by Marlena Elias
November 11, 2000
My fellow Americans, it's Tuesday, November 7, 2000, and that means today is Election Day and I could not be more excited if I tried! I consider the right to vote the single most important privilege I have as an American. I couldn't fall asleep last night because I was so excited about casting my vote today for 43rd President of the United States. What's not to get excited about?
When I got rid of my Illinois driver's license, so I could vote in the state of Texas I took a step forward. I was hell-bent on keeping my Illinois license, but when I lost the option to vote in the primary election the decision was clear. I'm officially a resident of the State of Texas, only so I can stand up and be counted. I understand I am outnumbered here, but my vote does count, and I don't take that privilege for granted.
The first year I got to cast my vote was 1980 and believe me I was devastated that Reagan beat Carter. I was prepared to move to Canada! So here I am twenty years later, living in the heart of "George W" country and feeling like I'm drowning in a sea of conservatives. I can't fathom not feeling some responsibility for what is happening in our country. This election is extremely important because seats on the Supreme Court will be filled and this means the right to choose could be eliminated, which is completely unacceptable.
Citizens of the United States that do not understand what is at stake and who don't vote, should be taxed extra at the end of an election year. How is it possible that American Citizens don't make it a point to know about the candidates? We're the only country in the WORLD where everyone has the right to vote and where people choose not to vote.
I wish I could understand, let alone explain voter apathy. I'm not crazy about either candidate, but I'm not going to let an election go by without understanding what is on the line. Not voting doesn't make this country a better place; not voting insures that the things we complain about will never change.
My gut feeling all along is that Gore will win. If anyone took the time to look at Bush's record as Governor of the State of Texas, no sane person could possibly vote for him. In a state where a man was beaten, then tied to a pickup truck and dragged until his body was destroyed all because of the color of his skin, and where the Governor doesn't believe in hate crime legislation, that speaks volumes about his lack of humanity, decayed moral fiber, and his life of privilege.
I'm going to vote at lunchtime with my friend Jeanne. I will cast my vote with a clear conscience and know that I will be putting the better candidate in the White House. God Bless America.
November 11, 2000: We still don't have a President-elect! I could not be more pleased with the outcome of this election! The country is completely divided and it could be weeks before we know who will be President. This election is the most memorable in my lifetime, and I was here to participate and witness the drama! I still say, the winner when all is said and done will be Gore. <EM>
