Y’all know that I like politics, and there is some crazy stuff going on in that world right now. I’m also learning more about the economy and personal finance, and there is certainly a lot going on in that world, too. But have you noticed the lack of political posts around here lately? I don’t think I’ve written about politics since I wrote about voting back in JULY. That’s a long time ago! Before I forget it, this serves as your friendly reminder to register to vote if you haven’t already done so. The deadlines to register in many states are coming up next week, so get cracking!
I guess the reason why I’ve been so silent about the political and economic turmoil is the lack of personal impact. That’s not a good reason to be apathetic or uninvolved, and I’m really not, but it is a good reason to keep my opinions to myself. The stock market uncertainty? Has no impact on me directly. I don’t even HAVE a retirement account nor any investments. I’m only 25, and still a student. Besides, I just got my letter from Social Security in the mail. I just know that they’ll have money for me when I’m ready to retire in 45 years.
I’ll admit that if I saw my own retirement and investments start to go down the drain, I would have a lot more to say about what should be done about this mess. But really, I’m sick of us Americans voting and choosing our political opinions based on what is best for ourselves, and I’m including myself in on this one. That’s why what a candidate says about taxes or health care benefits is so important; we’re tempted to vote for the candidate that promises to be the best deal for us. “This dude’ll lower my taxes? I’m voting for him!” or “This gal will offer me free health care? Where do I sign?!” is just not going to cut it. This country is not just about me, and it’s not just about you.
I encourage you to seriously consider the candidates you have before you for national, state, and local races. I encourage you to choose between them not based on what they could do for you, but based on which one better matches your values and political ideals. I’m not here to tell you who to vote for (I haven’t even figured out who I’m voting for myself), but I am here to ask that you vote with wisdom and integrity. If you are a Christian, this would mean praying for wisdom and seeing what the Bible has to say about these issues.
Right on, sister!
I couldn’t agree with you more. Politics is such a convoluted and well, dirty business – it’s hard to understand what anything means really. I personally feel that a person’s character matters a whole lot when I’m deciding who to vote for. I need to believe that the candidate is working for America – the country AND her citizens. That doesn’t always mean the candidate has to do what I think will “better” my life. My life is “better” just because I was blessed enough to be born in this country. That’s a given. But I want our leaders to be able to make the tough decisions, whether they’re popular or not, and I want to be able to believe in their worth as a human being. If I think a person is out for nothing more than political power and/or glory, there’s no way I can believe in them. I’ve been researching issues until my computer has started to smoke (ha!), and I’m learning things that are disturbing to me.
Like you, I wonder about the lack of political postings going on here in Blogland. I think the blogging world could be a wonderful place to state your views and LEARN from others views. I honestly want to hear “the other side” of my stances. Sometimes others can see things more clearly than I can – learning different viewpoints and opinions is a GOOD thing. Wish more people would engage in that (without ugliness or name calling, of course).
Good post!
Kari
Ah, but the problem arises when there isn’t a choice that better matches your values or ideals. So, we’re left with what? The lesser of two evils? And, for instance, your own circumstance…not working, no retirement, etc… how does someone in your position choose what’s best “for the country” when those issues don’t have the relevance for you that they do for others? How do I, someone older choose what’s best for you? So, we’re back to voting for “me” because I represent my age group, my circumstances, my situation, my economic level and worries, etc…
All that and I don’t even care for politics.
Kari: I can’t imagine how difficult it would be to be a member of Congress. When do you vote what’s popular in your district? And when do you vote from your own conscience? I do believe that vote for the person and they have right to do as they see fit. If we don’t like it, we vote them out next time.
Lynda: I don’t claim to know what is best for the country. But I do know what God has laid out in His Bible. Of course He hasn’t given us specific instruction about current issues but general principals that can be applied. I personally have to figure out which candidate fits my ideals the most, and then decide if I can vote for them with a clear conscience or not.
And for the record, I AM working full-time, but it’s for a small non-profit, so the pay and benefits aren’t much.
Ah, sorry, I misunderstood – thought you were a full-time student. You are an amazing young woman!
Lynda: No problem. I’m a full-time student AND a full-time worker!
Already registered and signed up for my early ballot!
VOTE VOTE VOTE!!
There are some cool sites out there for matching your personal beliefs and feelings on different issues with the various candidates for office. I think I linked to it in one of my blog posts – if I find it, I’ll send it your way!
You are so right, we need to all get out and VOTE!
Thanks for stopping by my blog today via BATW! I just got my absentee ballot in the mail yesterday. I love to vote this way so I can study the ballot and vote whenever I want. And I may be a little lazy. :) It’s amazing that the Bible walks us through every step of our life, isn’t it?
I’m registered and ready to go! Great post!
AWESOME post! Great job!! I totally agree with you.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and dropping a note!
~melody~
Very well written post. And a great reminder.No one person can change our whole system in 4 years. I too have registered for my absentee ballot. Hopefully it will come in the mail any day.
Oh a side note: It is never too early to look into retirement options or plans. :)
Pssssst…. tag, you’re it! http://nobody-but-yourself.blogspot.com/2008/10/tagged-meme-time-lucky-seven.html
Hey there! Just wanted to let you know I stopped by your blog and loved it.
I’m registered to vote and excited for the ballot! My husband never registered when he moved to this state, and that’s one thing I NEVER plan on nagging him about though because he always wants to vote wrong. :)
Its good to see a fellow young Chrisian woman explore this whole issue of voting and choosing the candidate that best suits her beliefs and ideals. I have always hated politics and never paid much attention. But now I have a husband who likes to keep up with this stuff and with all the country’s issues right now, I’ve been actually paying attention. I agree that all you can do is listen to both candidates positions and pray for guidance and direction.
HAPPY SITS DAY TO YOU!
I understand and respect your point but there is something to be said for self-preservation when you are someone with a chronic illness who may be unable to afford health insurance if the system is deregulated and penalties for pre-existing conditions are implemented. Health care is a make or break issue for some and it doesn’t necessarily mean they are looking for handouts, most just want access to affordable coverage.
I am far from a one-issue voter but because of my experience in the health care industry (worked five years for BCBS) and my own precarious health, it will be at the top of my list.
I totally agree with you that too many people make their decisions egocentrically. Sure I want my taxes lowered but if the method to doing that will harm the overall big picture, I do not want it that bad.
All we can do is determine what our hot button issues are, prioritize them, and find the candidate that matches you onyour most important topics.
Sounds easy, but not this year
I get SO frustrated when people say they are for or against a candidate based on race, religion, sex, age, etc., and not the true issues. I am voting for John McCain because my political beliefs are much more in line with his than Obama’s, AND he’s already proven that he puts his country first, even at great personal cost.
That being said, it really pisses me off when someone says that they aren’t voting for Obama because he’s black, or of Muslim decent, or they aren’t voting for McCain because he’s too old. People need to quit being so stupid and look at the REAL issues.
Here you go again. :)
I plan to post on this exact same subject next week. We have some serious alike thinking now don’t we?
Great post, but right now I feel the need to act like your big sister and tell you to start a retirement account! You are never too young to start saving for the future!
OH and thanks for visiting my blog.