James Madison wrote “A people that mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power that knowledge brings.” For those voters who want more and better information than what can be gleaned from TV commercials, check out Project Vote Smart (http://votesmart.org or 1-888-VOTE-SMART). Vote Smart provides a wealth of unbiased information about federal and state political candidates. The service is free.
One of their tools is their Political Courage Test, in which candidates for public office are asked to state for the record their positions on key issues of the day. Regrettably, many of our candidates lack the courage to take that simple test. Both Barack Obama and John McCain refused to take the test this year. McCain’s refusal is especially vexing in that he was listed for many years as a founding board member for Vote Smart. As such, he pushed other candidates to take the test. Now that he’s a candidate for President, he won’t take the test himself. Apparently, “Straight Talk” doesn’t mean straight talk. Vote Smart removed him from their board earlier this year because of his reticence.
Obama and McCain are not alone, though. It’s too bad that so many of our current and would-be leaders have such contempt for their constituents that they cannot simply state what they believe, but that’s where we’re at today. Fight back! Visit Project Vote Smart and arm yourself with the knowledge you need to make an informed decision in the voting booth.