As election day (Tuesday, November 4) nears, just a quick post to remind everyone that if you have registered, the next step is to vote.  As one of your only obligations as a citizen, it is up to you to determine the future of this country.  So…please vote!

America was founded on the belief that a government can only function with the consent of the people.  The Declaration of Independence says so directly:

…governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed; that whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.

Our founding fathers, over 230 years ago, understood that a nation is only as strong as its citizens.  Let the rest of the world see that we are indeed still strong, not just because of the might of our military – but this time because of the intensity of our intellect and the participation of our people.  We must remind the world that we, too, have the ability to effect change.  So…please vote!

It is up to each and every one of the people in this nation to decide as a whole the direction that our future should take.  Voting is the most direct way that you can take a stand and proclaim, “This is where I want to see us go.”  Even though I may or may not agree with your political views, I still believe that we must all participate.  So…please vote!

Finally, I’m reminded of a quote from Edward R. Murrow, the famous newsman:

A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves.

Don’t be passive and let others speak for you, don’t assume change will happen of its own volition, don’t sit back and let your voice be silent, don’t let over two centuries of democracy go to waste.  Don’t be a sheep.

Please, vote!

For more information, try one of these links: JustVote.org RocktheVote.com