The time to vote for president is almost here. Unfortunately, for most American citizens, "Super Tuesday" will prove to be just another day of the week.

You can't argue with facts. People simply aren't going to the polls. For years huge efforts have been put forth to let people know all the positive things they can do with their vote. The problem with this is most people don't want to do positive things with their vote.

For this reason I am trying a new approach to get people to the polls. I have put together a list of ways you can use your vote to disrupt people you don't like. Since many people want to feel like they are getting the best of someone here are a few reasons you should vote to do just that.

It gives you an excuse to complain. If you vote and your candidate doesn't win you have four good years of mouthing off about how you did your part to keep him out of office. This also works if your candidate wins. Rarely do candidates live up to all the promises they make on the campaign trail. If your chosen one does not live up to expectations you can complain about that too.

Spite is another reason to vote. If you are tired of listening to people with different political views than yourself spout off at the mouth about why they are right and you are wrong vote out of spite. Remember, no matter how much noise the person makes, they only have one vote. That means your vote against their candidate cancels their vote out. This gives you all the satisfaction of knowing that in the few minutes it takes to vote you have cancelled out all their hard work.

On that note, keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to vote for someone. Throughout the campaigning process people are bombarded with issues they should vote for. Some people would rather not think about voting for something. They are more concerned with what they can oppose. So there you go. Get out and vote so you can vote against someone or something. If you don't like the way one candidate talks, looks, thinks or acts vote against them.

While I don't favor using these reasons to direct a vote it seems to be one of the final remaining ways to get more people to the polls. In a perfect world people would vote simply because it is their duty as Americans. However, the world is changing and people don't always want to do something just because it is the right thing to do.

So I am reaching out to these people and urging you one and all to go to the polls and make some noise. If you are against raising taxes vote against the candidate who is for it. If you are for raising taxes vote against the candidate who is against it. It's time to put all your whining and negative energy to work and make a difference.

Remember that your vote gives a four-year free whine ride.

Rick Couch may be reached at

383-9302, ext. 132 or

via email at rick. couch@greenvilleadvocate.com.