Why no one can scare me into NOT voting for Chris Daggett

I am voting for Chris Daggett for governor of New Jersey.

I am voting for Chris Daggett for governor of New Jersey because the two party system is destroying this country from the inside out. And everybody knows it.

Politicians take large donations from corporations and special interest groups that expect a quid pro quo after election day. (And the politicians provide.) Once in office, our elected officials spend nearly all their time figuring out how to get themselves re-elected. They never solve anything that requires making a tough decision because it could hurt their approval rating. They never stand up to the powerful interest groups that got them elected, even when those interest groups are fighting AGAINST the people. Nearly everybody agrees that this is the case.

In case anyone’s managed to forget, this is America. This is supposed to be a democracy.

Scratch that. This IS a democracy. We, the people, HAVE THE POWER. WHY are we putting up with this?!

In a recent poll, 70% of New Jerseyans said they would love the opportunity to vote for a third alternative to the two party system. Yet only 20% said they were voting for Chris Daggett.

Why?

I believe so strongly that Chris Daggett is the best candidate for governor that I have dedicated nearly all of my time over the last 5 weeks to help him get elected. Consequently, I have heard a lot of “reasons” from people about why they are not voting for Chris Daggett.

Some people say, “Because he can’t win.” First of all, that’s nothing more than a self-fulfilling prophecy. Second, and much more importantly, voting is not like making your picks in March Madness. There is no money or fame or bonus points for guessing right, and voting for the person who ends up winning. Voting is about taking seriously the responsibility and opportunity laid upon you as an American citizen.

Some people say, “Because he’s stealing votes from Christie/Corzine.” Let me make something abundantly clear: votes cannot be stolen. They must be earned. Jon Corzine and Chris Christie do not own your vote; therefore it cannot be stolen from them. YOU own your vote. The only way it can be swindled from you is if someone tricks or scares you into disregarding what you truly believe.

Some people say, “Because it’s a waste of a vote.” A vote is a powerful thing, and absolutely should not be wasted. But the only way to waste it, is to spend it on something you don’t even believe in. If you believe that Chris Daggett is the best candidate for governor, but you walk into the polls and cast your ballot for someone else, you are wasting your vote.

When you walk into the voting both today, think about Thomas Jefferson, or George Washington. Think about a friend or family member of yours who has served in the armed forces. Wouldn’t you want them to be proud of your actions? They didn’t shed their blood so you could feel scared or angered or “tricked” into voting for someone you don’t even like. They shed their blood so that you could have the opportunity to vote for exactly what you believe. What a disgraceful disservice you do them by casting a vote with anything less than your utmost conviction that you are supporting the right thing for your state or county.

When you vote today- vote for the person you believe would be the best governor. Whether it’s Corzine or Christie or Daggett, remember, YOU own your vote. NO ONE can take it away from you- unless you let them. And that’s what destroys our democracy.