Read Before Voting

As the 2008 US Presidential election looms on the horizon, I have to remind myself to stay calm. For the first time in my life I truly care about the outcome. I honestly think that one candidate is a better choice. In past election years I've been known to say, "I voted but I voted for the lesser of two evils." Not this year.

I won't tell you how to vote, never, but I will implore you to be an informed voter. Dig deeper than the soundbites and political ads. Make sure you understand the issues so that when one campaign or their mouthpieces attempts to twist the truth (this used to be called lying) you will know it is happening.

Here are a few books that will help you along the way. I've found these to be the most balanced portrayals of modern politics and the pressing issues facing a new president. I have more if you finish these but this is a good place to start.

The Arbinger Institute's The Anatomy of Peace is the best book, in my opinion, on how to foster peace in the world, but also in your community and your home. It's easy to understand and a quick read. The authors use the Jewish/Arab conflict as a backdrop for some of life's most important lessons.


Beyond Tolerance, is an in depth look at the other side of the post 9/11 world. We are bombarded with hateful/fearful rhetoric about terrorists, what they look like and who we should fear, and the religious divisions since the attack. This book thoughtfully shines a light on people of all religions who were prompted by the events of 9/11 to come together in love and compassion and resist the easy path of hate.

The author shows us, through the work of others, that it is possible and necessary to not just tolerate religious differences but to embrace them as our founding fathers did. Knowledge of and respect for the views of others are imperative in our shrinking world. The United States is filled with many different religious groups. Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Shik, Buddhist...we are all Americans.

Alpha Dogs is a very interesting look at the two men who formed
Sawyer Miller, the political consultant firm who served as backroom strategists on every presidential contest from Richard Nixon’s to George W. Bush's. You will never watch a campaign ad again without thinking about these men and the way they changed campaign strategy forever.

Just remember, to a campaign strategist you are a consumer not a voter. They want you to buy not think. If you think too much you might see through the smoke screen and actually vote your conscience. What a concept that is!..to vote your conscience. Next time you watch a campaign ad, think of it like an ad for kids cereal or a new car. See if you can find the similarities and then give it as much weight as you do the ads for Lucky Charms and the new Hummer.

Dreams from My Father by Barack Obama and Faith of My Fathers by John McCain. If you really want to understand the choice before you, you must read these two books. How better to know a man than from his own words.

Please vote. Please vote responsibly. The future of our children depends on you exercising your civic duty. There are only a few more days to register to vote. Register today.

Good Things - A Not So Complete List

Take one of these good books to the beach or to the backyard to relax.

The Miracle Letters of T. Rimberg by Geoff Herbach – an irrerverant and inventive look at mistakes and miracles. Full of life lessons, laughter and tears. The best book I’ve read in a long time.

The Anatomy of Peace by The Arbinger Institute – This book could change the world if we all read it and followed it’s principles.

The Moms’ Book, for the Mom who’s best at everything - This was a gift from my daughter on mother’s day. It’s fun and entertaining reading.

Nourish your body with one of these good foods.

Eden Selected Snacks – Fruits and nuts that give you energy to get you through the day. My favorite are the pumpkin seeds and the Pistachios.

Anything you grow in your own garden – Nothing beats fresh vegetables from your backyard. You know they are pesticide free and vine ripened because you’re the gardener.

Earth Balance Buttery Spread – My favorite butter (well, not really butter). It’s smooth. It spreads well and cooks well. It’s trans-fat free, lactose free and gluten free. But best of all it tastes just like a tub of whipped butter. It’s all I buy unless I’m making Christmas cookies then I have to have real butter.

Be a good citizen by exercising your rights.

Encourage your friends to register to vote. Be more proactive by participating in the national get out and vote campaigns.

Educate yourself on how the political system in your country works. An informed citizen is a smart citizen.

Participate in local government. If you want something to change this is where it starts. It’s true that change happens from the bottom up not the top down.

Recognize the good people around you.

Call an old friend and renew the relationship.

When you look at the faces of strangers see the face of someone you love (or at least like).

Slow down so you can see and feel the needs of others.

Fill your mind with good thoughts.

Find news outlets, like National Public Radio, that give balanced reporting to all sides of an issue.

When you talk about your life talk about the happy things that happen instead of complaining.

When talking to your friends, steer them away from negative or gossipy conversation. Make a game out of seeing how many times you can get them to smile.

Links for The Peace Train

My View Of "It" - Carol Hamel's blog where you can join The Peace Train and grab the logo for your sidebar.

The Arbinger Institute - Authors of the dynamic book "The Anatomy of Peace". Everyone should read it.

The International Day of Peace - September 21 is peace day around the world. Plan to do something special in your community.

Dayton International Peace Museum - See what people in one city are doing to bring peace into the lives of the citizens of a metropolitain area.

The Peace Train-Hop On Board - Link to my original post that goes along with these links.