Why Every Vote is Important

Voting. It is easy to fall into the trap of being complacent or disinterested or just plain frustrated with the whole process. Our nation's vigorous population is made up of people of every race, religion and creed. It may seem like democracy doesn’t work, or that it only works for people who don’t agree with you. Yet the founding fathers of the United States of America had a beautiful idea. They dreamed up this republic we live in, they tried to see into the future and create rules for a nation that would stand the test of time. And here we are over 225 years later and the USA is still here in all its glory and you still have a voice, a say in who represents you at all levels of government.

Election season can feel draining. The debates are hashed and re-hashed. Ads berate you while you are trying to drive to work, watch your favorite show or surf the internet. Candidates try to get their message out, convince you to vote for them and not their opponent. The election season may feel personal, particularly during presidential elections when it feels like so much more is on the line. Talking politics with friends and family can be uncomfortable. But try, ask their opinion, share yours, get more information and spread it around to people you know. Just always remember we are all people, we all have the right to our own opinions and don’t let special interest or campaign rhetoric invade your heart and generate anger, fear or hate for others.

Things your vote could do at the local, regional and national level:

• Reduce global warming and traffic congestion by approving a new mass transit package for your city.
• Defeat a local initiative to limit the rights of a minority group.
  Elect a new land commissioner in your state who will work with private interests and conservation groups to find a better balance.
• Send a corrupt Senator or Congressperson packing and replace them with a fresh face and a new chance in Congress.
• Elect a President of the United States who you feel can lead us best through the next four years.

But if you don’t vote, you’ll never know.

Rickey PAC in the news

Jeff Inglis, intrepid reporter and founding member of Rickey PAC wrote an article on our endeavors to get Rickey to vote in the Portland Phoenix.

"A college friend, named Jim, recently got in touch, floating an idea that resonated with me, and likely will with other political-minded folks who believe this election is vitally important to our country’s future."

Read the rest of the article here: http://thephoenix.com/Portland/News/69999-Whos-your-Rickey/

The Beginnings of Rickey PAC

The idea for Rickey PAC can be traced to our friend Jim. In early October he sent an email out to a bunch of us who attended Middlebury College with him.

"I was in Las Vegas a few weeks ago for a trade show and I ran into our old buddy Rickey.

He hasn't changed a bit since the last time I saw him at Fritz's wedding. He's still snide, surly, and sarcastic. Same old Rickey. Love him.

Rickey lives in Nevada. A swing state. And he suggested to me that he may not vote this year.

Like many of you, I live in a state (Vermont) with absolutely no electoral clout whatsoever. Our 3 electoral votes are going to Obama unless he devours a live kitten on national TV on Election Day, and even then I'm not sure they wouldn't.

My vote won't count for much in the grand scheme of things. Neither will the votes of my fellow Vermonters, the Texan, the Californian, nor the Illini I've sent this email to. But Rickey's will.

The fate of the free world may rest in the hands of RICKEY. Just let that sink in for a second, Rickey.

So I'm starting a grassroots Political Action Committee with the sole purpose of getting Rickey to vote. I'm calling it: RickeyPAC."