Feel free to abstain

To all the folks who claim that everyone MUST vote and assert that it's a civic duty or obligation: Bullpucky! Voting is a right, not a responsibility. Free speech is a right, but I'm perfectly fine with people remaining silent if they don't have something constructive to say. Nobody should feel it's their patriotic responsibility to spout detritus just because they have the right to do so. Carrying a gun is also a right, but nobody should feel obligated to do so. As a matter of fact, if someone is psycho, stupid, or careless, I'd prefer they do not exercise their gun toting right. Voting is no different. If someone is ignorant or just doesn't care, I'd rather they not vote than blindly cast a ballot because some self-righteous crusader made them feel traitorous or un-American if they abstained. Regardless of your political leanings, IF you have a self-realized, educated opinion then please DO vote. If you have no rationalized preference, feel free to exercise your right to stay home. I'd rather a person abstain than have ignorance, peer pressure, or agenda driven collectives influencing the fate of our nation.