TGImp3F PSA

Rarely do I get into serious political discourse here at Fishwrap Central. I'm a linker not a writer damn it (as demonstrated by my frequent apostrophe abuse.) I fear I lack the ability to be articulate in important matters of the state and debate, though I think most of you know where I stand on the issues. Besides, there are enough political blog pundits out there if that's what you are looking for.

But I have an audience here. About 400 people intentionally come by here everyday. And I feel an obligation to bend your ear a bit this fine Friday.

A lot of people, including myself, have said "I don't care who you vote for, as long as you vote."

I'll tell ya right now, that's bullshit. I care who you vote for! My life, my family, my future depends on it. Another 4 years of George W. Bush scares the living shit out of me.

So I was thinking about this election last night as I lay in bed and I realized, as obvious as it may seem, that on Tuesday the world as I know it will change. For better or worse.

I believe the youth vote will determine the winner of the popular vote, but as we know, the popular vote does not always determine who is elected president. We've seen an amazing number of young people register to vote this year. They are the ones who will be asked to fight and die in the current and future wars of America. They are the ones who might someday be called up in a draft. Don't think that could happen? Think again.

But they are not the only potential voters who understand what's on the line this Tuesday. California Secretary of State Kevin Shelley estimates a 70% voter turnout. That's HUGE!

There is an undercurrent of division, us vs. them, anger, rage and mistrust in this nation. If Bush wins under suspicious circumstances, will there be riots Tuesday night? Will the revolution be televised? Will anarchy unleash itself across this great nation? Will the disenfrancheised masses rise up and fight the powers that be? It's entirely possible.

No matter who is declared the winner on Tuesday, a whole mess of folks are not going to be happy with the result. Cries of voter fraud and ballot tampering will fill the air. The lawyers (as a result of the 2000 election) are wringing their hands and waiting with baited breath to pounce whatever the outcome.

I implore each and every one of you who is registered to vote to GO TO THE POLLS and VOTE on Tuesday. And when you go, look around you. Check your ballot. Watch the process. If you see anything that doesn't seem right, notify the precinct workers immediately. If it's the precinct workers that might be the problem, notify the county immediately. AND if you have the time and resources, do whatever you can do to ensure OTHERS make it to the polls and do the same.

The fate of our nation, of our future, our children - depends on you. A tall order? A heavy responsibility? You bet. But it's your right and your responsibility as an American citizen. You owe it to every fellow American. If you don't vote, you are leaving your fate AND MINE in the hands of others.

So with that said, here's your TGImp3F(s)... A couple of modern day protest songs:

American Idiot - Green Day

Mosh - Eminem (watch the video here. thanks chari)

all mp3 links will expire 7 days after posting