Place Your Vote - Essay Example

Place Your Vote Introduction The enactment of the Voting Rights of 1965 greatly changed the face of the American voting systems. Prior to this act, voting was a preserve of white males only who were property owners. Blacks and women were not allowed to vote. However, demonstrations organized by voting rights activists led to greater leverage that were contained in the enactment of the Act of 1965. The main provisions of this act included prohibition of the enactment of any law by congress that denied voting on the basis of color or person’s race, suspension of prior literacy tests, control enactment of voting rules by reviewing them by the federal government to ensure no discrimination was propelled by such a law, assigning of federal examiners in voter registration and as poll observers, and to prohibit intimidation of voters (Laney 8). This overview is meant to give a glimpse of how far the American voting space enjoyed by all Americans came from and to appreciate the importance that voting has on the society at large. Furthermore, American should be reminded that the voting rights they enjoy today was fought for by prior generations, who meant well for America as a whole and to pay tribute to them as we gear for the presidential election to be held in November 2012. It is also in order for Americans to be enlightened on the issues at hand as they prepare to cast their votes. Many issues may be of concern; the state of the economy, the education system, healthcare systems, and employment opportunities and any other issues that affect our day-to-day life as a society. All these issues, and more, are pertinent and in the minds of every American voter has they decide who to vote for. However, my concern is mainly on the energy policies; especially I will focus on how the issue of oil and gasoline prices must be our main issue upon which to decide who to vote for in the forthcoming elections. After examining the energy policies of the major presidential aspirants in the forthcoming 2012 elections, Obama strikes me as more prudent. Why energy is an important factor to consider when electing a president I would like to bring back some memories that most Americans would love to erase from their memories. This concerns the high oil prices that were experienced during Bush’s tenure in White House in 2008. This is a clear indication of the intricate nature of the oil prices to the American economy. Schoen (2008) while talking about the price increases by over 50 percent in January of 2008 observed that: “Airlines have been struggling to make a profit, even as they cut jobs and flights. American Airlines became the latest to announce it was tightening its belt another notch, saying Thursday that it plans to shrink capacity by as much as 12 percent and cut thousands of jobs” (Schoen, 2008) Furthermore, Schoen elaborates that these airlines were contemplating an increase in the prices of checking the first bag. He contends that smaller airlines would have had to file for bankruptcy. Other industries, such as the automobiles also experienced a drop in sales which is definitely not good to the overall wellness of the economy. Moreover, the price of food and other household goods were expected to rise. Threats of inflation were being envisaged at the time and these tended to spill over to the housing sector and the credit markets (Schoen, 2008). This led to job losses, higher costs of living and a generally dented economy. During this trying time inflation was attributed to the high oil prices that were being experienced. According to an article in the MyBudget360 website title “How Does Oil Impact the Economy? 3 major areas of economic consequence: The impact on inflation, consumer spending and auto sales”, oil prices was directly associated with the collapse of the Consumer Price Index at the time leading to deflation, which many economists will agree is a very dangerous position for the economy. The chart below paints the whole picture for us: Source: Retrieved from MyBudget360 < http://www.mybudget360.com/how-does-oil-impact-the-economy-3-major-areas-of-economic-consequence-the-impact-on-inflation-consumer-spending-and-auto-sales/> Therefore, it is clear that the price of oil directly affects the US economy and put everyone in a very compromising position; from airlines to car makers, real estate investors, and the public at large. Every American should bear this in mind as they cast their votes in November. They should vote in a leader who will safeguard the economy by ensuring stability of the oil prices and put in place mechanisms to withstand the economic shocks that are associated with oil price volatility. Why Obama? Come November 6th 2012, the American people will be casting their votes to elect a president of their choice. This is an important occasions since it is the only time and four years that the people’s voice is heard loudest. However, I would like to remind all Americans to bear in mind the effect that higher oil and gasoline prices could have to their lives. They should vote with their eyes wide open; analyze the energy policies of each candidate critically before casting their votes. President Obama has had his first term in office that did not lack its share of pitfall, for example the bursting of the oil wells off the shore of the Atlantic. However, a closer look at his foreign policies has proved that he is a good mediator who can negotiate appropriately, especially with Oil Producing and Export Countries (OPEC). This is something that Americans should take in stride as a strength that can safeguard against run-away pump prices. He has shown that he can push his agenda even to the perceived American foe. During his tenure in office, president Obama has ensured that domestic production of oil has been enhanced. According to the White House official website, oil production in the US has “increased every year President Obama has been in office”. This profile alone goes a long to show his commitment and awareness to the necessity importance of stabilizing oil prices. It is my view that Americans should bear this in mind while casting their votes come November. Another indicator that makes me believe that Obama is poised for even greater oil stabilization in terms of production and prices is his policy that has seen America’s dependence on foreign oil imports decrease tremendously. Last year, it is a fact that America imported less than half of all its oil product needs (White House, 2012). Obama’s policy on more efficient vehicles that use less fuel and protect the environment has also shown that he is innovative in policy making and therefore posses the right mix to ensure a prosperous economy regardless of the volatility of global oil prices. This, in all earnest is the best presidential candidates that I think Americans should vote for. However, some people feel may some other aspirant, in particular Romney, is more suitable than Obama. I would say they have the right to their opinions but Romney has not provided us with a detailed energy policy that he intends to implement once he gets to white house. Romney will also have to start fresh negotiations with foreign governments and to build fresh ties which may take a long time and is not guaranteed to make the strides Obama has made. Griffith as been critical of Obama for maintaining stringent energy policies that prevent emissions that are an environmental threat. He lamented that: “Griffith said Obama’s refusal to give the green light to the Keystone XL pipeline is just one part of the president’s assault on energy. “It is the easiest one for folks to understand,” (Gould & Walter, 2012) It is unfortunate that someone, with the wide environmental degradation issues castigate Obama for trying to prevent a catastrophe for future generations. Such sentiments should the yardstick with which the American people should base their decisions as they vote in November. The bad blood that had developed between America and Middle East had reduced somewhat due to Obama’s intervention and this is a fragile link that Americans should strive to maintain. The American Dream will be kept alive if all American citizens sought to enlighten themselves and arm themselves with facts before making a decision on their preferred candidates. Depending only on emotions to make crucial decisions such as the forthcoming elections may be committing economic suicide especially on matters of national importance such as the forthcoming elections. Conclusion With the right leadership and management, oil related economic shocks can be prevented. For example, Obama’s strategy to promote energy efficient automobiles that are also environmentally friendly is a sound idea. After all, efficiency is the main ingredient in today’s economy. The same strategy should be extended to other industries especially in the manufacturing sector. Other sources of energy such as harnessing of wind and solar energies can reduce the strain on oil products. Works Cited Schoen W. Oil prices spike has wide economic impact. Updated 22nd May, msnbc.com, 2008. Retrieved from Laney P. G. The Voting Rights Acts of 1965, Asendments: Its history and current issues. Congressional Research Service, June 12, Vol 95-896, 2008 MyBudget360. How Does Oil Impact the Economy? 3 Major Areas of Economic Consequence: The impact on inflation, consumer spending, and auto sales. Retrieved 1st May 2012 from < http://www.mybudget360.com/how-does-oil-impact-the-economy-3-major-areas-of-economic-consequence-the-impact-on-inflation-consumer-spending-and-auto-sales/> Gould, M., & Walter, K. Rep. Griffith: Obama Energy Policy will lead to Romney victory. NewsMax, 2012. Retrieved 28th April, 2012 from White House. Develop and Secure America’s Energy Resources, 2012. Retrieved 28th April 2012 from Read More