Record Setting Voter Turnout

Various news outlets have reported a record setting voter turnout for this election in almost every state. This is a good thing... right?

The increased voter turnout can largely be attributed to the "youth vote." "Get out the Vote" and "Vote or Die" pro-voting slogans have been used to entice young voters to hit the polls and voice their opinions. The problem is... how many of these voters know the issues and are basing their votes off of them? 

How many people do you know that claim they are a Republican or a Democrat? Now, how many of those people do you think actually know why they are a Republican or Democrat? I don't think there are very many.  

My fear is that many of these young voters are merely regurgitating their parent's beliefs. "My parent's are voting for X and so am I!"

I was guilty of his myself. I turned 18 just in time for the 2004 primary elections. I proudly performed my civic duty and voted! I thought I knew what and whom I was voting for, but I was simply  voting like my parents. I knew who they supported so I also supported them too, but why? 

I worry that the increased voter turnout is merely a bunch of people who don't know the issues and are just voting to vote. 

So, is it a good thing that voter turnout is up? 

Hopefully! But I don't think so.

 

$1,000,000,000+

Today is election day and all I can think about is campaign financing and fundraising.

McCain has raised over $360 million and Obama has raised over $639 million for their respective presidential campaigns. Other candidates still in the race (who have no shot) have raised over $4 million. That is over $1 billion for political campaigning. (This does not include other major candidates like Clinton, Huckabee, Romney, Edwards, etc. who are no longer in the running.)

Over $1,000,000,000...

Used to spread their word, share their ideals, showcase their platforms, promote an opportunity for change, and most importantly, "mudslinging." 

I would bet that over 50% of this $1 billion is used for "mudslinging." (Attempting to discredit opposing candidates by drawing negative attention to them.) "Mudslinging" has been around forever and will always be an integral part of U.S. campaign strategies. However, I can't help but ask if this is money well spent?

Our economy isn't in the best shape, our national debt climbs by the second, people's homes are being foreclosed, jobs are being lost, and two men have raised over $1 billion to talk trash. I'm not suggesting that the candidates don't need some money to supplement their campaigns, but $1 billion? 

I can think of one billion other ways to spend $1 billion... starting with my tuition.