Voice your choice

O bviously the example of my Mom and Dad being involved in the community, always challenges me to do the same. They live that give-back-lifestyle, as if their lives depended on it.

B y the end of the first decade of my life my Parents had a lot of things they could be concerned about. The continuation of 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 an oil crisis.

A t 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!

M y plan isn't to tell you who to vote for; I'm simply going to tell you to VOTE! Are you registered to vote? There is a simple way to find out. The folks at canIvote.org are a nonpartisan (That means they have not picked sides, parties, or candidates.) web site, created by state election officials to help eligible voters figure out how and where to go vote.

A lso, you can visit the National Association of Secretaries of State web site for more 2012 election information. Hurry, time is running out on your ability to register in time for the next election. Check out your state deadline here.

Don't let the polls fool you; this is one tight presidential race. Both President Obama and Governor Romney have worked 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 for them. There are a number of other elections taking place across the country. I want to encourage you to check out the New York Times Election 2012 app to educate yourself on the people running in your neck of the woods. It features the latest polling numbers, state-by-state projections, candidate bios and live election results at your fingertips.

If you're too late in registering for this election, register today for the next one. Now more then ever, we need to participate in the process! Our rights, equality, and way of life depend on it.

Clearly these are some damn interesting times! As my Father says, "Politics is theater at its best!" I hope you will join me on that stage and play your part!