March 31, 2008 12:54 PM

I believe this election is like none we have seen before (yes, I am only 34 yrs old). I think the media coverage and overall awareness of the nations political climate are greater today, even more so than the Kerry v. Bush v. Gore elections.

Today we have bloggers, streaming video and radio, satellite radio, and pod casts. And despite this, it has taken me no longer to decide whom I will vote for (ranking in order or desirability) that it has in previous years.

When I consider my vote, I think of where I think the country should in terms of my vision of an admirable society versus what are the issues that I am facing. Personally I do not feel all politics is local is the proper way to view political contest. Rather, I should say, I do not think we should base our vote upon what we see as the most pressing issues directly affecting us.

This may sound counterintuitive. After all, should not the elected server the needs of the electors? Reflecting our everyday problems (concerns) is narcissistic and reflecting our values is romantic naivety. Votes are like chess moves, strategically executed to build momentum towards the perfect society. It does not matter if it is realized during our lifetime or we personally benefit , what matters is that society gets progressively better, more equitable, for generations to come.

Now if we can only agree on that vision of a perfect society.