First-time voters value race more than political platforms

It’s disturbing to realize our next commander in chief may be elected based solely on skin color. Unfortunately, our young black voters seem to be concentrating only on the fact Barack Obama is black. Now, I do realize I am dealing with a double-edged sword here. In the past, we have been disappointed by our youth’s lack of interest in the political future of America. We have begged and pleaded for them to wake up and utilize the rights that so many of their ancestors have died to procure for them.  For the first time I have seen a mass movement among black youth to band together and show that voting does matter, it is important and it can and does make a difference.

It does make me proud, however, there are a couple of underlying problems. We do not need to stand in front of a camera and say, “I’m voting Obama because he’s black,” “I’m voting Obama because he’s one of us,” or “I’m voting Obama because I want to be part of history.”

Voting for John McCain would also make you a part of history—making Sarah Palin the first female vice president.

We as longtime voters need to encourage those first-timers to make informed decisions. We do not need to vote for Obama because he’s black. We do not need to vote for McCain because his running mate is a woman. We do need to vote for the best person as based on our personal interpretation of the facts. Instead, vote for your next president because you agree with his stand on abortion or his views on same-sex marriage. Vote for him because his energy reform ideas make sense to you. Vote for him because he will pull the troops out of Iraq—or because he won’t. Vote for him because you feel good about his plans for healthcare or social security.

The second part of the problem is media based. I watched as BET (Black Entertainment Television) aired extensive coverage of the Democratic National Convention.  They were even rallying students from historically black colleges and helping them register to vote.

I don’t recall seeing these gatherings during the 2000 election, during a time when the count was so close the ballots had to be counted over. If the same effort would have been given to that campaign, America may not be in the same situation it is today.

Furthermore, I didn’t see BET give much attention to the McCain campaign.  Potential voters should be given both sides of the election. And since our young people tend to get most of what they know from TV, stations like BET and MTV should make a conscious effort to introduce a balanced political report. Skin color, gender and unbalanced news sources should not be factors when choosing the person who will take the reigns of this great country.

Furthermore, don’t let this be the only election you participate in. Your vote will be just as important come 2012, 2016, 2020 and so on. Even if there are no minority candidates.