Oh Melissa, if you really think just because an organization’s non-profit they don’t or can’t push you towareds one political position over another, take a look at the NAACP. Their non-profit exemption should have been removed a LONG time ago.

Kirty, I’m not saying everyone follows it, but the HPA is serious about it. They are not endorsing a candidate, only encouraging people to make their individual voices heard.

@ Kirty,

The NAACP was established a long time ago to promote EQUAL RIGHTS in this country for BLACK AMERICANS. Their work has been essential to our moving towards EQUALITY of OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL in this country.

Since when is the promotion of EQUAL RIGHTS a political position???

I am all for getting young people to register to vote. I’ve been voting since Jimmy Carter. You do the math. I vote every election, every time. But my concern is with the world of politics especially the presidential race filtering into the Leaky Forum. I come here to get away from that. If I wanted to debate or discuss politics there are plenty of Politcal blogs, liberal and conservative, to visit. Register to vote then read other blogs for insight and education into the poltical landscape. Just my opinion. I like to read about Potter concerns while here.

Ok, I was trying to stay politcally neutral in my first post, but after reading everything posted since, I have to say this: Everyone is unhappy with the way things are right now in the US weather you are right or left. There are serious flaws in both the Republican and Democratic parties. If the country wants to see some REAL CHANGE the people should seriously consider a third party candidate. I am perfectly serious and not naive. As a nation we no longer fit into these nice categories any more. Why do we continue to vote this way? There are two many things going on in the world to settle for this. I was given a book recently that helps explain why so many don’t fit into these two boxes. I haven’t finished reading yet, but check it out. Not sure if its legal to post but its called 8 Ways to Run the Country. And for heavens sake don’t respond to this post! Ha Ha!

I live in California and am for McCain, so there is no point in me voting at all. California will go for Obama in a landslide. You cannot be too far to the left in California. Californians would elect Stalin in a landslide. (I love the state, but it is indeed the left coast). Can anyone think why I should vote for President when my vote won’t count here?

Thank you.

@ beccam, please excuse me but I had to respond. I just couldn’t help myself.

I agree with you completely.

I think the Republican and Democratic parties have become bloated dinosaurs. Their constituencies are not the American people, but rather the lobbyists and special interest groups who fund their campaigns. I’m sick to death of both of them. As the late George Wallace (a politician I would never have supported) said in ‘68 – “there’s not a dime’s worth of difference between the two”. Wallace was not taken seriously, but forty years later, that dime has shrunk to about two cents in my opinion. I think this country has been in serious need of a third political party for far too long.

Lamia, Please explain how my post is anti-sematic. Thanks for pointing out that this is a harry potter site. I’d like to point out to you that this is a political post. Like many before me have mentioned, U.S. has a significant impact in the world stage. I have no issues with the Jewish people. My problem is with the Israeli government and its continued practice of ethnically cleansing the Palestinian people. To learn more about this 60 year conflict, please read the excellent book “The Ethnic Cleansing of Palestine” by Israeli historian and professor Ilan Pape. To learn more about how Israel continues to receive unconditional support from the U.S., please read “The Israel Lobby and U.S. Foreign Policy” by John J. Mearsheimer and Stephen M. Walt.

More info available on If American Knew: www. Ifamericansknew.org

“My commitment to Israel is unshakeable” – Barak Obama

“In addition to her moral commitment to Israel’s security, America must provide Israel with whatever military equipment and technology she requires to defend herself, above and beyond what we supply today if necessary. Our support for Israel must intensify, as threats to Israeli security have intensified.” – John McCain

Democrat or republican – it doesn’t matter as far as I’m concerned.

Just a comment about HP Alliance: If the website promotes human rights, freedom of speech, environmental issues, then I’m all for it. We need to remember that despite all of the differences we see in this world, we are one human race and we live on one small planet in the universe, and it’s about time that we learn to take care of each other and our planet.

Love is the answer.

Thank you to scribe58 and all the other thoughtful, decent people out there.

Even though I can’t vote I still care about how this election will turn out. I would even call this one of the most important elections of all time, due to the impact it will have on the world. with all of this crazy events happening, such as global warming and the energy crisis, this election will affect the future of this planet.

Also for those who can vote look on the internet for information on the candidates, because if you get your info from Fox News(right wing) or from Keith Olberman(left wing) the news you get is going to be biased. I like CNN it’s the most neutral news center. try youtube it has some good channels such as BraveNewFilms. Be informed voters Wizards

I don’t think you can get away from the fact that the HP books have political commentary but not necessarily in regard to present day. I do not care to have politics served with my chosen HP sites and activities. I already vote in every election, and I can read and write, therefore I can decide and I don’t need PC, MC,TLC,or MN to help mark my ballot.

I would like to add that I agree with Matt. The emphasis should be on getting people to take voting rights responsibly.That means get registered and get informed. Most people of all political persuasions want the same things.Justice,freedom,peace,love,and prosperity are a few common goals. We just don’t always agree on the best ways to get to the same place. Even if you register through the HPA drive and you want to make a change for Darfur, you may still believe that change can best be made in ways not in lock step with HPA strategy.If you are old enough to vote you are old enough to actually investigate issues instead of blindly following like a lamb. And just because you like and respect somebody does not mean they have all the answers for you. We renew our constitution by voting. It is the right which ensures all others. You decide!

I think it’s great that people are being encouraged to register and vote. I am a little troubled after reading through this discussion thread by phrases like “choose wisely”. Please bear in mind that, despite what the news media may lead you to believe, a President McCain isn’t necessarily an unwise choice and a President Obama isn’t necessarily a wise choice. Both candidates have good and bad qualities and neither one of them will live up to voter expectations.

@ KB Prez,

I never said the promotion of EQUAL RIGHTS was a political position. You should be careful about putting words in peoples mouths. If you listen to almost any speech by the NAACP, they heavily favor (maybe even exclusively) Democratic candidates and vilify Republicans as evil. Now, they’re certaily free to have that opinion individulally, but when they are basically campaigning for Democratic candidates, that should revoke their tax exempt status. If they were either more balanced or stopped their political attacks, it wouldn’t be a problem. The NAACP has done a lot for EQUAL RIGHTS but I think they could do more if they tried to be more inclusive. You know, kind of how the sorting hat said things should be. But just because they have good aims doesn’t excuse the fact that their tax exemption should be revoked for their political activities.