To the Readers' Forum:
I am begging the eligible registered voters of Chautauqua County and WNY to please vote.
Most of you who have read my previous letters will probably have no difficulty figuring out that I am not an undecided voter.
What you may not know is how strongly I feel about each citizen having to vote.
If the decision were mine to make, failure to vote would mean a loss of citizenship Maybe for six months the first time but failure to vote in three elections would probably be loss of citizenship for life. '
You could still live here but just wouldn't have the protection of citizenship. Maybe your taxes would double first. Understand that I believe that every citizen should pay taxes.
I do not care who you vote for or why you vote for them, just that you vote. I have often said and mean that if more than 55 percent of the eligible voters chose socialism, then I could accept it. I wouldn't like it but it my firm belief that it is the power of the vote.
I consider this Tuesday a very important day. Nationally I do not believe that any party will make a difference. It is the ideas and definition of 'The American Dream " that counts. I personally believe that it is the right to pursue life, liberty and happiness knowing that that pursuit can result in failure. Enough about philosophy.
Vote. Vote for good reasons, vote for personal reasons. I hope you don't vote because your union told you too, but vote.
Remember though that there are three requirements of citizenship: To vote, to Serve (To bear arms if your county needs you) and to stay informed.
Whether it be national, state or local, have some idea of the issues and share your thoughts with your elected officials.
It starts Tuesday Vote! Vote! Vote!
When the campaign is over, the work of government begins.
Jim Walker
Falconer