Get Out and Vote

In many countries of the world, the citizens do not have the privilege of picking their leaders. However, in the United States we do have that privilege and on Tuesday November 4, we have an opportunity to exercise that privilege once again. I want to urge everyone to get out and vote so your voice can be heard. We are not only electing the next president but there are also many other federal, state, and local offices up for election as well as some important propositions.

We currently face an economic downturn. This is not the first time we have went through such a downturn. I am 52 years old and have endured many such downturns. It is never pleasant to be in the middle of the turmoil of the downturn, but it is also important not to panic by just arbitrarily making changes just so we can feel good about doing something. There is no doubt in my mind that some changes will be necessarily but we must take the time to determine what changes will be best. Experience tells us that the US economy is very resilient and will survive while we take the time to determine what changes are necessary.

The theme of Senator Obama’s campaign has consistently been change but when the senator is confronted about being specific about changes he will make, he is not specific and has changed plans regularly throughout the campaign. This has been evident this week as he has changed the income threshold he will use to determine who will get a tax increase. Initially it was $250,000. Later he mentioned that it was $200,000. Joe Biden, Senator Obama’s Vice Presidential selection later reduced it to $150,000. Finally just yesterday, Governor Richardson of New Mexico, an Obama supporter, further reduced it to $120,000 http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/31/low-richardson-pegs-middle-class-making. This leads us to question who will have their taxes increased in Obama’s tax plan if he is elected president.

Even if we currently do not make over $120,000 per year, we may someday; we also most likely work for someone who does. In my opinion, it is not wise economic policy to change the tax code of the country so that anyone pays more taxes during rough economic times. Changes to the tax code always have unintended consequences. Before just arbitrarily increasing taxes on any group, we must take time to evaluate these circumstances.

This, among other reasons, is the primary reason I will be casting my vote this election for Senator McCain and Governor Palin. Senator McCain has demonstrated his dedication to his country and his ability to critically think through issues before proposing or making any changes. Governor Palin has also demonstrated her ability to confront opposition, even when it comes from her own party in order to do what is right for her home state of Alaska. This type of solid leadership is what the country needs in these uncertain times.

However, you have the right to vote whatever way you want on Tuesday. The only thing I am urging is that you consider whether we need to make change just for changes sake, or do we need smart change that has been thought through. I am confident that you will make the right decision on Tuesday after you have considered this.