Conversely, don’t follow the group mentality of some of your peers and worship him as JFK’s second coming (or the like).

Don’t vote for Giuliani.

What to do: some common sense solutions for apathy and ignorance

Look at the issues. Watch some debates. Have an open mind. Utilize some common sense. Don’t look at the D or the R, don’t come pre-disposed and don’t argue for or against any candidate as you think about these things. It doesn’t take a genius. Get informed, and make a half-intelligent decision. With personal rights come personal responsibilities, and if you get the right to vote, you owe it to yourself to make sure it doesn’t go to waste. How can you complain if this nation spirals into a state of anarchy or a fascist regime (as your favorite war-cry may be) if you don’t utilize the democratic process you have? Here is a good place to start (biased as CNN may be).

And that’s another thing. Keep in mind that every single news source, even the mainstream, seemingly objective media monoliths, are biased. It may or may not be deliberate (hold the conspiracy theories, and enough about Fox. At least they’re honest about it), but it’s there. Compare and contrast the information from multiple sites, and from multiple news sources and mediums. You owe it to yourself, and you owe it to your country.

Unless you’re Canadian.