THESE are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly: it is dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.
These words, penned in 1776, ring just as true in 2006. It is the eve of the most important election this nation has faced since Lincoln vs Mclelland. That ages old presidential election was a referendum on two divergent ideologies that divided the nation. As Americans go to the polls tommorrow, as in 1864, we will not simply be voting for a candidate but also an ideology.
Which ideology will be victorious - the Summer soldier or the steadfast patriot ? The answer is in your hands, in your vote.
If the words of Thomas Paine won't motivate you to vote, perhaps Bluto might help:
Hat Tip: Ex Donkey Blog
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