This weekend I was in Ohio dropping some things (winter clothes, books, and other items that won't be used in Uganda) off at my parents' house. While I was there I had the opportunity to do something I have never done. I visited the county board of elections and cast a vote in person. In 2000 and 2004 I trusted that an absentee ballot with my name on it went somewhere, was filled out properly, and returned with a vote for the "good guys." This year I was in Ohio; where early voting is taking place, as it is in 30 other states--you really have no excuse. I had the pleasure of casting a vote for Barack Obama.There are a number of reason why you should also vote for Barack Obama. Race is the least of them, but if that's your thing more the power to you. I have some good friends who live in either the Bible Belt or the Rust Belt who are on the verge of being duped into 4 more years. I know some of you just love endless war, private health care you can't afford, failing housing and credit markets, and poor public education. Maybe you think big businesses need more money. Maybe you think its about Jesus....? Like I said duped. If you're one of the people hanging your hat on those things I am not talking to you. If you are a thinker this is for you.
Vote for Barack Obama if you ever hope to see me again. Read this blog and mark my words. A vote for Obama is a vote to get me to come back to America one day. Please trust that if John McCain becomes president I will NOT be coming back here. It would not be because I hate John McCain or because I love Barack Obama--I've never met them. It would be because the American public was silly enough to ask for more of what has hurt them so much. We proved we were up for it in '04 and I will not do it again.
So if you take advantage of early voting or wait until the 4th please consider our friendship when you go to the polls. Either that or start saving for a plane ticket.
