On this historic day in American history (no matter the outcome), BloodyElbow.com encourages all of its readers to exercise their right to vote for the candidate of their choice. Much rides of this election, so be sure to have your voice heard at your local polling station.

Most importantly, do not believe those among us who tell you the one opportunity you have at decision making is folly. I have much respect for Eddie Bravo and find him to very often be a very reasonable person, but this is the height of absurdity:

I am not voting. Voting is an illusion. Both "candidates" are working for the same team -- the Illuminati. The election is just a fake reality show. You can’t get as far as Obama and McCain and not be bought and sold long ago. The machine is too strong. Just buckle up and hold on for the scary ride that’s coming and try to get as much as possible before the derailing of our empire.

Living and working in Washington, DC has enabled me to get just close enough to catch a glimpse of and understand how the machinery of power and politics operates. To think that there is some distant and nebulous group which controls the real "power" circumventing the exercise your lying eyes see at polls across the country is paranoia and ignorance of the first order.

Ignore it. Go vote. This is your chance.