I find this story, on today, election day, particularly insightful, heart warming and inspiring.
I'm embedded with the military in Saddam's Presidential Palace and sent in my absentee ballot - for Obama - weeks ago. One of my colleagues [contractor, retired military] strongly supports McCain-Palin, believes Obama is a Muslim, etc. He told me he wasn't going to send in the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot because someone told him it wouldn't be counted unless the election was close. Well, that's not true. They do, eventually, count all the valid ballots for the official totals, issued several weeks later.
I showed him how to print one out [from fvap.gov] and encouraged him to participate, no matter what. Even though we disagree on the candidates, he really appreciated my taking the time to ensure that he sent in his vote. Even if, in the end, his state does not count his ballot [maybe he should have requested an absentee ballot in advance, and maybe he didn't; I don't know], it's important to me that everyone have a voice in this election.
There is a hyper-agressive GOTV opperation out there today in Obama-world, and if you're reading this blog RIGHT NOW, you should be working with it. I got this email earlier today, please send it to all your friends and family who support Obama.
National Call Team -
Today is the day, Election Day!
This is our last chance to make sure every single Obama supporter
casts their vote today. You have helped us make calls so many times
before, and we need your help again. Today we have a goal of reaching
1,000,000 voters with our online calling tool.
We need you to call at least 50 voters before 3 PM. We'll give you
their polling place and all the information you need to call.
For the future of our country, will you help us today and make sure
every Obama supporter goes to vote? Get started now:
http://my.barackobama.com/...
Republicans have rolled out the same voter-turnout machine that George
Bush used to win in 2000 and 2004. This time, it's up to us to make
sure it doesn't work for them. We have to reach a million voters
today, and with your help, I know we can do it. Start making calls
now:
http://my.barackobama.com/...
Thank you for everything.
Nikki
Ladies and Gentlemen, Today is the Day we Change Government forever. If a Soldier in Bagdad can take the time to help a Hate Filled Smear Believing Moron vote, then you my friend can spend your lunch break or early morning making those 50 calls.
Please, make your calls and report back below, take the poll, and God Bless Democracy.
GOTV!