Vote or die? Not likely

Anne Applebaum wrote a contemplative column for The Washington Post Tuesday explaining why she, a McCain supporter in years past, cannot vote for Sen. John McCain, citing his campaign and the state of the Republican Party in general as her reasons. She described herself as “one of those elusive independent female voters” — a club of which I also consider myself a member.

On Facebook, my political views are listed as “moderate.” I have never been one to engage my friends in political debates; in fact, I tend to shy away from them. It’s not that I’m not interested or am uninformed, but simply choose not to participate in shrewd finger pointing and name calling to express why I believe what I believe politically.

I take pride in the fact that I am no political party fanatic, because that means I take the time to learn about the candidates and decide for myself who is the best choice for the given position. While I have been leaning toward voting for one candidate for president for some time, I have remained open to learning more about both McCain and Obama as the campaign weathers our political landscape.

After months of hearing from both candidates and both parties, I am confident in my decision for who should lead our country as the 44th president. You can assume what you please about that decision, based on the fact that I am a member of the media, or that I am a woman. Or that I am from North Carolina, though these days that could mean anything.

But I will not tell you whom I plan to vote for. That should make no difference to you. It is up to you to do your own research and decide for yourself. I realize that most of you finalized that decision long ago, but for those of you who still remain on the fence: You have two days. Please, read up on the candidates’ positions and think about what is most important to you.

Is it the economy? Is it energy? Is it the war in Iraq? Is it health care?

Whatever hits you hardest, whatever affects you the deepest, ask yourself this: Why is that issue so important? And what about that issue matters to you? Look at yourself before scrutinizing the candidates, then listen to what they promise.

Yes, campaigns are full of empty promises. But the leader of our nation holds a great amount of power and your vote matters. Sean Combs, aka Diddy, Puff Daddy, P. Diddy or whatever he calls himself these days, targeted America’s young voters four years ago with his “VOTE OR DIE” campaign. Obviously no one is going to die from abstaining, but why waste your vote?

I don’t agree 100 percent with everything my choice for president proposes — it is unlikely I will ever have one man or woman embody the exact ideals I value in my life. But I have found someone to believe in; someone to put my faith in who I think can improve the state of our nation, no matter his party. Have you?

Catherine Amos urges you to cast your vote Tuesday, no matter your choice. She can be reached at 825-0771 ext. 138 or .