I know why I’m not a self-made billionaire.

If I were on Shark Tank, I’m pretty sure I’d invest in everything.  Mark Cuban wouldn’t hold a candle to me.  Every item I see on that show looks amazing… and I “need” all of them!

Informercials are even worse!   They get half an hour to convince me about all the products I need for slap chopping, hair care, skin care, exercise… they are ALL going to change my life for the better.

Much to the chagrin of Public Enemy, I DO believe the hype.  And I can only buy the Ginsu knife because that’s the only one that will cut through the can AND the tomato and still stay sharp!

I remember when I first started hearing about “Branding.”  I was with a friend at a conference for Outback Steakhouse International.  The keynote speaker was talking about the importance of branding a business.  She mentioned things like “Kleenex” and “Scotch tape.”  She talked about how these corporations had done such an amazing job of branding that their names had become the generic terminology for ALL facial tissues and transparent tapes.

Since that time, “branding” has become prevalent in every aspect of our society.  We hear sports figures and actors talk about protecting their “brand” whether they endorse a product or not.  Their name has become their “brand.”

When my students are applying for college, I talk to them about promoting their “brand.”  I tell them to figure out who they want to be when they  present themselves to their select audience; I help them to develop the best package for doing that.

The DNC and RNC have been doing this for their candidates LONG before flop sweating Nixon lost a television debate to a handsome and polished Kennedy.  These two mega money machines have spent dollars rivaling those of Scotch tape and Kleenex to remind America over and over again that there is no other brand worth considering.  They ARE American politics.  Their representatives may change, but their objective remains clear.

We, the Democrats and Republicans, are the only two choices for the country.  There are no others.  America is a two party system.  You have to choose one of us.

“Protest votes” are a throwaway vote. If you vote for a third party, you are throwing away your right to vote.

Wow!   That’s some serous branding right there!  ( Ironic as it may be to act as though a protest is a “throw away.”  Let’s share that with  Patrick Henry, the suffragettes , the Civil Rights leaders.)

But what about when it’s NOT a protest vote?

What about when I’m voting for what I truly believe is right?

I get it.  Democrats and Republicans have their branding DOWN.  They’ve won every Presidential election since 1852.  They are far more powerful than Ma Bell.  They claim to be the only game out there.

And even though I might believe Ronco is the only food dehydrator I’ll ever want to buy, I don’t believe the Democrats and Republicans are the only two political parties we can ever have.

I don’t believe it because at least 25% of all Americans are dissatisfied with both Presidential candidates.

When a quarter of the people won’t choose Pepsi or Coca Cola, there’s room for Dr. Pepper.

Look, Democrats… if you support your candidate’s beliefs and choices for the country, vote for her.

Look, Republicans… if you support your candidate’s beliefs and choices for the country, vote for him.

But if it’s just not ringing true for you anymore… if you’re starting to realize Scotch tape just doesn’t stick as well as it used to…  it might be time to watch a new infomercial.

The major parties have now branded the third party as a “throw away” vote.  The greatest part about America is that there is no such thing.  We, the people, have the power to enact change.  Our strength comes from our numbers; if our numbers stand up and vote, no amount of branding can suppress our voices.

On November 8th, I will cast my vote for the leadership team of Gary Johnson and Bill Weld.  I will do so knowing I am doing what is best for me and hoping I am doing what is best for my country.

I will do so knowing that the likelihood of their winning the election THIS time is very small, but realizing that I may be making a vote for the future– even if it is just to make the two “brands” recognize that change is necessary if they hope to eliminate their competition.

….and maybe… just maybe…

(Hey, someone always eventually wins Powerball.  I know it’s true.  I’ve seen it in the ads.)