All Soccer moms - Vote!
Written by Jen Monday, 12 May 2008 00:00
Blog
With the presidential primaries underway, the press is big on touting the importance of the "women's vote" and the "minority vote." In 2004 we heard a lot about the power of the "soccer moms." Sure, individual groups have a lot of voting clout. But who says "we"-- women and mothers - have only one opinion? One editorial I recently read actually chastised young women for failing to follow Hillary Clinton en masse just because she is a woman. How preposterous! As females with brains, we should be insulted by such logic, or lack thereof. Here's a not-so-novel idea: Let's actually think about the issues before we throw our support behind a candidate. Forget about chromosomal differences and skin color and focus on what matters. Research the issues, ignore the incessant noise from the press and choose for yourself. Isn't this what we teach our children? But where to begin? Propaganda certainly does abound so it's difficult to wade through the mire to get to the truth about each candidate. The challenge is worth tackling.
Watch the debates, but try to avoid judging the performance of candidates rather than the substance of their arguments. Talk with people you trust, read as much as you can and ignore political ads. Blogs are scary, too. Who cares about the opinions of strangers? You can check the endorsements of organizations you trust as well, but be wary of newspaper and press endorsements.
I'm no political expert and I have no intention of telling anyone how to vote. As an American citizen and a mother, however, I know that we are responsible for the future we leave for our children. To decline this opportunity is unconscionable. If you know you're going to be out of town, having a baby, or otherwise unable to get to the polls, get an absentee ballot by calling your county board of elections. In the military? Check with the Federal Voting Assistance Program at www.fvap.gov
So get out there, Moms, and vote the smart way. Your kids are watching.
