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Are you better off now than you were four years ago?
When I first voted for a President (wow, back in 1984), I can remember hearing Ronald Reagan use those words in the 1980 Presidential debate against Carter, and that is how I based my vote-the 80's were a great decade of greed and excess, and boy, did I take advantage of that! I wasn't concerned about "the evil empire" or Star Wars defense, or even Iran-Contra; no, all I cared about was making and spending money. So, screw you Mondale, and four more years of Ronnie!
As I have gotten older, my priorities have changed considerably, but I ALWAYS ask myself before I cast my vote, "...Am I better off today than I was four years ago?" In 1988 I was, but in 1992 I wasn't. 1996 yes, and 2000, also yes.
For me, looking back at presidental elections since WWII, it seems that the element of fear has always paid a prominent role in deciding who gets elected on both sides-Harry Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Nixon, and Reagan have all used the "fear factor" to persuade voters to vote for them. Whether it was the "Red Scare" or the "Cubans" or the Vietcong, our lives have always been in danger from outside forces. While I am certainly very thankful that we do have a strong military, I am also very cognizant of the fact that we are never truly safe, a fact that 9/11 brought to the forefront for all U.S. citizens.
Since I am not a fearful person by nature, for me, the threat of enemy attack is not my number one priority for casting a vote for a particular candidate. I personally feel that I face far greater risks to my life on a daily basis than what might happen if either Bush or Kerry is elected, and I am alright with that. However, I am sure that everyone has certain issues that mean more to them than others-whether it is national security, the economy, jobs, heathcare for all Americans, or whatever. So for me, and me alone, when I choose (and yes, I am really one of the "undecided" voters-although I am now leaning a particular way), I am going to ask myself, "...Am I better off in November, 2004 than I was in November, 2000?", and that is how I will vote.
I sincerely hope that others will be able to say the same...
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