THINK BEFORE YOU VOTE

November’s election is pivotal! Candidates running for both national and state offices represent two differing viewpoints of government. My challenge for voters is to THINK before marking your ballots. Your family’s traditional support of one party or local candidate is not sufficient reason for following tradition. THINK! LEARN THE FACTS!

KNOW YOUR SOURCES! Not all Internet sites are reliable. Fox news is not hard news; it is commentary. Not all stories of wasteful spending or welfare fraud are accurate; many are anecdotal passed by word of mouth, not by independent news sources.

I have heard the word “socialist” and/or “marxist” tossed around rather loosely and not in context. I refer you to Merriam Webster’s Collegiate dictionary for definitions. Some voters say give us back our freedoms. I would ask, “what freedom do you not possess today, that you possessed four years ago?” Others say give us smaller government. Again, I ask what are you willing to give up – good roads, modern school buildings, special education programs, matching federal grants for state programs, college loans? THINK!

Dislike the Affordable Healthcare Act? Then, you would not like Governor Romney’s Massachusetts Medical Healthcare Plan on which the National Healthcare plan is based. Would you give up insuring people despite pre-existing conditions, insuring children until age 23?

Fundraisers are regularly held for Maine residents where a twist in life causes serious illness. Would you want to have insurance available for them at minimal cost. You would not deny them peace of mind, would you? THINK!

Our nation was founded on principles of religious freedom. Do you want any political party defining your personal choices – whether it be the book you choose, a medical procedure, or choosing to teach non-scientific theories?

Neither Republicans nor Democrats have a monopoly on family or religious values. We are a diverse nation of cultures and religions. Our nation is “ONE under GOD, indivisible with liberty and justice for all” – Hispanics, Somalis, African-Americans, Caucasians, Asians and other citizens of this great country too numerous to mention. Your thoughtful, not automatic vote counts. Think!

Marlene Engdahl

Bethel