I have received a few emails asking why they should bother to vote... as every candidate makes promises that they do not keep should they be elected.  Last month I was asked to speak at a local career and vocational center here in Charleston about that very issue.  Many of the responses I received echoed the exact feedback as that of my myspace readers.

"Why should I bother to vote?  Politicians lie to get your vote by promising things they don't deliver in office."

I would like to address this issue - just I did in April.

You are right!  Along the election trail candidates do seem to make sweeping promises that frequently do not "happen".

However, it is important to realize that a candidate must create a platform that showcases his or her "stand" on particular issues.  After all, we deserve to know just where a candidate stands on the issues that will impact our lives.  This does resemble a promise.  However, it is not.  It is a personal "vision" of what the candidiate wants to make a reality if elected.

Our government is comprised of a system of checks and balances.  This means that neither the President or Congress has the power to make legislative decisions without the agreement of each other.  This is done to protect us from chaotic dictatorship.

When a candidate is elected President, his or her  "vision" must be discussed and voted on by Congress.  Often the original intent of the vision goes through significant changes as it moves along the Congressional trail.  Sometimes, the vision is defeated in Congress and the vision doesn't have the opportunity to take flight as was the original intent.

That is the price that we pay for our current system of government.  It isn't a bad system.  It has served us well for over two hundred years!

In short ..... a platform does resemble a promise.  Yet they are two different things.  A candidate truly wishes his or her platform to become a promise for America.  Sadly, it just doesn't always work that way.

With that said, it is still highly important to examine the issues being discussed - and take a look at the various platforms.  Ask yourself "Who's platform best addresses my most pressing concerns?"  Be it the economy, the war in Iraq, healthcare or a combination thereof ..... your vote is important.  Don't ever feel that your beliefs and your actions do not matter!  Your prescence at the polls this May 13th will make a difference.  Everyone - and I mean everyone - is waiting to hear who you want to represent you in the White House in 2009!

By Robert J.

Robertasap@yahoo.com