One of the most important rights and privileges we have as Americans is the right to vote. And looking back, it's hard to believe it wasn't that long ago we didn't. But merely having a right is meaningless unless it's used. My heartfelt message to all of you who can is this: VOTE! There still is time in some states to register for this year, but not much. And if you are a registered voter, please, let your voice be heard. This is your chance to have your say on who leads this country and what beliefs you support. If you don't know the candidates well enough, there are several books they have authored to reveal themselves and their ideals.

Obama's most recent title is The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream.

McCain offers John McCain: An American Odyssey.

Politics certainly can be messy, and if you're wondering whether political styles have changed over the course of time, check out: Anything for a Vote: Dirty Tricks, Cheap Shots, and October Surprises . It is an illustrated look at 200-plus years of dirty tricks and bad behavior in presidential elections, and reveals that smear campaigns are as American as apple pie. One example is from 1960 when President Harry Truman advised voters "if you vote for Richard Nixon, you might go to hell!"

If you are new to thinking about and understanding the whole business, you might find Politics for Dummies helpful. Learn what a caucus is, how primaries work, what lobbyists and special interest groups are all about, and how to contact your representatives. But HURRY, time is getting short. Remember, the choice is yours and let yours be heard!

Happy Reading!
Frances