In 50 days or less, the American People will be casting their votes for the 2008 US Elections.
So much has been said - on the internet, the newspapers, various discussion boards, and other outlets.
Billions of dollars have been spent on campaigns, a lot of mud-slinging has transpired - and whether we admit it or not, what we've seen (whether true or not) has affected who we'll be voting on Nov 4.
However, before you head out and vote, here are 5 things that shouldn't determine your vote for the 2008 US Elections.
1.
Age - Facts: McCain is 72.
Obama is 47 yrs old.
A 25 yr age difference.
On the former's corner, it boasts of a lifetime of experience - as well as points for being a POW, while the latter the exuberance, idealism and the passion of youth.
I'm sure there are other candidates in other states who are in the same situation.
A battle of ages so to speak.
So many arguments for both sides, but bottomline, cliche as it may sound, age shouldn't matter - if it doesn't matter in relationships, it shouldn't matter in the elections.
2.
Gender - For the Presidential elections, it's man vs man.
For the VP position though, it's woman vs man.
In other states, the same thing.
I don't know if we're in the dark ages or something, but seriously folks, for some people it still matters.
I thought we had surpassed this when women started voting, but apparently, there are still people who think women can't equal or surpass what men can do - and to be fair, there are also women who wouldn't choose a male candidate just because of his gender.
Really.
Wake up America.
3.
Race - Afro American, Asian, Hispanic, Caucasian, White.
Whether your skin color is a different tone than the one speaking on the DNC or RNC, you should be able to look beyond that.
Support the candidate who speaks your thoughts, whose beliefs and values match yours and who you think will make America a better place.
Not because he or she doesn't have the same eye, skin, or hair color as yours.
4.
Religion - There had been rumors about Obama as a muslim.
And I don't have a problem with that.
Religion shouldn't dictate who you're going to vote, in as much as you don't necessarily have to follow what your pastor has to say about the elections.
See beneath their faith, and you'll see a presidential candidate who will stand up for what you believe in.
5.
Media.
- So Tina Fey was funny as hell spoofing Sarah Palin.
Should this affect your vote? Not a bit.
If you feel in your heart that McCain-Palin ticket reflects the America you've always imagined, then vote for them.
If you feel Obama-Biden will make a better America, then that's your choice.
Be selective of the things you read, watch and hear so you don't get caught in the lies and press releases of the campaigns.
Flip-flops are common, and statements don't always ring true.
Perhaps what I've written are common sense things that shouldn't determine your vote for the US Elections -but it pays to be reminded.
On the other hand, don't you think common sense is a bit uncommon these days? If it were, we wouldn't be in the credit crunch we're in!