Which way do I go? An expression that had double meaning for me this morning. I woke up bright eyed but after waiting twenty minutes in line I found my eyes were groggy and my attention to the sign Ward 3 District 1 or 2 was not up to par. I had got in the line for 2, which was the longest, only to find out that I had waited in the wrong line. Thankfully the District 1 line was short, only 3 long.

A nice old lady greeted me with a smile and a hello, nice to see you. I returned the compliment but thought to myself, I don't even know this lady.

Off to the polling station.

Massachusetts ballot questions 1-3. Tough choices! 1- eliminate State Income Tax. My heart says yes but now is not the time to cut much needed funds in our state treasury. Vote of No. Question 2 - decriminalization of marajuana. It's a burden to our court system and one should not be penalized for life for possession of over an ounce. I support the decriminalization so Yes. Question 3- eliminate dog racing in Massachusetts. The dogs are treated fairly and taken care of from how I see it. These dogs are bred for racing. I cannot in my conscious vote for 13,000 people to lose their jobs. Vote of No.

Now to the prize. Who to vote for? I don't remember any election as polarized as today. My vote today is very important on so many levels. Sure if I don't vote Obama in Massachusetts, it really doesn't matter because Massachusetts has a long standing tradition of giving our electoral votes to the Democratic candidate. Voting on local ballot questions and local candidates are very important.

There are third party greats like Ralph Nader and Senator Bob Barr on the ballot. Nader was my choice in 2004. He is a man of principal and integrity but this time he entered late and made little effort to make noise. Bob Bar is a great senator but I am not sure he is very presidential.

Obama, the great debator and self proclaimed man that brings hope and change. He is intelligent and well spoken. His lack of experience and background concern me. His aunt who escaped deportation and has been living off government handouts for 4 years concerns me. There is no doubt in my mind that he was aware of this issue. Family is family.

McCain, the leader and war hero. A champion against spending overages and real solutions to the war. A man of integrity and proven champion of the people and party. His age is a concern and his choice of Sarah Palin for Vice President. Why not Condoleezza Rice?

The economy is hurting the people. The wars we are in the middle of overseas need real solutions and exit plans. Banks need to be regulated. Gas prices, albeit it falling, are still too high and a burden. Dependancy on foreign oil needs to be reduced and we to be transitioned into using our own oil, while developing clean fuel sources for the future (or now). Health care and education needs reform and needs to be affordable (or free) to all.

I decided with my conscious and the candidate's track record and I had to pick McCain. This is not a time to criticize why someone votes how they vote. Now is a time to champion your beliefs for a better America. If Obama is your guy or if McCain is, cast your ballot in favor of your man and don't hate those who vote otherwise.

Here's to America and our right to vote!