As November 2012 approaches, the usual election drama is unfolding. This year it seems we can be certain that there won’t be any shortage of negative campaigning. We know Romney is capable. Just ask Newt. Obama has already shown his stripes.

Obama counts on emotion

Those that vote emotionally will be tossed back and forth like a teapot in a tempest. They most likely will cast their vote for Obama, although Ryan promises to give the enigmatic incumbent a run for his money. Those who vote intellectually will try to navigate their way through the electioneering. They will seek to assess the differences in the ideas the two “tickets” present. They will most likely cast their vote for Romney.

This election cycle will be a battle between raw emotion and calculated analysis. The youth played an important part in electing Obama. Their impact for this cycle is polling unremarkably. Many on both sides of the aisle ask for the votes of this particular demographic. I say – Don’t! Responsibility should come with casting a vote. Most youth showed that they didn’t take that responsibility seriously. Nearly all voted for the “Cool Dude.” (My apologies to those who were responsible and looked beyond Obama’s I-Phone.)

Apathetic? Don’t vote!

Barack H. Obama. Photo: Pete Souza, January 13, 2009

Every time you try to engage a potential voter in a political discussion, and they tell you apathetically that they are not interested in politics, ask them politely not to vote. Of course this is a unique point of view. Our civics education conditions us to recruit as many voters as possible. But there simply is too much at stake this time around. Let the apathetic stay home.

It may be hard to see beyond all the campaign rhetoric. But the consequences of this election demand a higher level of involvement and responsibility. Since the Civil War, never have we held an election where the results will decide whether we survive as a nation. The man now occupying the White House has shown over and over that he is not bound by our Constitution. And he has shown over and over that he will get around it according to his will. Should he win another four years, his reign will be unrestricted by having to run for another election. Usually lame-duck presidents exercise less influence with Congress, knowing that their time is limited. In this case, Obama will override Congress at every opportunity – and where no opportunity exists, he will create one. His remark to the Russians to wait until after the election when he will be free to do what he pleases is a good indication that we can expect the unexpected.

This November 6th there is more on the line than who will lead the country for the next four years. This November 6th will decide whether or not the American Dream can be passed on to the next generation or whether it will morph into God knows what. By all means, encourage people to be involved, but if they’re not, encourage them to stay home. This November 6th you will not be just voting for Obama v. Romney, you will be voting for Capitalism or for Marxism; for liberty or for slavery. Admit it or not – the choice is clear – will this stay One Nation Under God, or will it become One Nation Under Obama.

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