Compare if you will these two quotes:

“I wasn’t elected governor of the Republican Party. I was elected to represent all the people.” — Bobby Jindal, incoming Republican Louisiana governor

and

“The goal we have is to win in ’08 and that takes precedent over everything else.” — Karen Thurman, Chairman of the Florida Democratic Party

Can we begin to see the issue here?

These may not be typical examples from each party, but that’s exactly the point. Our representatives need to move their focus to what’s best for the country and for the American people, and away from what’s best for themselves and their party.

If this does not happen, our nation will find it difficult, if not not impossible, to overcome the challenges we will be facing soon.

And making it happen is all up to us.

Voting is one of the many rights we own as Americans. It must be observed, however, that for every right there is an equal and opposite responsibility. This is precise; it’s a zero-sum equation.

I urge every voter to embrace this responsibility: to educate themselves, to vote, and to vote selflessly.

(In case you were wondering, Fred Thompson/Mike Huckabee is my dream ticket for 2008.)