Failure of tradition evident in election

February 11, 2008 —

As the presidential primaries enter the home stretch I am forced, as an active voter, to face the realities of this year's big decision. As I consider my options, research the candidates, and weigh the issues, I come to a striking conclusion - it doesn't matter.

This year, in continuation of long standing political tradition, the primaries, and indeed the entire Presidential race, will be one of negative campaigning, half truths, and will suffer from a lack of any real representation.

The failures of this proud American tradition are even more evident this year as many of us were denied even the minute say we have during the primaries. To think, a system designed to allow for the free speech and political control of its citizens would allow its candidates to simply disregard an entire state - solely in the interest of keeping the traditional early primary states happy.

If you aren't up to date on the race, I am referring to Michigan's decision to move up its primary election day in an effort to increase presidential attention and campaigning within the state. This move, while admittedly a break from tradition, caused an uproar among the political community. The candidates, hoping to bolster favor with other early primary states, agreed to prevent Michigan delegates to the convention from being seated, which means that our votes don't count.

In the aftermath of this debacle, any American who watches tv, listens to the radio, or surfs the internet will be subjugated to a whole slew of negative campaign ads until we can hardly stomach any of the candidates. Instead of listening to what each candidate can do for our country, we will listen to the supposed failures of the other presidential hopefuls. What few positives we do hear will revolve around most of the candidates offering us the biggest tax cuts in recent years.

So, as a dutiful citizen I will trudge to my precinct, stand in a long and very slow line, listen to the same set of instructions that only barely make sense, and finally (and filled with patriotic fervor) make my way into the flimsy voting booth to have my say as an American citizen. I will stand there with my stylus poised and will stare, baffled, at the overwhelming array of choices before me.

After regaining my composure and quelling my instinct to look around to try and see what everyone else is doing I will bypass all of the sections and vote straight party ticket because...I will not recognize a single name on the ballot other then those of the presidential candidates.

Finally I will plod back to my car, deciding what to do with my "I Voted" sticker and will dishearteningly wonder whether my vote means anything. The answer is no.