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Funny, how when our children were young they always asked why.

Why is the sky blue? Why, if you flip this switch, does that light come on? Why is that lady's belly so big? Why do I have to eat green food when I don't like green food?

Many times when you give an answer you hear, "How come?" The lady has a big belly because she is pregnant; she has a baby in there. How come?

This is how they learn, they ask questions. When they hit their teens it usually turns to why not, how come and what for? Can I have that pair of jeans. No. Why not? Are you going to buy me a car? No. How come? Clean your room please. What for? It will just get dirty again. And so on.

As American citizens, when we turn 18 we are eligible to vote. I have had that privilege for 32 years and have exercised my right at nearly every election. Seems to me the last few elections, instead of voting for a candidate, I often find myself voting for what I feel is the lesser of two evils.

Candidates run on a platform. The word platform means something solid that you stand on. If you are a politician, it is what you stand for. Platforms are the promises a candidate makes to you, the voter, should you elect him or her.

An educated voter compares the candidates' platforms and votes for who they feel will best represent them and work for their views and beliefs -- someone who votes the conscience of the people that elected them, instead of their own.

In my opinion, we need to contact Mr. Webster and ask for a better definition of the word platform, or maybe, a before-you-are-elected definition, and an after-you-are-elected definition.

Don't know if you have noticed, but there is a vast difference in what is promised prior to an election and what is accomplished after an election. This is called a flip-flop.

No, not that $1.39 foam sandal you wear to the beach but the reality that sets in when it becomes apparent you have had the wool pulled over your eyes.

This is true of both parties; however, not all politicians take part in deception of their constituents. Some try very hard to live up to their promises, to keep their integrity and honor in tact; they just get out-voted.

Maybe it's time for us as citizens to hold our elected officials responsible for upholding the basic tenets of the Constitution such as "the will of the people."

Regardless of what your friends or family say, or if you feel your vote doesn't count, let me tell you it does.

You have an opinion and you have the right to express it. Many men and women have fought and died since the founding of this country to ensure your right to vote and protect your freedom.

From the mouths of babes, learn from your children, ask why, how come, why not and what for. If you don't like the answer you receive, ask for clarification.

The best 41 cents you may spend is on mailing your comments or complaints to your elected officials. You owe it to yourself, your children and future generations to educate yourself on the candidates and issues and vote.

All gave some, some gave all (as the song says) to protect our freedom. Don't let their sacrifice be in vain.

My dad always told me if you don't vote, you don't have the right to complain about what is going on in this country. My dad, my hero, my tower of power, is retired from the Air Force. He is getting on in age and doesn't move as fast as he used to, but he always votes -- a true patriot in my mind.

The research is easy. You receive mailings from potential or incumbent candidates -- read them; you can watch debates or programs such as "Meet the Press" on TV; read the local paper; if you have access to the Internet, use it.

Voting is easier than it was before, with absentee voting and early voting now available. You don't have to wait for Black Tuesday -- that's what I used to call the first Tuesday in November -- to cast your ballot.

Not that long ago the first Tuesday in November was the only day you could vote unless you cast an absentee ballot. The lines were so long, you had to bring a lunch and sometimes dinner to the polls. There is no excuse not to vote. Maybe our country wouldn't be in such turmoil had more people voted in past elections.

If you don't have the time to do the research and get to the polls, I'm sorry, I don't have the time to listen to your complaints and problems with this country.

With the celebration of Independence Day next Wednesday, please give a moment of silence and thanks to our troops, both in country and abroad, our veterans and their families that gave so much and our forefathers, for building us a great nation. The year 2008 will be a major election year.

Stand up for what you believe in and get out and vote.