On Politics and Religion

This will not be a post telling you what to think and how to vote!

Ok, just a short note to say a few important things. First, may I just say that while I wholeheartedly support democracy and elections and the freedom we enjoy in that process in this country, I hate political campaigns with a fiery passion? There is a depth of loathing in my soul I cannot adequately convey. All the nasty, mud-slinging, name-calling, polarizing, posturing just makes me crazy! By the time we hit October--especially in a presidential election year--I am ready to simply abdicate my rights as a citizen and hide under a rock on voting day. I won't actually do that but you get the idea right? Just once, I'd like the candidates to make clear, non-ambiguous statements about their beliefs regarding government and its role in our society. No wishy-washy mealy mouthed half opinions that can be spun 14 ways depending on the audience. No avoiding the issue by pointing the finger at the opponent's lack of humanity. Just "This is what I think and this is why and if you don't like it, please vote for the other guy." And then guess what? maybe all of us could get a clear idea of what they stand for, and what they stand against, and just maybe we could vote with a clearer conscience this year. I'm not a person who votes based on party lines or on only 1 or 2 "BIG" issues. I try to get a picture of the kind of person I'm electing, and whether I feel I can trust that person to make decisions they feel best serve our country and our needs. I couldn't care less which party supports them and I couldn't care less what religious beliefs they hold, if I feel they are a person of integrity and honesty. A person who will stand up for all citizens, not just those with money to throw around. Who will fight hard for what the believe is right, even if it costs them votes or points in the polls. Who just once, admits the "other side" might have a point on an issue. Pretty please candidates?

Secondary to all that is this: nothing is more likely to make me re-think my friendship with someone than their making any kind of "if you're a Christian you must vote ___" statement. My faith informs my choices, and that's good and right but that in no way means I believe my choices will be the same as yours. I'm fairly certain that if God can create a large and varied world and 7 billion unique people then he can totally handle differing opinions amongst his people. How about we all just realize Christ died for ALL, to save ALL and make ALL things new and leave it at that? God reveals himself to us in different ways based on who He created us to be, not based on how we vote or how loudly we denounce another group's stance. I mean, seriously as brothers and sisters in 1 body could we not just get along a little? I'm over it folks. Over. It. So please, let's all just vote and agree that it is the participation that is important for fulfilling our responsibilities as citizens not the specific side we take. This has the added benefit of allowing us to remain friends and co-workers and etc even if we don't vote the same way, which makes me happy, and life less stressful.

That is all for today.