Tue 4 Nov, 2008
This post is not political. It is my intention to keep my blog focused on the Gospel, not politics. However, I posting this note not to brag, gloat or elicit sympathy, but to express my opinion on the “deeper” issues that separated the two main candidates. I also wanted to celebrate process through which I cast my vote today which stands as an evidence of God’s grace and providence.
Today I voted. It’s a right we have in this country that men and women have died to protect. Around the world, its a process denied more people than allowed. I am also proud to say I voted only once. This should go without saying but the fact is that many people feel its more important for their man to win than to respect the law, they find ways to cast multiple votes. Actually, its quite easy to do. Why we as a nation insist on other countries having stronger voter fraud laws than us, is beyond me. However, abusing our right violates God’s commandment for honesty and mocks the sacrifice of those who died for the ideal of one man, one vote. Finally, I voted for John McCain for President of the United States of America. I did so not because he was more qualified, or because of his party affiliation, or because of his race or out of fear. I didn’t vote for him because of his self proclaimed “maverick” status, his economic policies, what he promised to give me or even because of his focus on bi-partisanship. I voted for him based on three principles founded on ideology, ethics and morality. For me they are three non-negotiables that clearly draw the distinction between him and his main opponent. I voted my conscience.
First, was the issue of life. It is my belief that all life is sacred and that morally and ethically, it must be protected. Political rhetoric doesn’t apply here. The records of both men speak clearly and distinctly here. Morally and ethically, drawing a relative distinction between who is person and who is not, sets a dangerous precedent.
Secondly, was the issue of national defense. It is my belief that according to the US Constitution, this is the highest priority of the President. Again, political rhetoric is irrelevant. While I do not doubt the sincerity of Barak Obama’s belief in national defense, I believe the records of both men speak for themselves. It’s not a matter of sincerity, but judgment.
Thirdly, was the issue of the role of government. I believe government must be strong enough to hold the states together yet weak enough not to interfere with individual liberties. While John McCain is no constitutional libertarian (in the founding father’s sense), his ideals of less government are in sharp contrast to the ideals of big government advocated by Barak Obama. My father told me 35 years ago that no matter which candidate wins, every year the country moves further away from its founding principles. “Your role in voting” he said, “is to slow down that slide as much as you can.” Government will inevitably grow under John McCain, but it will grow slower.
Finally, even after voting, I find my peace not in “my man” but in the fact that I live in the greatest country on earth. I share in things that I take for granted and that are only dreams of millions around the world. I find my peace in the realization that God did shed His grace on us, in a way larger than I think Katharine Lee Bates, who wrote America the Beautiful, even imagined. And while there are times I forget this and feel my destiny is in the hands of our President, I am always quickly reminded of that grace “shed” on me. I was reminded of it again through this…
“Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” – Romans 13:1.
Thus when I participated in the electoral process, I voted my conscience, as a civic duty, through the process of government, instituted by God, for His ultimate glory.
