On Tuesday, Floridians not only have the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, but in doing so, can express their beliefs about the best course of action for our state and our country. For the past year, we have had candidates who would be president fill the airwaves (and newsprint) with their vision and plans. And for the past few months, we have heard arguments both for and against the ballot proposition that would impact our property taxes. What is a voter to do?
Even though the field of presidential contenders has narrowed a bit, there still seems to be enough distinction between the candidates to satisfy single-issue voters. That is, if your most important issue is the economy, the war in Iraq, health care, the environment, abortion, immigration or gay marriage, you're bound to find a candidate whose views most closely reflect your own (even though the media has done a fine job of predetermining which candidates should be taken seriously).
Come November, the choice might be easier for ardent Democrats and dyed-in-the-wool Republicans, who will simply vote the straight party line. But now, it's time to step up to the plate (or into the booth) and say, "This is what I believe."
What makes it so difficult is to know who to believe. Politicians seem to have a knack for pandering to their audience, framing their remarks to appeal to the group du jour. It reminds me of the old joke about how do you know when politicians are lying - their lips are moving.
Take the property tax amendment, for example. Some would have us believe that passage of this bill would be salvation for property owners; others claim that the fallout on a local level - budget cuts for community programs and services - would be disastrous. Proponents of this bill are likely hoping that the usual 20 percent of registered voters who bother to vote are property owners who will vote "Yes." Just imagine the ramifications if the voter turnout was more like 80 percent.
It's virtually impossible these days, especially for those of us who are registered as nonpartisan or independent, to find "spin-free" sources of information. As much as it might be more convenient to view the world in black-and-white, many of us are not willing to do so. My personal feeling about the property tax bill is that it was hastily crafted to meet the deadline for getting it on the ballot, and as such, does not fully address the concerns that have been expressed by both sides. So I'm left to choose between voting for an inferior bill now, or hoping that our legislators will go back to the drawing board and present us with something more thoughtful. As for a presidential nominee, I'm still one of the nonpartisans and undecideds, whose voice doesn't really matter anyway in Florida's closed primary system.
As the editors of AARP said, "Seek out the differences in the candidates and their policy plans. Truly, a vexing combination of problems faces the nation - health care, war, long-term finances, education and the environment. Don't rest in the comfort of candidates who echo your politics. Instead, seek out the differences - different parties, different ideas, different solutions."
Whatever your beliefs, whatever your decisions, I encourage and implore you to have a close look at the issues and candidates, and take the time and trouble to fully understand both the short- and long-term consequences before you vote on Tuesday.