Rocking the Vote

It seems almost unreal that in two days, the election for the next president will take place.  For months now, I have watched debates, learned about the issues (and where I stand), and anticipated the day.  I have seen skits about both candidates (er, well maybe just about McCain and Palin) and I have watched people go crazy about which side they were on.  Needless to say, I hope people actually take the initiative to vote this time, instead of just hoping that the right candidate fills the position.  

I get really angry at the people who always say that their vote doesn't matter.  I've heard it plenty of times, from students in classrooms to adults who've had the same attitude about it their whole lives.  For once in our daily routine, we get to have a say in what's going on.  We live in a democracy, not a fascist regime.  If one person thinks their vote doesn't matter, there sure are going to be a heck of a lot more thinking the same thing.  That's why I love it when celebrities and the like do commercials about it.  I feel a lot more people are going to be willing to vote when someone they admire so highly tells them to.

I have been quite amused about how many companies are providing free things on Election Day.  Ben & Jerry's is giving out free ice cream cones.  Starbucks is giving out free tall cups of coffee.  I plan on going to each coffee franchise I see (I know of four) and getting an amazing flavor of ice cream (last year, on Ben & Jerry's Birthday, they gave out free cones, and they didn't disappoint.  They gave us a normal amount of ice cream, instead of stupid small samples, like Cold Stone did.)  I know it seems crazy that I am dreaming of ice cream right now, given that it's twenty nine degrees out, but if it's free, it's cool.  College kids love free things (Well, ok, I don't know of anyone who frowns upon free things) so when the opportunity arises, we take advantage.  Last year, we had free iced coffee day at Dunkin' Donuts.  I will never forget how happy I was about having that cup placed into my hands without needing to give anything.  

So this year, maybe elections will mean more to everyone.  Our economy is failing, a war is occurring, and people are losing hope.  It seems like a pretty important time to get your voice heard.