A simple but important question with hopefully a simple answer.  Are you going to vote in the 2012 presidential election?

I know many of you think that your vote won't do any good, that it has no affect, that it won't count for anything, and therefore that it is not worth taking the time to do.  Perhaps you have lost faith in the system.  But I urge you to reconsider.  If everyone made their voice heard, we could make a real difference, but it starts with YOU, the individual.  If you don't take on your part, we will never get anywhere.  Every vote counts.  Don't let yourselves become discouraged.

I know some of you vote the way you think is "cool" to vote.  "Who are my friends voting for?" Or "Who looks best on the camera?" Or "Whoever is most popular must be the right person for the job."  You may think it doesn't really matter WHO gets elected, as long as it happens smoothly and that the nation stays happy. Or maybe you disregard the ideology of the candidate and vote in favor of personal appearance and style. I would challenge you to think differently. Our nation was not founded on style but on conviction, it was not inspired by "cool" but by truth and reason.  Our founders did not fight because they were driven by their feelings, they fought because they knew in their hearts what the right thing was to do.  I urge you to vote this year based on who will fight for the same things our founders fought for.  Vote for who will make America not the land of those in debt but the land of the free.

I know others of you vote based on party. You have always voted for the candidate of your party regardless of that person's beliefs, morals, ideology, and character.  Perhaps you think that the label on the candidate is the only thing that is important, that it is the label which guides the candidate and not something more fundamental.  This year when you vote, I urge you to consider the candidate's character, beliefs, record, experience, and most importantly who the candidate's ties are with.  Vote for someone of genuine character, who speaks the truth and has a record that backs the candidate's words.

Perhaps others of you choose not to vote because of lack of interest or apathy.  This country is nearing the brink of a precipice.  There is no such thing as apathy anymore.  Either you are helping to push the country off of the cliff or you are pulling it away.  There is no middle ground.  I urge all of you to vote.  Make your voice heard.  Use the power given to you by the Constitution to make a difference in a society that needs it so desperately. 

I'm sure all of you for one reason or another choose to vote or not to vote, but let it be a decision you do not take lightly. Think about what is at stake. Think about your future.  Do your part to preserve it.  Whether you realize it or not, you are setting an example for those who come after you. Do not necessarily what is best for yourself here and now, but what is best for them. The future will die with you if you choose to ignore it.