G. Norman Collie said, “In free countries, every man is entitled to express his opinions and every other man is entitled not to listen.”  Well here in the US of A, we’re facing a huge election–involving the first fresh face in our leadership in eight years.  The success of any election in democracy relies on those same platonic ideals as free capitalism: perfect information for all involved.  Well, I don’t have that information for you reader, and here’s a hint, neither Fox News nor Drudge Report nor Keith Olbermann nor Pat Robertson nor the Daily Show has it for you.  You’re going to have to go out there and cull it for yourself from all the myriad places.  There’s going to be a lot of opinions, reader, and you’re entitled to listen, or not.

On the plus side, we’ve never had so many different sources of information, but at the same time we’ve never had so many sources of misinformation at the same time.  One thing you can be sure of however, is that your own thoughts and arguments are infinitely bolstered by knowing those of the other side (little debate tactic for you, yeah, I was in forensics in high school).  In honor of that, it doesn’t matter who you think is the best candidate, get out there and educate yourself.  I promise you that there are facts about each presidential candidate that you don’t know and may change your view.

Don’t let this come down to “I’m a _______ so I’m going to vote for their candidate.”  McCain is one of the most liberal Republicans in many years, tempering conservative ideals with an understanding of the problems of the people and Obama is one of most likely to spur on positive change in the political process and to be willing to do whatever is necessary for those in need.

Educate yourself, reader.  Besides, everyone knows that “reading is sexy” and as Oscar Wilde would quip “You can never be overdressed or overeducated.”

To get you started, the latest texts from the preeminent candidates: