My whole life, I've been challenged to do my part to Make A Difference! The example of my Mother and Father getting involved in the community truly shaped me to want to do the same. They lived that give-back-lifestyle, as if their lives depended on it. I think they did.

Look at what they had to worry about in the first decade of my life. They experienced the civil rights movement; the Vietnam War; nuclear weapons build up; and opposition to the authority of government. The environmentalist movement began to increase dramatically and western countries experienced an economic recession due to oil crisis. At the time, the 70's were the worst decade of American economic performance since the great depression. Does any of this sound familiar? Even though the characters and causes may have changed a bit; the need for our involvement to keep us on a positive course still remains strong!

I'm not going to tell you who to vote for; I'm simply going to tell you to VOTE! Don't let the polls fool you; this is one tight presidential race. Both Senators Obama and McCain have worked hard to show you the part they want to play in the history of the United States. They hope that you will do your part by voting them in. There are also a number of other elections going on across the U.S. I want to encourage you to check out the Windy City Times Election Guide to educate yourself on the people running in your neck of the woods.

Clearly these are some damn interesting times! As my Father used to say, "Politics is theater at its best!" I hope you will join me on the stage of life and play your part!

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