Republican Party Ninth District Mary O. Jones

Can We Afford Not to Vote?

In this critical Presidential election year, I ask the question: Can We Afford Not to Vote? Being informed long before election day about each and every plan of every candidate is extremely critical to the health and welfare of our nation, our state, and each American.

Some questions we must ask about the candidate we choose are:

1. Can they do what they say they will?

2. Do they sincerely live the way they talk about our country- in other words-Walk the Talk? Is their life being lived as they say Americans should?

3. Are they able to calmly handle attacks from many sides-all at once- and find a way to solve the problems the best way possible for all involved?

4. Will those hardworking Americans feel their President and elected officials have not forgotten them and not be taxed to death while not receiving any more services to make their quality of life better? No one minds paying their fair share if they receive some services needed.

5. Will the programs be fair to all Americans and not emphasize or hire one group over another?

6. Will our grandchildren suffer from the financial burdens created by the next Congress and President?

I say that these are reasons to hold to the core values of the Republican Party whose candidates stand on fiscal conservatism, faith, family, and moral values. These are reasons to also get out and vote this year, regardless of which Republican candidate you choose. We must remember that we cannot judge all persons based on what one person may advocate or does. You don't throw out the whole barrel of apples because of one decaying apple. You take out the one with a worm spot and enjoy the other good ones.

Many Republicans have worked long hours tirelessly to improve Georgia and our nation. We cannot afford to stay home and criticize all others by one item. We must not choose a candidate based on financial backing or having millions of campaign dollars to spend on fabulous advertising campaigns but rather on what they will stand for and how Americans will be treated. Do not let apathy, lack of knowledge, or criticism of one person affect the direction of our country and our children or grandchildren. I urge you to look well, weigh all plans and platforms, and decide based on informed judgments of who can and will carry our plans in the best way for all people. Not all who can make speeches will be the best candidates for office. I say we cannot afford to stay home and not vote nor can we afford not to talk to neighbors, friends, and relatives about voting. The future of our great country is at stake and all persons need to exercise their right to vote for the very best. Faith, family and moral values are important to our country! During the 2008 election cycle, go vote and take someone with you for the good of the United States of America!

Dr. Mary O. Jones is a retired educator and school administrator. She holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership along with an Ed.S. in Curriculum/Supervision/Admini stration. She worked for 30 years in public education and taught for a college for 5 years. She has served in many local party offices as well as Chairman of the Gilmer County Republican Party along with District Treasurer and presently is the Central Region Director for the 9th District GOP.