In a world increasingly apt to persuade us to a singular course of action, Thomas Sowell urges us to Stop and Think.

While many people are urging us to vote -- regardless of for whom, for what, or for what reason -- there are very few urging us to do what is far more important: Stop and think!

Voting is not a matter of personal expression but a serious responsibility for choosing what course this country will take in the years -- and decades -- ahead.

It is apparent that Mr Sowell, like so many of us, has his own opinions. Still, that does not dissuade him from encouraging everyone to dig for their own information. The fact that people are not digging seems to invoke his ire more than the content of the material itself...

If there are issues you care about, there are records of how John Kerry voted on those issues in the Senate and what George W. Bush did on those issues as President and as Governor of Texas before that. Never mind how they talk now. Look at what they did when it was time to put up or shut up.

If you can't spare the time from watching sit-coms to go check out a few facts one evening at your local library, with the help of your local librarian, then don't pretend that you are a responsible voter, or even a responsible parent.

If there was ever a time to stop and think, this is it. Slogans and images are no substitute for knowing what you are talking about -- and knowing what you are doing when you enter the voting booth on election day.

I couldn't agree more. Please take the time to read his entire article.

Posted by Michael at October 24, 2004 04:09 AM