It is our duty and right to vote

How many times have you turned on your TV or opened a browser window thinking 'I can't wait to hear how much candidates for elected office hate each other today!”?

If you're as big into the elections as I am, maybe you have. But for the most part, these clearly bogus intrusions into our homes have well passed the point of good taste and common decency. Think about it for a minute - what is the point of annoying Americans by constantly shouting each other down?

The cynical side of me has a strong feeling that these folks know exactly what they're doing. Ultimately, these big money interests are changing very few, if any, voters' intentions. Instead, they are expecting us to tune out, to give up, to not vote.

It seems impossible to work toward positive goals when all we see and hear is either angry or untrue. When we vote, elected officials know that despite the hatred we're still paying attention. As Americans it's not only our right to participate - it's our duty.

Please call the campaigns of the candidates or party you support and volunteer to knock on doors and make calls to get out the vote. You don't have to be an expert or professional at this to make a real impact. Our democracy depends on it.

Eric Hungerford

Manly