Election Night High

For the first time in my life, I actually got up early to vote today. For those who know me, I don't get up early for anything (including my wedding). I walked into the voting booth and voted with no false expectations about my vote actually counting on a national level. I 've been born and raised in a blue state and I accept that. However, I've been wired in to the election news coverage for months and now that the day is actually here, I am more inspired and adrenalized than I ever thought I would be about an election.

Regardless of who wins, voting will never be the same, nor should it be. It is inspiring to see people like me all over the country lining up to vote. I watched a piece on CNN where a school district in Florida actually registered all of their high school age voters at their respective school districts and then bussed the students to the various polling locations to make sure they voted. And here's the kicker - the kids were excited to do it. At 7:15 this morning, I actually was to. It's a great privilege to take an active role in shaping the path of history in some small way and I think nation-wide people want to participate in it. That's why you are getting the lines of people who aren't complaining about the wait. They can say they waited in line to participate in history. It's become a badge of honor nationwide. I'm so proud of our citizens for being so motivated. Well done.

The Blue State Blues

I've been watching all of the presidential and the lone vice presidential debate with great care. However, I've come to realize that at the end of the day my vote for president means absolutely nothing. I am a staunch independent, which (for me) means that I attempt to look issues, candidates and what their decisions mean for my future and the future of my family. What I've concluded is that the only person who can control that future is me. Not evil candidate A or B.

When I do vote, it will be an informed vote, however, it will be a wasted vote. Here's why. . . living in New York or any notoriously liberal state has come to mean that candidates devote no money, time or resources to earmarking votes for our state because the outcome is pretty much pre-determined. When was the last time there was a Republican presidential event in New York, California or Illinois? But, candidates make damn sure they are touting Florida, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Colorado every chance they get.

Although I'm spending time and effort examining the current state that we are in as a state, country and world, its pre-determined that my state's electoral votes are already (and always) thrown in the blue column without a second thought. New York is a guarantee.

So, at the end of the day the fate of the future of our country and its place in the world is being driven by the "golden states" - Nevada, Colorado, Florida, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Missouri. I'm not sure this kind of election selection is safe. . . or really enforces the ideal of "every vote counts."

-sb