This is in response to the excellent op-ed, “America is now the Promised Land,” by Ross M. Grace Jr., published June 7. I hope that those paying attention will respond to his message, and I’m confident that the bulk of those who are dissatisfied with the status quo are going to vote in November.

But for those who won’t vote, that is a big mistake. When people don’t vote, their voice isn’t heard. As Mr. Grace pointed out, there are women who fought to get women the right to vote, and civil rights leaders who died, were jailed and beaten in order to get minorities the right to vote.

My friend Marilou, who is in her late 50s, pointed out to me that not voting is a big part of the problem and does nothing to solve problems in this country. Also, you can’t complain about what you allow.

Now that the Democratic primary season is over, I urge readers to get to know the candidates for this November. They are Bob Barr (Libertarian candidate), John McCain (Republican), Barack Obama (Democrat) and Ralph Nader (Green Party).

As Mr. Grace and others have done so far, I urge those reading this to write opinion letters throughout this campaign season to talk about the candidate they are choosing and why.

Information about where to vote is available by going to www.wheredoivotema.com (from the secretary of the commonwealth). Enter a home address and it gives the polling station as well as the representatives and information on how to get registered to vote in November.

Visit the candidates’ Web sites, as well as their YouTube sites. The excellent thing about the presidential candidate-centered YouTube channel is that the candidates are posting the majority of their “town hall” meetings and personal messages to voters.

Don’t sit home this election year. Everyone should make their voice heard on Nov. 4.

Originally posted in The Standard-Times newspaper,  SouthCoastToday.com – Posted June 13, 2008 12:00 AM

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