I have voted in every election, even the most mundane ones such as school board and library board elections, ever since I gained the right to vote.

Regardless of the hopelessness, regardless of the fact that my one vote will not achieve any kind of change, or make any difference in the predefined outcome, I will not refrain from voting.

This year’s vote is particularly important.

Voting is my statement —“ saying I believe in the United States that propagates this right. You remember —“ the nation of ideals —“ democracy, freedom, rugged individualism, family, true conservatism. When I vote I will be saying that I remember and believe in the country that didn’t torture its prisoners, that didn’t strike first, that didn’t spy on its citizens, and that didn’t call political opponents traitors.

This year is tough. I get to chose between Democrats who will pave the streets in the blood of aborted and murdered children (abortion and ESCR) and Republicans who will pave the streets in the blood of our serviceman and women, of prisoners (death penalty), and of so many innocents around the world.

The alternate lines offer a means of protest. Whether Conservative, Libertarian, Reform, or Green, a vote on those lines will say, at least in part, I do not agree.

In any event, I encourage you to get out and vote. Make your vote a moment of prayer, asking for God’s mercy on us just before you pull the level, punch the card, write the name, or press the button. Make your one small voice heard. We may never take back our state or country, but at least we can maintain our personal dignity (as long as they let us).