An Empowered Spirit Blog Post

Empower Yourself By Using Your Voice To Vote!

By Cathy Chester on October 2, 2012

Do you ever get the feeling that the only reason we have elections is to find out if the polls were right?” ~Robert Orben

Here it is, the week of the first Presidential debate – FINALLY!  It seems like campaign season lasts forever – particularly since I only felt peaceful again after the Obama-McCain campaign!  Is it me, or are these campaigns stretching out longer and longer and l-o-n-g-e-r?  I know I shouldn’t complain since we live in the world's greatest country, where we can debate and discuss topical issues openly.  The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, states, "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."  God bless the USA!

We have a lot at stake in every election.  Being over the age of 50 means we need to know the issues, learn where each candidate stands, and use our voice by voting for the candidate we believe is the better choice.

 A man has a property in his opinions and the free communication of them.” ~James Madison

 According to AARP, there are three questions you need to know where your candidates stand (Presidential, U.S. House of Representatives, and U.S. Senate).  They are:

 

  1.      How would you protect Social Security for today’s seniors and strengthen it for future generations?
  2.      How would you put Medicare on the firmer financial ground and protect today’s seniors and future retirees from the burden of rising health costs?
  3.      How would you help Americans build a financial nest egg for their retirement?

 

 With the upcoming election drawing near, it’s hard not to watch all political pundits argue their opinions about which candidate is better for our country and us.  We get caught up in their spin seven days a week, ready to rely on what they have to say as the ultimate gospel.  Be wary of relying on this!  We’ve recently seen how busy the fact-checkers are, proving there were a lot of loose lips at the Democratic and Republican Conventions.  So here are some tips to help you find the truth for the rest of the campaign season (Thanks once again to AARP):

 

  1. Reuters correspondent Andy Sullivan has a debate watchers guide to help you see how the candidates may attack each other and what nonverbal cues may help or hinder them while debating.
  2. Check the facts at reputable sites such as PolitiFact, FactCheckEd.org, and FactCheck.org.
  3. Follow social media, such as Facebook (check Facebook Live page) and Twitter (for the debate, use #debate or #presidentialdebate) to learn what others say.
  4. When I watch a debate or any important political event, I always watch C-SPAN.  News anchors and special guests spin no annoying rhetoric.  You can watch complete, uninterrupted programming.  You can even upload the debate to your library if you watch it later.
  5. YouTube, Yahoo, and AOL are partnering with the Presidential Debates to offer a forum for people to chat and discuss what they are watching. If you own an Xbox console, there’s an Xbox LIVE Election where you can watch a live feed of the debate and take part in polls and surveys.
  6. AARP also offers Election 2012 Discussion live at AARP.com.

 “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ~Marcus Aurelius

 As Americans, particularly aged 50+ Americans, we need to use our strong voices for the issues that matter to us.  We should decide what is best for our family, friends, country, and us.  Take some time to learn the issues, read what your candidates say, speak your mind constructively by discussing your views, and go to the voting booth on November 6 to use your voice.  It is your right, your duty, and your obligation.

*****

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DISCLAIMER:  Comments from An Empowered Spirit are brought to your attention on topics that could benefit you and should be discussed with your doctor or other medical professional. I am not medically trained, and my posts are journalistic and not instead of medical advice. An Empowered Spirit and its author will not be held liable for any damages incurred from using this blog or any data or links provided.

 

Author

Cathy Chester

Comments

  1. Thanks to my friend Janet, I discovered your article "Being and Staying Authentic" and indeed, can relate to it...Validation of how I have felt all my life is quite profound nonetheless.

    I have shared this article publicly on my facebook page and asked everyone to please read it, share it, and vote for the best candidate, not because of party affiliation or rhetoric. I pray we all make the right decision!

    Thanks for writing and sharing it!

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