Mike Rowe On Voting

Mike Rowe, of television's Dirty Jobs, is one of my favorites. He responds today to a fan who writes asking him to use his power to encourage all his fans to vote. Mike doesn't disappoint, pointing out that voting for the sake of voting, when you have no idea what the issues are, is senseless:

"Remember – there’s nothing virtuous or patriotic about voting just for the sake of voting, and the next time someone tells you otherwise, do me a favor – ask them who they’re voting for. Then tell them you’re voting for their opponent. Then, see if they’ll give you a ride to the polls.

"So no, Jeremy – I can’t personally encourage everyone in the country to run out and vote. I wouldn’t do it, even if I thought it would benefit my personal choice. Because the truth is, the country doesn’t need voters who have to be cajoled, enticed, or persuaded to cast a ballot. We need voters who wish to participate in the process.

Spot on. I love the guy. If you want to stay updated on his wisdom, subscribe to his Facebook page.