Why Unity Matters on Super Tuesday

Okay, it's Chad.

Here's how I'm going to vote.

Admittedly, I'm going to sound like I'm asking people to hold hands and sing like flower people. But I believe in the leadership style that has the ability to bring people together. If people disagree, there should be a significant effort from a President to change minds in hopes of bringing unity. To clarify, though it seems popular to disagree and make fun of President Bush across the board, I have not disagreed with everthing he has done. However, where I believe he has gone wrong is that he has appeared to dismiss people who don't see it his way. We see this as he seems to continually ram budget proposals down the throat of the Congress asking for billions for a war that he has not adequately convinced people we should be fighting. If he believes we should be fighting the war, part of his job is to convince his country. I don't think he's tried.

In 8 years, I hope that Mitt, John, Hillary or Barak will not be as isolated and politically impotent as President Bush is currently. I think at least three of these will try to convince others effectively, but in reality, I think only one candidate is poised to do it best. And I'm voting for that one.

A Personal Viewpoint on the Elections

Hey guys...it's Curtis.

I'm scared to tell you who I plan to vote for in the election. I'm afraid that some of you will think I have just jumped on a bandwagon that most young adult men have found themselves on, without really engaging the tough questions. By now you can likely guess who I favor. I get excited about Obama because I sense in him a powerful charismatic spirit and a vision for the future that gets me excited about being an American.There is something inside me that longs to witness something historic. Perhaps that's why I was torn between rooting on the Patriots and the Giants. Regardless of what happened, upset or perfect season, it would be a historic game. Yes, I'll admit it's not just about his political stances, I want America to be something different.

I grew up following in the political footsteps of my parents, who are Republican. They weren't dogmatic and they held pretty sophisticated political beliefs, which I certainly respect, but the upcoming election felt like a change of tide for me personally. I sensed that the Democrats values were closer to the vision of God's world that I've come to hold. Now I must admit, I got a thrill telling my parents I was likely going to vote for a Democrat, just to shake them up. But as the election has come closer, I catch myself feeling like I'm betraying someone or something that I have sworn loyalty to. I've realized that, for me, voting was about more than just deciding who would lead our country in the right direction; voting was about my identity.

I encourage you to take this election time as an opportunity to shake up your identity. Question your motives for why you want to vote for a particular candidate. Discover what draws you away from certain candidates. Of course, fear will creep up at the slightest hint that you would change your political stance. It would mean that part of your identity will be forced to change. It will mean admitting that you were wrong in the past. But exploring these fears and hopes will help you learn about yourself and help you make the best decision.