Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results

We’ve tried taxing everyone, hoping that thru sheer numbers we can feed the goliath called the United States government. We‘ve taxed the upper class and the middle class in various proportions over the last two hundred years hoping that would solve all of our problems. We’ve taxed the corporations and the small businessman. Right now the state government is taxing a little bit less while the local government is taxing a whole lot more. Nothing seems to have worked. We still have the perceived problems that have always been there and our total taxes never go down.

I’ve got a great idea. None of that has worked, so let’s vote for another republican or democrat. Surely the 200 years we’ve given them isn’t anywhere near enough time for them to have gotten it right.

Maybe now would be a good time to talk about the wasted vote.

I socialize monthly with a number of upper/middle class professionals and it pains me deeply to hear them say, “..the Libertarian party is saying the right thing but they don’t have a chance of winning. I want to vote for candidates that can win.” Over the years, many of you have told me the same thing. This of course leads to great frustration as it is a bit tough to win elections and gain credibility when people don’t want to ‘waste’ their vote on you... especially when they agree with you.

Today I come to the majority in Hancock County and urge you to not waste your vote. Today I suggest you vote for Obama. At this point, there appears to be no realistic way that Mr. McCain can win, so obviously a vote for the Republican would be a wasted vote.

That idea isn’t palatable? Then maybe I have another. I’d ask you to use your vote to make a statement. Now is the time to vote for the smaller government and less taxes that you keep saying you want, but can never seem find in a candidate that will make it happen.

How about just one time, vote for people that agree with your principles, Bob Barr and Andy Horning. Just one time, vote for two men that have committed to getting us out of the war and letting you keep more than half of your paycheck. Can you imagine the statement that would be made if Obama got 35%, McCain got 33% and Bob Barr got 32%? Can you imagine what would happen if the republicans and democrats actually stopped taking you for granted?

Give it a try, making a meaningful vote may be habit forming.