A Rant
AngerBut thanks to an inefficient registrar in a state that shall remain nameless, because it really doesn't matter, I have been deprived of my right to vote. Even though I sent my absentee voting registration back in July, it wasn't entered into the system until late-September and my ballot was not mailed until October 9th (the recommended deadline for us in Iraq to mail in our absentee ballot is October 7th). It is now October 28th and I've just received my ballot. The election is now seven days away. Does anyone think my vote will count?
So as I sit here in Iraq, fighting to ensure that the Iraqi people have many of the same opportunities that you and I take for granted, I cannot exercise my most basic freedom.
I don't care what your views are on being here in Iraq. You might be surprised to find out that we share many of the same views. But I also have a viewpoint that you will never get in the media. I know that these people are getting the opportunity to truly let their voices be heard. And they will turn out in droves to exercise that freedom. Will you?
I don't care who you vote for on November 4th. I have my opinions and you have yours. I won't tell you mine and I don't care to hear yours. Make them heard with your ballot. I don't have that opportunity.
I don't care if it's hot, cold, rainy, snowy, windy or you've had a long day at work. HTFU (definition 1). Take the 15-minutes to drive over to your voting place and put your marks on paper. I don't have that opportunity.
I don't care if you are undecided. You've now got a week to educate yourself, form an opinion and become decided. Turn off the insipid TV shows and get to reading. And don't do it by reading web sites from any of the major news networks, blowhards and especially not blogs. Read the candidate's website; read between the lines. Read the viewpoints of those with a dissenting opinion. Don't fall prey to charisma; it won't put food on your table or protect your family. Read, read, read, read read. Luckily I can do that. And I'm in a war zone. What's your excuse?
I don't care if you think that one candidate or another shouldn't be elected based solely on the color of their skin or what dangles (or not) between their legs. You're clearly ignorant and are incapable of intelligent conversation.
And I don't care if I made you uncomfortable with this post. Just get off your ass and vote. I can't.
Devious Comments
Oregon had mail in ballots so I've had mine for a few days now. I'm going to wait until probably either the day before nov 4th or as early as thursday. I'm still deciding. I'm a straight up moderate so I have a hard time deciding on one of the two.
I agree with some things Obama says and some things McCain says. For now, I tell myself that Obama is the better of two evils, so I should vote for him, but why would I vote for an evil? That's my question now. If I do vote, it will be for Obama, but should I vote for him?
I believe that it's still "voting" persay (I'll also vote for local elections as well), because I am taking the initiative to be informed and participate in the election process.
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When deciding whether to buy a Nikon or a Canon there really is only one difference: a clockwise or counter-clockwise zoom. Choose wisely.
*The-Yard-Collective
tomwalshphoto.wordpress.com
Seriously though, I completely agree with you. Everyone should exercise their right. I mailed mine in last week. I found out from a friend (and have no idea if it's true), but I guess mail in ballots don't get counted in California unless it's close...which feels almost as crappy as not being able to vote...
If a person doesn't vote (and can), then they have absolutely no right to complain about the way of things...
Hang in there bud, and be safe. I'm betting your family is missing you pretty hard by now.
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Take a photo today!
[link]
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"Take what man makes and use it,
But do not worship it,
For it will pass."
- Etched onto the side of a car door laying in the woods
of NorCal
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"When a piece of work is alive, you know it." ~Leonard Cohen
My Prints
good points made.
I hope the turnout is a record.
You will have helped.
I am sad for your treatment by your home state.
maybe mail ins are counted later?
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Artists are magical helpers. Evoking symbols and motifs that connect us to our deeper selves, they can help us along the heroic journey of our own lives.
Joseph Campbell
I will be voting next Tuesday. I will admit that I am not a really politically-minded person. I may not know all the facts about the issues and so on. I just need to decide who will do a better job.
So... I will vote Tuesday. And, as ever, I will be sending warm thoughts your way, wishing for your safe return home.
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Easily distracted by shiny things.
There was a time, when one man would go forth from each camp, as in the story of David and Goliath, and would represent his people… and that one person could sometimes change the course of history. Nowadays it's different. We're either part of a community, or part of a virtual community. One guy comes up with the scientific innovations, and another guy keeps a watch on the border, and still another figures out how to put the money together to pay for it. Very often, in an election, we're disappointed by both of the guys who are fighting to lead us or represent us. And at that moment, or at a moment like yours, when you realize that you won't be able to cast your vote and make it count, we have to look at the big picture. That you are part and parcel of the American presence in this world. That you run, regardless of whether you will ever be chosen to represent us in the Olympic games or something like that. You do a lot of things, and I am sure, that you have a lot of friends… more than you know… who are aware of this little bit, or that little bit…. That are all bits that are part of you. And I hope there is some guy in America, back at home where you come from, some bum who does hardly anything for the first half of the day, but will all of a sudden be inspired on election day, and drag his sorry ass to the voting booth, and drop the very name you were going to put, before sliding down the street and cursing God and country because he can't find an open bar, and then going to his brother's house to get good and loaded because he just "did his thing for his country", God bless him.
Shimon
I've done my research over the past several months and I believe I made the right choice. I apologize on behalf of others that you have not been afforded your right to vote. I do hope that your ballot is counted, despite the seemingly insurmountable odds.
Again, thank you for your sacrifices.
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-Lost-
Can you not complain to your government? is there anything i can do for you?
I feel really angry for you dude, im outraged by the whole situation! I can hope that some numpty somewhere realises their mistake and amends are made, i would seriously complain! It needs to b e FAIR afterall! its not right if there isnt an equal chance for everyone, no matter where you are serving!!
Much love, respect and strength goes to you Sir
Michelle
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