Why you should vote today? March 5th 2008

Believe it or not. I am an independent voter. I have voted for Republicans and Democrats alike because I vote for the person, not the party. Iam constantly stereotyped as a liberal because I work for PBS but that is just too simplitic. I am like most Americans, IN THE MIDDLE. I don't believe in absolutes. I call myself a politcal cynic. After leaving a country for political reasons (Argentina) I don't believe in politicians generally speaking. There are exceptions. I think Bill White has done a good job in Houston but nationally, I don't like the job Congress or the President have done in the past 8 years.
I feel strongly that as Americans we are at a crossroad. We can either continue the path we have been on or we can demand real change. (I don't mean the rhetorical change we hear from all candidates) I mean real change. I have my opinion about what real change means.
I would like to see an economy that is market driven but socially just. This means we hold banks, mortgage companies, financial advisors etc. accountable and we take responsability for bad decisions ourselves. For instance, if you don't have the money don't buy it. period. Seventy percent of Americans are in debt. I don't think spending money and just consuming is the solution. Let's look at the future of this country. Would it be smarter to stop spending on a war that seems to have no end? Should we leave or Stay in Iraq until the situation is stable? Should we not change the way we consume oil? If the war was in fact fought for oil, what behaviors have we as Americans changed to stop our eternal dependence on oil?
What about health care? Can our politicians really break away from the pharmaceutical, hospital and insurance lobbysts? Do you realize, our politicians depend on their money to win elections? Do we understand that we need campaign finance reform to change a system that depends on big money to get elected? What is our responsability for our health? Do you realize food manufacturers may be advertising food that is just plain and simple toxic? Why don't we focus on prevention as a nation, because it is not a smart business decision? Please. Let's not forget, in my view, people are more important than the almighty dollar. We have to learn about nutrition so that when we get older, we won't get diabetes, or heart disease or high blood pressure.
Finally another issue is of course immigration. I will be doing a town meeting on April 24th on the subject here at HoustonPBS at 7pm. If this is an issue that really concerns us, then let's look at a comprehensive immigration reform. Getting emotional about the issue does not lead to solutions. Deporting people who have been living here for years is not the answer. What is economically, socially feasible? Every candidate has his or her views on all these subjects. Listen to them, ask questions and then VOTE..If you don't vote this election, you can't complain. We have to start standing up for what we believe without fear. We have to have the courage to cast a vote and hanle the consequences. We can no longer be an apathetic nation. If we are to be a great nation. WE MUST VOTE!!!