I was recently asked why so many of my blogs deal with politics (it seems my stories from childhood are more popular with this particular reader). It didn't take long to come up with this answer...

Politics are important. Elected officials through their daily activities decide many of the details of our daily lives. Issues as diverse as the cost of our garbage collection to the hidden costs in each gasoline purchase to civil union/gay marriage issues to whether it's legal to listen in to domestic phone calls. While all or none of these particular issues may move you, if you think long enough you'll find one that does. The point is: politics, whether local, state, or national, affect everything you, your family, your aged retired parents, your neighbors, and your childrens' future do and believe in. It is a real palpable thing.

What is the role of government? The answer to that question is as wide and diverse as the number of people in this country. Some believe the government should have the least control over the free market as possible. Some say the government (Uncle Sam!) should even out the rough spots in our lives and take care of the weak. Millions of others see some shade of grey between these two extremes. The myriad of choices is overwhelming to be sure, still I won't presume to tell you what to believe.

What I will say is this: Vote. Examine the issues that matter to you. Find candidates that reflect your views. Then vote. If you have money to spare, support a campaign. If you have time to give, contact a campaign and go to work. Ask for a sign for your yard or a sticker for your car. Do something that reflects your experience and beliefs.

I am decidely more liberal than most. More importantly though, I believe that we, as Americans, have an obligation to stand for what we believe. That entails understanding the world around us and being an informed populace. Without that, we are doomed to being led by people we elect but don't hold accountable for the choices they make. I, for one, am unwilling to allow these men and women to have free reign over my life.

Note: Political Science is a tongue-in-cheek Randy Newman song that I dearly love. At least I hope it's tongue-in-cheek...