Time to start thinking about elections

Many Americans have not yet focused on the elections, wisely choosing to go about their business -- and vacations -- all the while knowing that they had plenty of time to pay attention. But the turn of July into August means that back-to-school sales are beginning and that Labor Day is only four weeks from Monday.

As voters start to think about their ballots, they should concentrate on more than the White House. While a great deal of attention should be given to the next president, too much will distract us from other races, not only for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives but also for the State Legislature and local offices. Governing occurs not only at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue but also in the town hall down the highway.

Voters should also be sure to think about more than themselves as they consider whom to vote for. "What have you done for me lately?" should be supplemented (if not replaced) by "What have you done for the poor, forgotten, needy, unborn, imprisoned, elderly, disabled and downtrodden?"

Voting, one of the most important exercises of free people, needs to be done wisely, after much thought and deep consideration. Now that August is here, it's time to begin the process and take seriously our role as citizens.

(08-03-00)