Many people have touted the importance of the upcoming midterm election. I feel it important to continue that trend. First, let me be clear that every election is important. From the quadrennial general election to the (seen as less important) midterm elections, every election cycle is an opportunity for the American citizenry to give their vote of approval of the leadership they have put in place. Just as it is important for shareholders in a corporation to be able to have their say in the direction their company is going, every eligible voter can and should have a say in the direction their country is going. This is especially important for the groups of citizens who were historically denied the right to exercise their right to vote. Many people devoted their entire life's work to securing the right to vote for these groups. Not exercising that right effectively diminishes the value of that work.
With that said, I do have one request of all potential voters: PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE do your research. There are many sources of information out there that claim to be beacons of truth. However, every piece of information that is given should be taken with a grain of salt and should be placed under proper individual scrutiny. Study the candidates, the issues, where the information comes from, and the potential motivations that the presenters of that information might have for presenting in a certain light.
For example: In my attempt to keep up with current politics and to understand the personalities and qualifications of the individuals vying for the opportunity to run this country, I came across this gem of a moment in a recent Senate debate:
Now in all fairness to senate-hopeful O'Donnell she is correct in questioning the fact of whether the phrase "separation of church and state" actually appears in the Constitution. However, if we were to follow her logic, the three-fifths clause would still be in effect. On the other hand, in all fairness to legal scholars and Supreme Court Justices over the span of this nation's history, the concept of separation of church and state is pretty well known legal doctrine and accepted by most on both sides of the political spectrum, begrudgingly or not.
My issue here is not specifically with Christine O'Donnell, and her seeming lack of knowledge on basic American legal issues, so much as it is with the fact that her words do not garner the same type of scrutiny from her supporters as would have been the case if Coons had made the same mistake. To be fair she has been harshly criticized by supporters of her opponents. but we only get better when those close to us or who have an investment in our endeavors offer constructive criticism. I can understand that there are many angry people in this country. I can understand that there are many confused people in this country. I just wish that people weren't angered by their confusion. When we allow ourselves to be spoon fed information without questioning the reason or manner it is given we make terrible choices.
I can't say that I am wholly behind the Democratic strategy for this election or for its legislative agenda in general as of late. My main concern is that too much of what has been done and what is looking to be done has either not been touted or has been severely diluted in the name of "compromise". That causes disillusionment from the base of supporters and provides fodder for detractors. That in turn allows for the possibility of individuals like Christine O'Donnell to be even close to winning a national election. While it seems as though the balance of power could shift dramatically come Tuesday, my hope is that with the new "leadership" as with any leadership proper and constructive criticism is given its due (read: all available) time in debate. We can't afford to be an uninformed electorate.
