'lection stuff

Well, I voted. 

Despite a collapsing parking deck at the courthouse, there has been a record number of early voters. Despite supposed strong red leanings of our state, the county is seeing mostly blue so far. Student mock elections in area schools are 24-1 blue. Will be interested to see the results. Growing up I always had the impression that Arkansas was "conservative Democrat" (which I take to mean liberal in economics and conservative in religion?). I think it may have changed while I've been gone, though.

If you haven't voted yet: first of all, please vote. It's a hard-won right that you can't ignore. Second, do your own research. For example, I've heard the phrase "he scares me, scares me to death," verbatim, from a number of people, to the point that it sounds like something put out in the media that people are repeating without thinking. I know it's hard to get past mudslinging on both sides. But look at the actual policies and proposed plans instead of reactionary rhetoric. Because once that person is in office, it's not about who lost, it's about what the winner is going to do (or not). Once you've done that and decided who is the best option for our country, don't be embarrassed! And don't put down others' opinions if they're different from your own. One thing I've learned in living outside the US is that there are actually many ways of achieving good results, even if it's not the way your culture does it.