Do you check the polls to see how a candidate is faring in the election?  Does this affect how you want to vote? Here’s a thought.

The election polls are propaganda of the worst kind.  They are the mulch of whatever money tree has been shoved into the obnoxious, whirring machine.  The “data” (if that is what you want to call it) is spewed out at regular intervals, conveniently distributing whatever color leaves it was given, and satisfying those who paid for its services.

The media, which was once (long ago, in days of yore) a source for at least some information and news, has become nothing more than a dispensary of slimy “unreality”, packaged in a convenient, room-temperature, spreadable form, easy to digest; or add to your lawn during its fall aeration.  Either way, its end product is a form of fertilizer.

Here’s an idea.

Turn off the television, or just watch Alf or old M.A.S.H reruns – something benign that was actually meant as entertainment.  Turn a deaf ear and blind eye to the political opinions, rantings, outbursts or evaluations expressed by others.  Ignore the polls – they’re ALL paid for by someone with an interest in something.

Instead, read the wording of the proposed bill or measure for yourself.  Think through the possible outcomes of its passing or failing.  Are there clauses and sections included which make it impractical or ineffective or which seem out of place being included with the proposed bill?

When considering a person, think about what the candidate has done in the past.  Read about his/her voting record and ideals platform.  Do YOU think she wants what others say she wants?  What can you learn from this person before you make your decision?  But most importantly, I believe you should vote for a person, not against a person.  Cast your vote based on how you feel in your gut when he speaks, when he gestures, when you’ve seen him struggling with a decision or answer.  Think about whether she/he has shown integrity and strength under pressure; whether he/she has shown respect in action and voice to other leaders.

“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” –Dr. Seuss

Choose for yourself and cast YOUR vote.  It’s no one else’s.  In this world, there are still many who struggle for the freedom to have this right, which means it is also a privilege.

Peace.