Five days

I know, I know: If voting could change anything it would be outlawed. But if one can help move the U.S. in a good direction--even a couple inches--it's something he or she should feel obligated to do. This year there are three boxes that I feel especially strongly about marking.

OBAMA/BIDEN. His populist outlook, diplomatic presence, leadership abilities, and Pan-Asian background are only some of the reasons I support Obama, and seeing Republican bigwigs like Gen. Colin Powell and Asst. Surgeon General Samuel Lin give their votes to him is further indication of his readiness for the Oval Office. The most relevant specific instances of his superior judgment to McCain include but are not limited to his heady reaction to the current financial crisis, sensible and flexible treatment of the war in Iraq, and choice of Vice-Presidential candidate.

YES ON PROP 2. While animal lovers, vegans, and vegetarians (like me) will undoubtedly support this proposition intended to limit the cruel treatment of farm animals in California, I think omnivores should be its biggest fans. If my daughter winds up eating meat, I wouldn't want it to be full of antibiotics, hormones, or disease. The retrofitting process will cost the producers and consumers, but it's neither radical nor unprecedented. Such changes in the egg industry have already taken place in the EU.

NO ON PROP 8. In California, this expressly takes away the rights for same-sex marriage. Not only is the hate and fear mongering promoted by its supporters despicable, but the idea that gay marriage will be taught in schools is an outright lie.

That's it for my time on the soapbox, but I'm sure there will be plenty more on the radio, TV, newspapers, and Internet between now and Tuesday... Don't let it get you down and and don't let it dissuade you from being heard--which ever way you vote.