An All-American Activity
Posted in Once I Was a Kansas Girl and tagged with America, Church, Politics, President, Religion on July 8, 2008On the 4th, I joked about a few of the things I enjoy about our country, but today I’m going to write about something serious that I enjoy about the United States. This is prompted by an excellent message from my pastor on Sunday. I love going to a church where the pastor is not afraid to challenge us to apply Biblical truth to ever area of our life.
In America, I have the right to vote for whomever I want. Okay, that’s not a real shocker. Though democracy is still rather new in the history of the world, you and I grew up with it, so we’re rather ho-hum about it. I happen to like democracy. I’m not saying it is the way to run a country, but I think it has a lot of benefits.
The thing is, not only do I have the right to vote for who I want, I have the right to vote for whomever I want for whatever reason I want. If I choose to vote for Bob Candidate because I think his sneakers are da bomb, I can. If I choose to vote for Cathy Contender because she promises to buy all the little kiddies bubble gum, no one can stop me. Maybe I think Norman Nominee would be perfect because his speeches always make me smile.
Of course, I don’t vote for anyone for such frivolous reasons. I choose to vote for someone because of their values. I don’t necessarily mean religious values, though I definitely take that into consideration. Rather, I look at what they value and what type of principals they stand on. If their values aren’t evident at first, what consistences can be found in their campaigning? In their voting record? If no patterns emerge, maybe that should say something as well.
So, if I choose to vote for a candidate or not to vote for a candidate because I don’t believe they value human life, that’s my choice. If I choose to vote based on a candidate’s ethical outlook, then I can. On the other hand, if you choose to vote for a candidate because he looks spiffy while what he says tickles your ears, I can’t stop you. Don’t you just love America?
So, why do you vote? If you don’t vote, what would motivate you to do so?
July 8th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Oh, friend, I so enjoy reading your blog. It makes me feel like we are having an impromptu conversation in your very cheery, pink sunset room. Which as I understand, has been changed. Let’s hang out soon! We can have a chickfila date or something!!!
July 8th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
I vote because I am very happy to have the opporortunity to. It is such a privilege. And to think there are groups of legalistic Christians that think women should not be allowed to vote!!
July 8th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I vote because I can. Seriously. So many people in the world aren’t free to voice their opinions, and it’s silly to not take advantage of the opportunity. I do make an effort to make knowledgeable, informed decisions though.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
I vote because it’s important, and I also can’t stand it when people who complain about the state of government and then tell me they didn’t/don’t vote.
July 9th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
I vote because with that one small act you can actually change the course of history!
July 10th, 2008 at 12:19 pm
I vote for a variety of reasons: in no particular order, and clearly not the beginning or end of the list, but definitely at the top-
it’s part of the legacy and a thank you gesture for those who have paid costs for me to do so
it’s my home and I have value my right to provide input