Now hiring -- commander in chief
By Philip Nelson, Illinois Farm
Bureau president
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[October 06, 2012]
The party conventions are over, the candidates
have been chosen, and the political ads are inundating your eyes and
ears, full steam ahead. With only a few weeks left before the
election, only one thing remains to be decided: Who will actually
end up serving as our next president? Of course, that decision falls squarely on the shoulders of the
American people -- that is, the select few who choose to vote in
this year's election.
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As Americans, we have the unique opportunity to quit our day jobs
Nov. 6 -- or earlier if you're one of those people who like to vote
early -- and, for just a few minutes, serve as the country's human
resources manager. Essentially, we're the bosses. We can give the
thumbs-up or thumbs-down to presidential and congressional
candidates alike, and it's a responsibility we shouldn't take
lightly.
Voting allows each of us the right to decide who will help
balance the state and federal budgets, how tax issues will be
decided, whether new regulations for business and industry will be
headed down the pike, what tactics will be employed as the country
continues to fight toward economic recovery, and how more jobs will
be created for out-of-work Americans, among other issues.
As a farmer, I'm keeping a close eye on this election and the
issues surrounding it, because the decisions that a new or incumbent
president makes could make a difference in how I manage my farm and
the decisions I make in the future. And, I want a hand in deciding
my future.
But, farmers aren't the only people who should be keeping a close
eye on this election, because we aren't the only ones who will be
affected by the decisions our next president makes. With the number
and magnitude of issues presently facing our country, I believe this
is one of the most important elections in which many of us have been
able to vote up to now.
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The point is this: It doesn't matter for whom you're planning to
vote. Whether you're an ardent supporter of President Obama or are
hoping for a change by voting for Mitt Romney, all that matters is
you get out and vote Nov. 6. Not only because we're choosing a
president, but also because we're choosing the members of Congress
who will work with our next president.
We've seen in the past -- in fact, as recently as the 2000
presidential election -- just how important one vote can be in
deciding the future leadership of our country. That's why, as
Americans, it's our duty to make sure that we're well-informed,
familiar with the issues and familiar with each candidate's position
on those issues.
You, as a single vote, can be instrumental in deciding this
year's election. So, as the 2012 presidential election closes in,
take the time to register to vote. Learn about the issues and the
candidates. Finally, make your decision and head to your local
polling place Nov. 6 -- or even earlier, if you want.
I'm voting in this year's election because it's my vote and it's
my future. Don't forget, it's your future, too.
[By
PHILIP NELSON,
Illinois Farm Bureau
president]
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