On Independence

Today, we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Today, in 1776, a group of diverse thinkers worked together to begin a revolution.  

Today, I love my country more than yesterday.  I'm thankful for those who willingly put themselves in harms way to allow us to continue to disagree.  I'm thankful for my freedom to think, feel, and say what I believe without fear of serious ramification.

Today, in 2013, I hope that our representatives in Washington, DC can see beyond the tip of their nose.  I hope they can see beyond reelection.  I hope they can see to the future.  I hope they can bravely stand and go where no one has gone for a long long time ... 

The Land of Compromise.

What is so wrong with the middle?  I venture to guess that the overwhelming majority of people in the country fall somewhere in the middle.  And even if they don't, why can't we learn to give and take?  Why can't we learn to share a little?  Why does everyone have to walk away empty handed instead of everyone getting a little bit of whats available?

I want this country to return to what it once was.  I want it to once again be great.  I want people to make informed decisions based on facts ... and not simply what they heard a single pundit saying on cable news.  

Also, I'm really excited that its almost time for the premiere of the 2nd season of Newsroom.  If you haven't watched it, you absolutely must.  Skip to about 3:15 to see the absolute best soliloquy to come out since the president's speech in Independence Day.

On Voting

Today, I'm thankful to be able to cast a ballot for Barack Obama.  I'm thankful I live in a country where I can do this without fear of reprisal.  I'm thankful for all the people who have bravely fought and shed blood and tears and life for my right to do this.  I'm thankful for each of you who have the guts to go to your polling place and make a decision between the candidates.  There is never going to be a perfect choice and all men are flawed but if you choose to not exercise your right to vote then, IMHO, you lose your right to complain.

Please, if you disagree with my choice of candidate, then tell me by exercising your right to vote at the polls and not via the internet.

We need to become a country once again bonded together and not divided.  We need to think about what it is like to be in someone else's shoes and not just our own. We cannot assume we know what it is like to not be able to put food on the table for our family or go to the doctor if we truly have never been in that situation.  Most of us truly haven't.  Many of us might think we have, but in reality, haven't.

We need to pick candidates based on the overall sum of their values and their ability to get things done and not simply on their party.  Be brave.  Be bold.  Don't let a single TV station tell you how to think.  Do your own research.  Watch two conflicting stations and find a medium ground.  Form your own opinions.  Do not allow yourself to become a lemming.

Let's find people and put them in office who are willing to cross party lines and get things done.  Let's pick people who are willing to make sacrifices and find middle ground on the big issues.  Let's elect people who will save our country and make it a better place for our children and grandchildren.

Today is the end of an election cycle.  Today we elect a president for the next four years.  Today begins the time when we need to be looking for the best candidate for the next election.  We need to find people who meet my above criteria.  Keep your eyes open ... maybe if we all try, we will be able to find a perfect, unflawed choice.

Go forth and vote.