In Chesapeake, Virginia, folks started lining up at the polls at 2:30AM. I have been in line since 06:50 or so waiting to cast my ballot.

While I believe all elections are important, and it is an obligation for Americans to vote, this election carries with it the added weight of being historic.

Historic because of Barack Obama. The first viable black candidate nominated by a major party. And Sarah Palin. The first viable (in my opinion) female vice presidential candidate.

While I can appreciate the historic nature of this election, it does raise an amount of concern. I am concerned because I know for a fact that people are voting along racial and gender lines. They are making a decision that affects the entire country for at least the next 4 years, based on some perceived obligation to support one candidate or another.

Folks, that is the WORST reason to support a candidate. I can only hope that sensible voters will prevail and offset the emotional vote with good solid thoughts, and opinions, based on facts and policies not the particular “line” some have drawn on the ballot.