A few days ago I read a political thread on a musician's website that concerned me. A young man voting for the first time in a Presidential election offered a free t-shirt to all those who would vote for Obama in 2008. It was his attempt to get as many young people involved in the voting process as possible. On the front of the t-shirt was a well-known symbol used by Senator Obama's Presidential campaign with the words "Steal It Back" (over the symbol.) The young man was so excited and enthusiastic about his message and urged everyone to "pass it on."

Perhaps this young first time voter needs enlightenment. When JFK won the Presidential election, I cried tears of joy. I was thrilled that a young Irish Roman Catholic "visionary" was going to lead our country. My tears became tears of shame when I realized that Chicago's Mayor Richard Daley had "rigged" the voting machines to ensure a JFK victory in Illinois. I knew it was profoundly wrong, dishonest and disgraceful. It was beyond my comprehension that this one despicable Democratic politician Mayor Daley could put himself above the will of the American people.

It occurred to me that the debacle of the 2000 election might be "payback" for the JFK election. What was done in Florida was profoundly wrong, dishonest and disgraceful. My vote did not count in that election and I was angry and appalled. To be honest it took me years to get over that election. In 2004 I volunteered for Kerry/Edwards. Honestly I believe that the will of the American voter was served and President George W. Bush was reelected fairly. Kerry's campaign was flawed and as a result he was defeated.

"Steal It Back" in 2008? To "pass it on" would only perpetuate the ongoing divisiveness that is devastating our country. If Senator Obama's followers are engaged in "stealing it back" I honestly hope they reconsider their position. What a shallow victory it would be if Senator Obama won the 2008 Presidential election by "stealing it back." Hopefully Senator Obama has the courage of his convictions and will not allow that to happen. What needs to happen in our country in 2008 is for all American citizens who are eligible to vote to show up in record numbers and caste their vote for the candidate of their choice. That is what this American voter thinks. Peace.