Commentary by Danielle Pelkey

The North Jefferson News



I’m sure that everyone knows by now this is an election year.

All I hear around me is political talk about Obama, Clinton, Nader, Huckabee and McCain. If there were ever a year that I would encourage all of those around me to vote, this is the year. We are in the middle of a war and it is very important that we choose a leader who will make the right decisions for our country.

Someone asked me the other day, “Don’t you want your kids to grow up and become the president?”

My answer was a resounding “No!” I can’t imagine the pressure that you and your family would be under. You wouldn’t have any family secrets after something like that. Of course, it’s not good to have family secrets in the first place, but if you already have them, it’s nice to keep them tucked away for a rainy day.

I have a tough enough time trying to make decisions that only affect me. Could you imagine trying to make decisions to effect the whole nation?

The closest I will ever come to making a national decision is when I get the chance to vote. We all realized a few years ago how important it is to get to the polls and make our voices heard.

I’m not trying to open up a can of political talk because I understand that my knowledge of the candidates is very limited. Of this fact I am ashamed. It is our responsibility to go out and get the facts and study up on each candidate.

Don’t just believe everything that your mom’s aunt’s cousin Susie told you she heard about them. I’ve included a list of the candidate’s Web sites so you don’t have an excuse for not knowing your candidates: www.barackobama.com; www.HillaryClinton.com; www.mikehuckabee.com; www.votenader.org; and www.JohnMcCain.com.

It kinda feels like you’re in school again when you have to research candidates and browse through all of their views on different platforms, but the fact of the matter is that it will be worth it. Know what you want in a president, and who you want for president before you get to the polls.

My high school government teacher taught me the responsibility and pride that we should take when we get the chance to vote and I’m happy to say that I will pass these down to my children. It has stuck with me for the last 10 years and I’m very thankful for that. So, Mr. Smith, where ever you are, thank you!

Since people have fought to give us this right of freedom and the right to vote, do them justice by getting out to the polls any time they are open and letting your voice be heard.

If you think you are insignificant and no one cares about your opinion, you should go and vote. Your vote counts just as much as the next president’s vote.