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