Although neither of my parents are senators, and I can’t say that I was literally born holding a silver spoon in my hand, Creedence Clearwater Revival could accurately characterize me as a “Fortunate Son.” I grew up in suburbia, in a milieu of such comfort and amiability that if you didn’t know any better, you’d think your television had sucked you right up into Pleasantville. Yes, Atlanta was nearly perfect, save for one little thing: It was Republican territory. Now, in case you’re shaking your head and thinking, “Sheesh, more political propaganda. Let’s see what’s in Sports,” let me tell you that this isn’t about who you should vote for and why. In fact, I’m not even going to say which candidate I support or tell you in a few paragraphs why I support them and why you should too, because honestly, if I can change your mind that easily then I should probably switch to pre-med so I can become a spin doctor. No, all I’m going to do is tell you a story.

It was November 2006, and the great state of Georgia was in the midst of a heated gubernatorial race. Republican incumbent Sonny Perdue was seeking reelection, and for the first time in my life I was part of the multitude that would determine if he got a second term. Now, beyond the embarrassment of having a governor named Sonny (no offense to Sonny Bono or anyone else named Sonny seeking public office), I also opposed Perdue for his stance on race (opposing the removal of a Confederate symbol from the state flag and saying that Georgia needn’t issue a public apology for practicing slavery) and several questionable land purchases which I believed signified a penchant for corruption. Those of you who aren’t particularly interested in Georgia politics (and I certainly wouldn’t blame you if you’re not) might only remember Perdue for his public prayer for rain on the steps of the state capitol. Wouldn’t you have loved to have a man like this as your governor?

I didn’t, but the opposition wasn’t much better. Mark Taylor, or “The Big Guy” as he was often called, was a pretty uncharismatic figure who had numerous background issues of his own. Besides, everyone and their grandmother knew that he didn’t stand a chance of winning. I wasn’t much for supporting something I couldn’t consider a worthwhile cause, and all the negative campaigning between Perdue and Taylor only hastened my gradual disinterest in the race. A few days before the election, I happened to mention in the presence of one of my teachers that I wasn’t going to vote because I just didn’t think it was worth it. He took offense at my remark, and promptly lectured me about how voting is not just a right, but a responsibility as well. After some time pondering this, I came to the conclusion that voting is in fact an obligation as much as it is a luxury. Sure enough, I went to the polls one November morning and made my voice heard.

There are similarities between the 2006 Georgia gubernatorial election and this year’s presidential race. There are and will be people who feel no candidate is worth their vote. Maybe Fred Thompson, Dennis Kucinich or another of the myriad dropouts was “your guy,” and now you’re feeling like it isn’t worth participating in your state’s primary (if it hasn’t already happened). Or maybe your candidate is still around but doesn’t end up getting his or her party’s nomination. What then?

You vote, that’s what. If, of course, extenuating circumstances preclude your making it to the polls, well, that’s a different story. But here at Washington University, that’s quite unlikely, especially if you live on the South 40 and need only walk to the nearby Wohl Center to cast your ballot. Fortunately, there are enough candidates now that you should be able to find at least one who in some way resembles your vision of an American president. In November it might even be more difficult, and in fact voting for the “lesser of two evils” might be the best option for you. Nevertheless, I implore everyone to make a choice, because especially here in a swing state like Missouri, every vote counts. Like my teacher said, it is our responsibility as the citizens of this nation to choose the person we want to lead us for the next four or eight years.

The worst that can happen is that we look back in a few years and realize that our decision was the wrong one. Still, as far as I’m concerned, the wrong decision is always better than no decision at all.

Brian is a freshman in Arts & Sciences and a staff columnist. He can be reached via e-mail at brprice@artsci.wustl.edu.

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