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It seems the race for Indiana Senate will be decided between Andrew Horning and Joe Donnelly. Mourdock’s numbers continue to slide and his momentum is in the wrong direction. With so few days remaining, his campaign’s fate seems sealed.

People will be quick to blame this swing from “leading” to “trailing” on his comment from the Oct 23rd debate. However, ever since he took his first swing at the venerable statesman, Richard Lugar, his support has been shaky, with the Republicans scrambling to pull together an uneasy coalition of independents, moderates and Lugar-ites. Now it seems all three groups have finally found what they have been looking for; a single reason not to vote for Richard Mourdock.

It is unfortunate a comment at the end of the campaign can so drastically change the minds of so many people. Mourdock’s impossible situation is complicated by the political climate and candidates educating (see: brainwashing) voters to find a reason to vote AGAINST somebody instead of finding the reasons to vote FOR somebody. The voters are so trained to find the smallest reason to NOT vote, they forget that Mourdock’s comment doesn’t change him from the person he was when he started the campaign. Ironically, Mourdock will lose because he gave his supporters the one thing they were trained to find in his opponents. Now they have a reason not to vote for Richard Mourdock.

Two years ago, the Tax Caps Amendment was on the ballot in Indiana and people were literally tripping over each other to vote for it. Supporters were screaming “Hooray for lower taxes” while opposition screamed “Save our schools“. Somewhere in there, a small group knew what was really happening. You see the Indiana Constitution already protected people against high property taxes by saying it must be “uniform and equal”. Translation: if the government taxes anyone at 0% (and they do), everyone’s taxes must be 0%. The government was being sued in court for taxing people and businesses at different rates (read: unconstitutional) and THAT IS WHY THEY WANTED TO PASS THE AMENDMENT. Not to protect you, but to ensure they could continue their non-“uniform and equal” taxing scheme.

The tax cap argument was the most backwards and misinformed argument I have ever seen. The “Lower Taxes” crowd should have voted NO because it would have forced “uniform and equal” (0%) property taxes while the “Save our schools” people should have voted YES because it saves property taxes. Instead party leaders whipped the public into frenzy and most people had no idea how they were voting or what they were getting. Then afterward, everyone congratulated themselves on being so smart. Yikes…

What’s done is done. We can’t reverse it if we wanted to and anyone who made a mistake on this one doesn’t have to commit ritualistic suicide. The critical lesson is: ACTUALLY know for what and who you are voting. Don’t waste your vote on what some political party says or who you think has a chance of winning. Know the issue, know the person and know the truth; we all pay for it sooner or later.

No negative ads here. Just a few good words about a number of the different candidates.

President:

Johnson: Anti-Patriot Act and anti-SOPA. Has great track record as governor of New Mexico. Pro small effective government. http://www.garyjohnson2012.com/

Obama: In 2009, the tax rate was the lowest in 30 years. Was elected president previously. Has strong convictions. http://www.barackobama.com/

Romney: Wants to get rid of the entitlement programs. Selected Paul Ryan as running mate. Maintains strong convictions to his faith. http://www.mittromney.com/

US Senate:

Donnelly: Independant minded. Conversative tendancies on taxes. Legisaltive experience. He is not Dan Coats http://www.joeforindiana.com

Horning: Offers a consistent and practical message . Has detailed and feasible plans for getting things done. Best constitution knowledge. He is not Dan Coats http://www.horningforsenate.com/

Mourdock: Nice guy. Supported me during my city council run. Strong adherence to his principles of “never compromise”. He is not Dan Coats http://www.richardmourdock.com

US House:

6th District:
Bell: Understands what limited government means. http://www.electrexbell.com

Bookout: Looking at his signs, he is for “JOBS JOBS JOBS” http://www.bookoutforcongress.com/

Messer: Made Ice Miller a lot of money. http://www.lukemesser.com/

9th District:

Yoder: Requested at least 13 debates to be held. Very willing to meet with the people. http://www.shelliyoderforcongress.com/

Young: Has Dan Qualye and Richard Lugar on his resume. Agreed to 2 debates http://www.toddyoungforcongress.com/

Governor:

Gregg: Cancer survivor. Very experienced in Indiana. http://www.greggforgovernor.com/

Pence: Didn’t vote for CISPA. Very experienced in Congress. http://www.mikepence.com/

Rupert: Has a very devoted fan base of voters and nonvoters. Very experienced in public http://www.rupertforgovernor.com

We often put too much pressure on things turning out exactly how we expect. If things don’t go as planned, we stress over why and worry we have might have lost in some way. The truth is there are many things we cannot control and it’s not all waiting on us. Don’t bet your happiness on your plans working out perfectly so even if your plans fail, you can keep faith that you will persevere. Do your best, stop focusing on the score and have faith things will fall into place.

Like Emerson said, every person we meet is our superior in some way and, because of that, we should learn from them.  Those of us who are not interested in the people around us tend to have the greatest challenges in life and cause great injury to others. Take notice; take interest and seek the strengths of others. Selfishness and prideful arrogance has the potential to cause more harm than you think.

Life is waiting for you. Although it is easy to believe your life will come to nothing great or pale in comparison to others, it all should be put in perspective. We don’t regret the times where we tried and failed, but always regret the times when we did nothing. Do something and affect others so they remember the times you where in their lives.

My hope is, when this passes, the good I have performed will outweigh the injury caused by my mistakes. We will pass this way only once and any kind words or goods deeds we can give to another person should be done now. Deny the urge to avoid it or postpone it. You will likely never find yourself in this same situation again.

Live a life which gives you the time, energy and opportunity to do what you love, but always keep in mind, you have the power to influence and affect those around you. Something like, “Live simply so that others may simply live”.  Defend your beliefs and stand up for yourself, but always be aware of those who are doing the same.  Don’t criticize, condemn or complain simply for the sake of pressing your views and beliefs onto another. Protect yourself; be happy; live your life and let others do the same.

I would guess few of us know how important we are to those around us. Even if they don’t constantly say it or even mention it once, you mean a great deal to other people. Every night somebody goes to sleep thinking about you and everyday there are people whose thoughts drift to you. Everything you have done in your life has made an impact on people and there are probably more eyes on you than you realize. Take a moment and consider what you truly mean to those around you and who might be waiting to see your smile.

This is the last day of my original list. It’s been a good ride so we’ll keep it going; but probably not daily. Never really liked those overly motivational types, especially those who are not naturally energetic so they fake it to try to motivate and inspire everyone. My goal is simply to show it’s on you to find happiness and realize things aren’t as bad as you think. Take the time to enjoy yourself; it’s later than you think