Here we are, finally, after 21 months of relentless campaigning, lying, cheating, mud-slinging, insane media bias, false promises and a whole raft of October Surprises, it is Election Day. Finally, it is no longer a question of polls, no longer a matter of what the wide assortment of pontificating talking heads that have dominated the airwaves for nearly two years believe. It all comes down to one thing: Your vote.

That's right, it is up to YOU and your opinion. Who cares what Olberman or Matthews have to say, no matter how much Matthews' leg tingles? For that matter, who cares what Bill O'Reilly or Sean Hannity have to say? Up until today it has all been talk—now we are going to see action.

Today's election is the only poll that matters. If you are an Obama fan, don't feel complacent at what the polls are telling you. If you are a McCain supporter, don't feel intimidated or lost. Opinion polls—especially during this divisive political season—are merely manipulated statistics that may or may not reflect reality. More than one poll from the mainstream media has been revealed as being skewed in Obama's favor. Why is that not a surprise? It simply follows suit with all the other biased coverage.

Mark Twain once said that “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics,” while American statesman Henry Clay declared that “Statistics are no substitute for judgment.” That puts the responsibility on you, the voter, to cut through the rhetoric and the rubbish and make an intelligent and informed decision when you step up to that voting machine. When you do, the voices of the campaigns and the talking heads will be silenced for the first time in nearly two years and it will be up to you to do what you think is right, both for yourself and for the nation. If the 2000 and 2004 elections taught us anything at all, it was that every single vote counts.

We have heard a lot about “change.” There is change that endeavors to fix the underlying system and change that seeks to entirely overthrow it. Before you make your choice today, consider—and consider well—what you know of the candidate's positions on the following:

• Business

• Taxes

• Energy

• Defense

• Foreign Relations

• Government Spending

• Abortion

• Gun Issues

• Healthcare

• Education

Does the candidate reflect your beliefs as an American as well as a person. Is this person someone you can trust? If so, cast your vote with your head held high and have the courage of your convictions one way or the other. Remember, it was the drive to do something that led to the pork-bloated bailout of Wall Street that is now causing so much consternation. You might hate George W. Bush, but consider well that you need to do more than something to be rid of him when you vote. Daniel Webster once said that “A strong conviction that something must be done is the parent of many bad measures.” There is a difference between doing something and doing the right thing.

Which will you do?