Barack the Vote

It is November 4 that means one very important things for those living in the U.S.A. It is Election Day! It is impossible to escape, especially this year when it is so important to so many people, including myself. I have been an ardent supporter of Sen. Barack Obama, I even voted for him in the primaries (after a lot of inner debate to choose between him and Sen. Clinton.) I take my right to vote very seriously, and despite all of the terrible things that occur to try and thwart voters, it is important to press on and not give up. We have to believe fervently that our voice counts, even if it isn't always heard, because that is the foundation on which a fair government is found. Participation in government is key even when they try to force us out and hide their real activities, because otherwise we allow corruption to run rampant as evidenced by this current administration. Transparency is important but it will only happen if we demand it. Its interesting how since Nixon and Watergate, and more recently, the debacle of the 2000 election, Americans have lost faith in the democratic process and therefore do not vote, but the only way to fix it is to continue to vote, stay determined and steadfast in your right to cast a ballot.

But I digress, there is something electric about this election. It feels to me that there is something in the air...dare I say...hope? That we are leaving a dark time of history and entering a period in which America can heal herself. That is at least what I am looking forward to.

Here are some excellent Election Day links:

A Look Back: http://thisfuckingelection.com/ (hasn't this been a little ridiculous?)

Election Updates/Resources:
NPR: http://www.npr.org/#/president?view=race08
PBS: http://www.pbs.org/vote2008/?campaign=election_module_news_headline
New York Times: http://elections.nytimes.com/2008/results/president/votes.html
BBC: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/us_elections_2008/7693060.stm
CNN: http://www.cnn.com/POLITICS/index.html
MSNBC: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18970417

Projections Done Right: http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/

Lighter Side of the Election:
Indecision 2008: http://www.indecision2008.com/

Now, go Vote! Then take a rest, you, the candidates, and America all need one. (But make sure you vote first!)