Forget the Lipstick - You need to vote

OK, I don't like to leave the house without lipstick,and my favorite breed of dog is a pit bull, but the most important thing is that if you are an American citizen, you need to be registered to vote AND you need to vote.  Especially in this election.

The right to vote is a privilege.  Ask any person who has ever lived in a country that never had that right.  Yes, I know, Florida, Ohio, the Supremes.  It doesn't matter.  You still need to vote.  Argentines always ask me how Bush got elected in the first place.  I have to explain to them how many Americans do not register vote or don't bother to vote.  They are surprised.  Here in Argentina, voting is mandatory.  They do not understand why Americans don't vote.  Me either.

I had grandparents who came from countries where they could not vote.  They never let me forget how precious a vote is.  You need to let your voice count.  Here I am in Argentina, and I am still making sure that my voice counts.  Living outside the country is no excuse.

Yes, it is weird.  One of my friends here told me he was not registered to vote.  He had not been for a long time.  Yes, I would rather be able to vote here in Argentina.  This is where I live.  But unless I get married to an Argentine (God help me) or have a kid (Impossible) there is no way I will be able to become a citizen.  Residents may only vote in the local elections.  As a U.S. citizen living outside of the country I may vote only for U.S. offices.

While the U.S. may be a big mess right now, that big mess has a big impact on the world.  That is why your vote is so important.  I have been a democrat my whole life.  I vote for the candidate not for the party, but the candidate always ends up being democrat.

Let's be serious people.  On the Republican side of the fence we have a 72 year old man who just figured out the U.S. economy is a mess.  Thank God he didn't blame it on Bill Clinton.  I used to get so sick of those Republicans blaming Bill Clinton for everything.  Fine.  This same 72 year old has had a couple of brushes with some life threatening diseases.

Keeping this in mind, you would think that he would pick a vice president who could really lead the country.  Sarah Palin scares me to death.  I don't get it.  She in no way is qualified to run this country. It has nothing to do with being a Republican, she is not qualified.  The way the Republicans have marketed her and have continued to market her is shameful. Sam Harris on Sarah Palin

As a woman I cannot believe that other women cannot see how she is being used.  She is a pawn. Imagine.  She has a 17 year old pregnant daughter, unmarried.  This is family values? Christian values? This is OK?  Can you imagine if Obama had a pregnant unmarried daughter?

The United States is a superpower regardless of the financial fiasco it is in now.  We need a chief executive and vice president who have experience, not great sound bytes.All you people who didn't vote last time, I hope you are feeling guilty.  Living outside the country is not an excuse.  You may vote by absentee ballot.

The democrats are very well organized.  You can go to www.democratsabroad.org and see if there is a local chapter in your country.  In Argentina Yanqui Mike has done a spectacular job of organizing the democrats here.  He even went to the convention as a delegate.  If you are here in Argentina the website is www.democratsabroadargentina.com 

If you are here in Argentina come watch the debates with Democrats abroad.  For just 10 pesos come watch the fun at The Sacramento El Salvador 5729 (between Bonpland and Carranza) just 3 blocks from Juan B. Justo 8pm.

If you are a U.S. citizen living outside the country you may go to this website to get information on how to vote.Federal Voting Assistance Program  You may also contact the embassy of the country you are residing in.  You must register to vote by October 4. Whatever you do, VOTE!!!!!  Please!!  Your country needs you and it does not matter where you live.  AND if you do live in the US, make sure you vote November 4. 

Comments

[Janis Kenyon]

It's so simple for citizens abroad to vote. I already received a write-in ballot and sent it with a friend who returned to the USA this week. The official ballot arrived today, but I don't have to send it; my write-in ballot will be counted.

[JB]

Vote! But if you don't vote for Obama you are an idiot? Nice!

[Gracee]

Deby,
I have always voted every single state, city and federal election and I go to the US even if I am coming from BsAs. It is a legit reason to go back home and see how things really are.

Take care. Thanks for the reminder.

Gracee