Exactly one week from tomorrow, Americans will enter the loneliest booths across the country to elect the next President of the United States. There are no televisions or computers with media coverage telling who to vote for and why. It comes down to YOU and a ticket. All of the campaign slogans and regurgitated rhetoric from both sides of the aisle will disappear. The lies of slander and mis-portrayed images will be nothing but the past. At this point in time, the decision should be easy, right? Or is it....Amazingly enough, one week before E-day, there are still thousands of registered voters who feel that they are unsure on which side of the ticket to punch. On the other hand an overwhelming amount of Americans say that their mind is set, but who's to say they wont have second doubts when the decision is literally placed in their hands. Many feel that they have an understanding of which presidential candidate would be best for the country, yet at the same time, are worried about choosing the "right" guy for the job. In my opinion, at this point in the game, if you don't know who to pass the ball to for the last second shot, you would probably serve the country better by sitting the final play out and watching from the sidelines.

BUT......when you step into the booth, if you are still unsure about choosing the "right" candidate, here's what I would do....

Let's think back to a time when a crucial decision (in our minds) had to be made that we knew would directly impact us in the near future. Whether it be underage drinking at a party in high school, lying to our parents to please their ears momentarily, or even criticizing someone to a brutal extent to make ourselves feel better or to "sound cool." You know, a moral issues...something we've all done ....I've done it, you've done it, and if you haven't, please step forward and be my guest to cast the first stone. When that decision was made, regardless of what religion you are or what ethnic background you come from, the involuntarily conscious thinking kicks in. Even if for a split second. We KNOW what is right, according to your values, and what would be considered wrong, in the family handbook. Many of us probably gave in to the temptations, while others stood strong, and while I'm one of the many who gave in to the pressure, I'm sure those who have stood up for what is right, there decision on election day is already crystal clear. So when you step in the booth, if you're torn on the issues of economy, war, and pro-life/pro-choice...take a few seconds to think about what you've been taught. Whether it was by your mom or dad, grandpa or grandma, priest or pastor, brother or sister.....think back to YOUR core values and beliefs...The same beliefs that lead us to the right and wrong decisions day after day...and all of a sudden the decision will be much clearer. Don't give others the chance to tell you afterwards, well you were wrong to vote for him, or why didn't you vote for him? everyone else did....because at the end of the day, the only person that has to be content with your vote is you. It is not your job to agree with your next door neighbor or your co-workers. It is your job to stand up for your beliefs and convictions, the same beliefs that have been pushed aside during these economic hardships. If you're lost in the game of life and torn by the countless number of battles of right and wrong, start at square one....if you trust your values, trust your beliefs, and trust that the candidate of your choice will instill and respect those common ideas....there is no wrong answer.

I've never been one to push people to the left or the right, especially since this is my first election. I believe in presenting facts and letting you come to your own conclusion of what is right and what is wrong. That's why God gave us all a brain. If we were meant to cheat off someone else's paper in the test of life, there would be no choice to be made.....I encourage everyone to vote, as long as you stand by your reasoning and when times are tough can defend your beliefs. We live in a wonderful country where we are given the right to vote however it is ALSO a privilege..don't take it for granted....and let's not get confused...this is NOT a high school multiple choice test where an "educated guess" is better than no answer at all...it's all, or nothing.