Research Makes a Difference

Politics and literature. Voting or writing. Research makes a difference. If you're writing a novel set in the 1800's, you better have enough research done to back up your character's decisions. The reader needs to feel that the setting is believable. If you're writing a nonfiction picture book, your facts need to have verifiable resources. No teacher wants to inadvertently be teaching a child that a kangaroo is not a marsupial.

Just as in writing, there's a certain amount of research that should go into voting as well. If you think you know who you're going to vote for during the upcoming presidential election, I only ask one thing of you as a fellow citizen. Please do your research, at least a little. And don't rely on other people's opinions, especially the media. That's like using Wikipedia as your go-to source for writing a book about the holocaust, or any other subject for that matter. At the very least, please go directly to each of the candidate's websites.

I did. And I was surprised at what I found. I went to the one I thought I might vote for, and continued to be solid in that decision...until I checked out the other candidate's site. I was surprised at how thorough the information was presented. I was impressed! I feel like I did my research. I know who I'm voting for! Granted, the amount of research was akin to only giving two references for a 10-page research paper. But at least I'm not voting blind. I'm not a "Wikipedia voter"! Don't let the media sway you.

Please, I implore you to check out both websites! Go straight to the source, whether you're a Republican, a Democrat, or Nonpartisan, especially if you're registered as an unaffiliated voter. Pay special attention to the levels of experience, education, history, and the plans for the future. Don't vote based on 2-3 issues you feel most strongly about. Try to look at the picture as a whole. Good luck! "See you" on election day!

www.mittromney.com

www.barackobama.com

P.S. No, I'm not telling you who I'm voting for...