Sometimes they are good friends or relatives, sometimes acquaintances, sometimes perfect strangers. But usually, when 4 golfers get together for a round, the foursome seems to bond to some extent. There are compliments, good natured insults, funny stories told. Newcomers are schooled on the nuances of the course, veterans tell of their triumphs and tragedies as they meandered the 65 hundreds yards of grass, sand, lakes, trees, sand and more trees. Once, my pal, observing a tee shot that should have flown high above the fairway in the general direction of the green, stayed low and slammed into a tree just yards from the tea box. After staring knowingly he informed me of his diagnosis, I had a loft issue? Considering the ball’s lack of upward mobility, I didn’t have much to argue. Loft, I asked seeking his explanation…”Yeah…LOFT Lack of Freaking talent”…at least that was the family version…

On another occasion, staring at a par putt that was about 50 feet and 3 directions short of the hole, another player noted there were 3 things a man had to do for himself with no help: testify, die, and putt.

Today…I’ll add a fourth…he--or she has to vote.

I take most of these election polls with a grain of salt. Good researchers can make them say anything. But that’s what I’m having trouble with. Across the nation, the right to vote - one of the freedoms that make our country great - one of the core duties of a free society, freedom so cherished my Americans that thousands of its young people gave their lives to keep freedom ringing.

The poll that bothers me is one suggesting that only about 60 percent of Americans eligible and able to vote will do so. 4 out of 10 will not vote. Out of anger, indifference, apathy, inconvenience, or some other reason, none of which will convince me their excuse is solid. We can vote by mail, on our own schedule. We can vote early. We can vote as a party or an independent.

It seems to me if you don’t vote, you shouldn’t criticize whatever government we end up with, and if you willfully elect not to vote maybe you shouldn’t qualify for taxpayer paid goodies; from Medicare and social security benefits to tuition assistance. You may want to vote liberal---you may want to vote conservative...more taxes or fewer taxes...a bigger government or a smaller one. But if you don't vote, you've ducked out on your responsibility and done yourself and those who've worked, fought, and yes, died for our freedom, a very selfish disservice.