Much is made this time of year of the American's duty to vote regardless of interest or knowledge. Civics classes teach that Americans are obligated to vote just because -- because it's the central symbol of our rights as a free nation.

However, the older I get, the more I think this is complete hogwash.

The obligation to vote in political races, to me, is no more present than it is for me to vote in Week 9 of American Idol. Now, it's not that I am saying this for me because I will vote. Because there are a couple of races I am interested in, enough such that I don't mind writing in non-existent candidates in races in which I have no information, no interest or no favorite.

But for you -- the apathetic, the disillusioned, the uninterested -- I say don't let anybody else tell you that you must vote or, particularly, talk down to you for not voting. The most basic of communications scholastics are clear in that no feedback is just as legitimate a form of feedback as the very feedback itself.

Some opinion states that the American citizen -- even if apathetic, disillusioned or uninterested -- must do his or her duty on Election Day even if the individual makes a conscious choice to provide no feedback by not voting, which in my mind is essentially vote suppression if acted upon because the citizen's choice not to vote is essentially a vote.

Who could blame those of us whose ideals are on the fringe. I mean progressives and the far right. Look, those of us who align ourselves with true populist movements and/or evangelical leanings are not aptly represented at enough levels of government to make voting in all cases a must for most of the time, there aren't enough candidates who fit our interests.

However, most of us still vote to help make sure that one progressive or fascist (couldn't resist a jab) does emerge victorious from his or her race.

Alas, I am now and forever will be among the minority of people who firmly believes that voting as a social or civic obligation in American society is not only completely overrated in terms of its worth, but it truly suppresses the very freedom it represents.

News & Notes From The Weekend

1. A kind of boring defensive battle between the Oklahoma Sooners and Texas A&M Aggies turned into a mini-classic late Saturday when Bob Stoops made a gutsy, gutsy decision to go for it on fourth down in his own territory to preserve a 17-16 win in College Station. After attempting an onside kick earlier in the night, in combination with the gutsy last call, Big Game Bob is back. Furthermore, Oklahoma stands a great chance to go 10-2 this season, which if they do should net Stoops certain national-coach-of-the-year honors. Stunning, but this is the second year in a row where we've stunk at the beginning and become better, steadier toward the end of the season. Bravo.

2. Went to watch Borat this weekend, and it was almost the funniest movie I've ever seen. That honor still goes to Bad Santa, which wasn't merely funny, it was dark and brilliant. However, Borat was still wonderful, and it looks like box-office numbers are going to stun the industry come Monday because it looks like this movie, which opened in only 837 theatres, is going to beat out Santa Clause 3. A victory for humor.

3. The latest poll taken by KOTV in Tulsa says illegal immigration is the third most pressing issue to Oklahomans behind education and a combination of economy and unemployment. Of course, other polls have shown illegal immigration has a stronger hold in the mindsets of Okies. My gut feel, based on feedback I get, is that illegal immigration is even more of a concern to Oklahomans than this poll lets on.

I certainly don't mean to rain on anybody's parade; however, education problems in Oklahoma would be simple to resolve if more parents would take a truly positive, active role in the lives of their children. One of my friends homeschools, which is exactly what I mean. Picking up an extra job or some freelance work to send your kiddos to parochial school over public would be another. Furthermore, I have never been one of those who believes that every parent is fit to take an active role in their child's education because, frankly, sometimes it's the state's duty to ensure that kid can at least become smarter than his or her parents.

As far as Oklahoma's economy, it's also quite simple. Fix the state's infrastructure -- roads. Eliminate the state income tax. The fair way to bring in the funds to pay for those roads is by increasing property taxes and sales taxes. Frankly, I don't have a problem with higher "sin" taxes.

First, homeowners would be grateful long-term for the increase in worth of their land that comes about by having better industry come to Oklahoma. Second, drivers would save money long-term by reducing the wear and tear on their vehicles caused by terrible -- and I mean terrible -- roads here in the Sooner State. Lastly, sales taxes have always been the most equitable because they raise money from those who choose to spend and reward those who choose to save.

So, go vote Tuesday if you've got a reason. And, for those who don't feel like it, don't wanna or abstain in protest, for whatever reason, don't let anybody make you feel less for your decision. There is nothing special about the practice of marking a ballot. We've proved that as Americans by having the lowest voting rates of any civilized nation for decades.

As for me, there is one race I'm interested in -- enough so that I will vote. However, you'll never know which race that is, er, well unless I've spilled those beans in a previous post.