Look past the little letter
By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Yesterday was billed as Super Tuesday, a day where people all across the country cast their votes for the man (or woman in the case of this year's election) as to who they want to be their party's candidate for the White House.
For several months now we have seen candidates on television and read what they have had to say in the newspaper, but Tuesday was finally our day here in Alabama. It was supposed to be our day to vote for the people who Alabamians want.
Well we were told it would be our day, at least up until 20-some odd other states decided to put on primaries of their own the same day.
Despite getting less attention from candidates than we had hoped, we were finally able to do our part in an election that has changed tremendously over the last few months.
The list of candidates has drastically reduced since campaigning began in earnest in early to mid 2007. Now, we have a much clearer idea of who the final two candidates will be in November's general election.
It has definitely been a race to watch.
The political process is something that has always fascinated me and this year is no different. In fact, this is the most interesting political season I remember.
The stakes are high this year and history could be made if the first female or first African-American is elected president.
So there is plenty to watch for.
But the thing that has always amazed me about politics is the number of people who vote for someone just because of the letter beside their names.
You know, the one that indicates whether a candidate is a Democrat or Republican. Those little letters seem to have a major bearing on our political process, even in local races, where party affiliation would have nothing to do with the job someone is seeking.
There are many things to consider when trying determining who to support in a race. The party of the candidate's choice should definitely be something to look at because of the party's platform on certain issues.
But, ultimately, the decision should be made based on a person's experience, their visions and how their beliefs align with the voters.
I hope you voted for the man, or woman, of your choice, and not something based on those little letters inside the parenthesis.
