"Lethargy [is] the forerunner of death to the public liberty." - Thomas Jefferson
It is more than our right, it is our responsibility to vote; yes, even in midterm elections.
As anyone knows who has even casually been reading, watching, or listening to the news in past weeks, every vote will matter Tuesday, November 7. Control of the U.S. House of Representatives - possibly the Senate as well - is hanging in the balance between Republicans and Democrats.
How you vote is, of course, entirely your own business. But please, please, please get informed and get to the polls.
To that end, I offer a few thoughts:
The AIA has a Web site that is extremely easy to use and geared specifically to your interests: ArchitectsVote.org. You will find links to information on federal and state elections specific to you, including candidates' Web sites (which are a lot more informative than the signs that are probably popping up all over the roads and yards in your neighborhood).
A couple of other good, nonpartisan Web sites to visit include the League of Women Voters and National Association of Secretaries of State.
One last word, and I'll get down off the soap box: Encourage everyone you know to vote, too. Offer your employees extra time off, if you have that kind of pull. If you answer to someone else, ask. Either way, plan now on getting to your polling place. Make the commitment and JUST DO IT.
What do you think?
Comments (3)
http://www.foxarch.com
DATE:10/27/2006 12:00:00 AM
IP:68.196.7.164
Please go out and vote. Don't sit home and let others decide your future. You will have no credence in discussions regarding the issues if you do not invest the time to try and make a difference now.
There are many ill-informed and disinterested people when it comes to politics. You, as someone who is generally more cognizant of their surroundings than the average person, have to make the commitment.
Posted by Frederick T. Wawra, AIA | December 1, 2006 3:32 PM
Posted on December 1, 2006 15:32
Shouldn't we vote to support life first, otherwise your other efforts are limited in their potential.
Posted by Craig | November 3, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on November 3, 2006 00:00
Well said, Frederick.
Yesterday, I was looking for information on absentee voting and, using the Web sites Adam mentioned, found that absentee registration is still possible in Virginia's First District. Plus, I found the form I could download as well as the place and hours to turn it in. You've got to love this Internet. On the other hand, there isn't much excuse anymore for not doing what we all know we should. ("A World Without Excuses" ... that sounds like a song I should write. But is there a good rhyme for "Internet"?)
Posted by Doug Gordon | October 28, 2006 12:00 AM
Posted on October 28, 2006 00:00