Please vote.

Although it's true that in the U.S. electoral system we've generally had only two choices, there is such a thing as the lesser of two evils. Kerry doesn't stand for everything that I do. But Bush is FAR worse.

During the last election, I voted for Nader. At the time, I was living in Maryland, an extremely Democratic state, so I didn't have to worry about "throwing away a vote." Since I didn't have that risk, I felt like I needed to make the statement that the Democrats were not supporting the traditional Democratic ideals, or anything that actually resembled liberalism.

At this point, George Bush has caused more damage than I could have ever imagined. I would not vote for a third party candidate in this election, because he needs to be removed from office. I sincerely believe that he is the closest thing the U.S. has ever had to a dictator, and if allowed, he would be.

Between Nader's influence on the 2000 election and the amount of supporters Howard Dean has had throughout his campaign, I think the Democratic party has realized that it needs to be less centrist. No - it's not exactly the party I want to support. But politics has always been about compromise. And I have no doubt that John Kerry would make a better president than Bush.

If you can't agree with that, at least take into consideration the influence of your local politicians, and vote for them. In reality, local politics often has a greater impact in our personal lives then the President. If nothing else, vote for those running for local office.

Politicians cater to younger voters less than any other demographic group because we vote the least. Make that change. I beg of you all.

"Never doubt that a small group of committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that has."
- Margaret Meade

The gay marriage amendment is yet another terrifying and drastic assault on our civil liberties. The only constitutional amendment that has limited individual rights was Prohibition, and we all know how well that worked (if you don't, check out the 21st Amendment). The Patriot Act has already set a dangerous precedent. If the gay marriage amendment is passed, the U.S. will be on its way to developing a pattern of basic human rights violations.

If you haven't already hit the maximum possible level of hatred for the Bush administration, this one may do it.

The Union of Concerned Scientists says that "the administration is distorting and censoring scientific findings that contradict its policies; manipulating the underlying science to align results with predetermined political decisions; and undermining the independence of science advisory panels by subjecting panel nominees to political litmus tests that have little or no bearing on their expertise; nominating non-experts or underqualified individuals from outside the scientific mainstream or with industry ties; as well as disbanding science advisory committees altogether."

The UCS has issued a report - "Restoring Scientific Integrity: An Investigation into the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science" in which they document some of their concerns. The Administration has allowed partisan politics to alter scientific findings in several fields, including HIV research, air quality, and global warming. You can read the report "An Investigation into the Bush Administration's Misuse of Science" at .

Reading everyone's journals made me realize that that time of the year has arrived. The time when winter weather really gets under your skin. When you just can't take it anymore. Even though there are still months left. And that makes it all more depressing. Well, it's good to know that I'm not the only one.

This year I've decided that I'm going to do whatever I can to minimize the Buffalo Winter Depression. These are my suggestions for all of us (as obvious as they may be):

1. Vitamin D - trick your body into thinking it has been exposed to sunlight

2. Exercise - something fun, preferably outside

3. Get out and socialize!!!!

We all go into semi-hibernation mode in the winter. Let's encourage each other to get out and make the most of our time.

I haven't written in so long. I need a star.

I have to agree with Matthew about this word count thing. It turns journal writing into a competition, and since my writing style is straight and to the point, I would lose. And I don't like losing. So I'm glad there's no more word count.