Ralph it forward, or props to Mike B for helping me change my mind!
So I just finished reading this book, Pay it Forward, a novel that is full of optimism and idealism. I was required to read this novel for work, which is idealism incarnate right there in the heart of Oakland, but I would highly recommend it to anyone to read just for fun. The story takes place in Atascadero, Ca where a boy named Trevor is working on an extra credit assignment in which he is asked to think of a way he could change the world and then do something to make that happen. Trevor comes up with a plan. He chooses three people in his town who need a favor, a big favor, "a big help" in life. Instead of asking for any type of payment Trevor asks each of these people to pay it forward to three other worthy individuals. ( It is like that shampoo commercial from long ago " and they'll tell two friends and so on and so on and" ... But I digress). If you can do the math, you can see that the numbers grow quickly.

So from this novel I have learned that we as individuals have incredible power and most of us are unaware of that fact. We all know that neither George "I am an idiot" W., nor Al "give me five" Gore truly deserve the job in the White House. Ralph on the other hand is a real guy, with integrity and intelligence. He also is said to have only 4 percent of the vote. (I hate polls). If you would have asked me three days ago I would have told you that my vote would go to Al simply because I was afraid that if I did not vote for him I would be indirectly supporting the moron candidate. But if I am going to be totally honest with myself I really do think that Ralph Nader is the better candidate and frankly the better man. This election should be different. I want people to drop their party vote and vote for the best person for the job, not the lesser of the two evils.

The other night my mother and I exchanged stories of the weaknesses of the two big guys in this election. We could easily match one to one the faults of these "leading candidates". At the end of the night we made a pact to vote for Nader. We both agreed that we have heard a lot of people saying they wish Nader had a chance, but they did not want to waste a vote. What if all of us who want to vote for Nader actually did? Yeah now we are looking at some power.

So here is the plan. Assuming you agree with me, I think we can use Trevor's idea. Start talking to your friends, maybe only three of them and get them to really think about the strength of their vote. Ask them to continue to talk to their friends, family and co-workers. Pretty soon we could really make a change. If you don't believe me consider the following riddle: Let's say you were asked to work for a man for thirty days and he offered you the chance to choose your payment, which would you choose : One thousand dollars a day or a dollar a day that doubled each day? Do the math, I think you will be surprised. Then get back to me and let me know if you think we can Ralph it forward!

As an aside I know that we all need to vote our own conscience, however I think the saddest thing about our free democratic society is that we really do not realize the power that we hold. If you want to make a change I dare you to find out exactly how much power you hold in just your one vote! OK point made, I hope!