The Hour Is Now

Much like February 29, my political side only comes out once every four years. Yet, every election I exercise my right NOT to vote and get harassed by clergy, Christians, and commoners alike… as if I’m a bad American for not voting. I couple my right not to vote with an understanding that I will not complain too much about what goes on in spite of my non-vote.

Eight years ago we were promised a Presidential Office built on faith and forward movement. And people tend to forget that pre-9/11 Bush’s support sky high from Red and Blue alike… He was putting things into place that appeared to bring change in our country. He has faced a difficulty our country hasn’t seen the likes of since the Civil War… Somehow I think history will perceive Lincoln as a much grander leader than Bush…

I’ve realized somethings over the last several days and I’ll probably be crucified silently by some of my Christian readers:

Liberal is not a bad word:By definition, it simply means “favorable to progress or reform” … conservative is sticking to our roots and what is “tried and true,” liberal is an openness to seeing things differently. Perhaps, I am a liberal in many areas. “Tried and true” hasn’t gotten it done.

Christian should NOT be synonymous with Republican: One of many case in points: In general, the democratic party provides more opportunity for the poor to be assisted. It is a flawed system, yes, but the last time I checked, we are called to help the poor, not pay them lip-service.

Christian should NOT be synonymous with Democrat: One of many case in points: In general, Republicans hold more strongly to the sanctity of life (i.e.- abortion issues), which is in line with Christian values concerning life.

Christians should vote looking at the whole: I am sickened by abortion and believe homosexuality is wrong… but if we vote simply on these two issues, we are irresponsible with our vote. If I vote for a candidate simply because he promises to overturn or amend Roe v Wade, I have ignored the fact that his other policies and changes may lead this country down the drain economically… that the poor will become poorer … that teachers will teach to test and not to train and educate… that welfare will be ignored… that 3948 Americans and 100s of thousands of Iraqi’s have died through a war based on lies, half-truths, and politics.

Rather than working this morning, I spent alot of time reading speeches and quotes from the candidates and only one has inspired and moved me enough to actually maybe think about voting: Barack Obama

Yeah, the democratic “Muslim” (who is actually a devout Christian). Rick posted a pretty nice video that plays on the emotion of changing for the better. I like the video (watch it, it’s not too long and gives you a taste of Obama), but more importantly, I like how Obama inspires in his speeches. I don’t agree with every issue, and I don’t pretend to know his stance on every issue. I am not saying he is getting my presidential nod, but he has inspired me to stop and pay attention… to find out more about who he is, who McCain really is (since McCain seems to have a strong grasp of the Republican seat), and where our nation as a whole needs to go.