will only make me a few inches taller. So, I'm not going to do it.
It wouldn't take you long to find out where I stand on the political front but I have no interest in trying to change your mind if you've already made it up. Nope. I have the ultimate respect for you having your own opinions, ideas, beliefs and agendas. They are yours. You are free to have them as I am free to have mine. I have friends and family on both sides of each issue and, when they care to share their opinions in a reasonable manner, I am open to hearing them. But then, I'm likely to share my own.
What disheartens me is when people come to me spouting "facts" that were passed to them via email. "Facts" with no credible sources (I'm sorry, I don't believe Google is a credible source nor your cousin's next-door-neighbor's sister-in-law who sent the email in the first place)
Just to be clear, let's look at the definitions:
Fact: a concept whose truth can be proved
Opinion: a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty
For example:
Stating someone is 72 years old is a fact. A look at public records will prove it with a high level of certainty.
Stating someone is unqualified for presidential office on the basis of age, ethnicity, sex or religious affiliation is an opinion. There are many factors that may determine fitness for presidency but they would also be a matter of opinion.
See, call me arrogant but, I do believe I know the difference. I mean, I have to live with it everyday. I depend on a favorable opinion to keep my career going.
For example:
Fact: Laura released a CD.
Opinion: Laura's CD is amazingly wonderful. You must buy it!!!
Or this recent opinion about my music that came with some handy advice:
"Just try to write actual music and forget lyrics, because they are a prop for folks who are only have partial musical ability"
Um...opinion. :)
So, back to soap box I'm not supposed to be standing on. I just want to say this - If you are not already registered, you have less than a week to register to vote . And, you have about a month to make an informed decision based on facts.
How?
Why, I'm glad you asked.
First off, if you aren't sure if you are registered, visit the website of your Secretary of State's office. This is where Google comes in handy. Just search for "Secretary of State in (whatever your state is)" or type in "Am I registered to vote in (whatever your state is)" All types of links will pop up. Your best bet is to choose one that ends in ".gov". The Secretary of State office websites will have contact information and registration links.
Or, Click here:
and you can do it via myspace!
Or
It's easy
Remember, you only have until this Saturday, Oct. 4th to register!
So, what about the facts?
Take everything you read or watch with a grain of salt and consider the source if you can find it. If you can't find the source, ignore it. To be sure, the issues are complicated and very few news organizations are helpful in sorting out fact from opinion. So, look for sources that weigh both sides of the issue. But, either way you are going to have to...dare I say it...think for yourself. Here is one source I find helpful:
They name their sources and point out where both sides have stretched the truth or flat out lied. In the end, I hope you feel good about your decision. Your vote counts! But that's just my opinion.
I will be joining Chris on stage for a songwriter extravaganza
featuring music from both of us crazy musician types!!!
Much love, LM
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