Saturday, November 1, 2008

It's Saturday.....and Tuesday's a Comin'

Perhaps my readers thought I was going to refrain from political blogging in the final waning days of these campaigns. I thought I was too! Alas, I can keep silent no longer. My thoughts have no real rhyme or reason. They are simply a myriad of things running through my mind as Election Day approaches, and not necessarily original or profound.

*First of all, whatEVER you do, make SURE that you get out and VOTE! It's so important. And I hope that we all encourage our friends, neighbors, acquaintances to do the same.

*I am still baffled that there could be a such thing as an undecided voter. Who are these people? From what frame of reference are they operating? By what compass do they guide their decisions?

*I am noticing that there is still hesitation and frustration in the ranks of some Christian conservatives about voting for McCain. A flirting with the option of third party voting. I also used to think that my conscience would be better served by voting for the person I truly hoped would win, rather than the one who actually has a chance to win. I have changed my mind somewhat in this election. If our choice were between TWO evil men, TWO pro-abortion men, TWO socialistic-minded men, TWO men who were equally as inclined to strip away all semblance of our heritage, traditions, and Judeo-Christian values, TWO men who cavort with unsavory acquaintances, then I'd say, "ABSOLUTELY VOTE THIRD PARTY!!!!" That is not the case in this 2008 election. I believe we have a duty to look at this thing sensibly and pragmatically. A vote for Obama would be to turn our backs on everything we believe and know to be morally right. And a vote for a third party is a vote for Obama. That is absolutely unacceptable.

*Speaking of unsavory involvements: I keep trying to understand something else about this campaign. I can't quite figure out why the McCain people haven't done a better job making something clear. This whole "Rev." Wright, Ayers, Acorn stuff has been made a mockery of, like that's just McCain grasping at straws to create an atmosphere of "fear". I don't think that should be the issue at all. I think it's actually more basic than that. One of the first lessons that good parents teach their children is that who one associates with, plays a major role in defining that individual. We can often tell that the character of a young person is being shaped by the friendships they are forming, and by those that they choose to look up to. This is one of my biggest concerns about Barack Obama. I don't really know what his association with all of these individuals has been, and I don't know how many untoward character traits have been formed in him because of it. What I care about is simply that there is a pattern of at least two decades of his name being spoken in association with questionable figures. And his explanation about any of it has been less than forthcoming. We don't know this man. We only have a few things on which to base our knowledge of him, and you would think he would want to clear his name from these things a little better than he has done.

*At this point, I don't think there's any changing the minds of those who are in the tank for Obama. They remind me of the story of "The Emperor's New Clothes." Remember that one? I remember it was the first time I ever learned the word 'swindler', and I thought it was such a cool word. (yeah, I was a weird kid). Remember the crowds in the story "oohing and ahhing" as the Emperor paraded through the streets decked out in his immaculate finery? Remember it was one little boy who finally stated the obvious when he pointed out that the Emperor was actually stark naked?????? When I see all this hoopla over Barack Obama, I feel like that little boy. I don't see what others are seeing. And I think it's because there's nothing there to see.

*John McCain will probably not be the finest President this nation has ever known. Arguably, truly GREAT men are a little harder to find these days. But I am certain of this: John McCain will not deliberately set out and seek to destroy the fundamentals of our society. He will not seek to strip freedoms away from American families, American Christian families, etc., to run our households as we see fit. How could we possibly question his love and devotion to this country? John McCain wasn't my first choice in the primaries, either. I would have yelled it from the rooftops if it would have made a difference. But now he's the only choice. I am sincerely fearful, that if a President Obama has the way cleared for him (by way of a fully democrat-controlled D.C.), he will steer our ship significantly off the course set by previous generations of Americans, and especially that of our nations' founders. I don't want to see that happen.

*Our church is hosting a prayer vigil beginning at Midnight on Election day. I intend to spend time in prayer. I'm not going to ask God for John McCain to win. I'm going to pray for Wisdom on behalf of American voters. It is God who raises up and brings down, but sometimes we just get what we ask for.

10 comments:

Kim M. said...

I am personally voting for John McCain, but I do sympathize with my Christians friends who are struggling with it. As John Quincy Adams said, "Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."
I have struggled with it myself but have prayed and prayed about it and feel confident that voting for John McCain is the right choice.

And my reason is the same reason you mentioned: "But I am certain of this: John McCain will not deliberately set out and seek to destroy the fundamentals of our society. He will not seek to strip freedoms away from American families, American Christian families, etc., to run our households as we see fit. How could we possibly question his love and devotion to this country?"

I would not personally go so far as to criticize my friends and say their struggle is unacceptable though.

Because if they feel they MUST vote their conscience, they SHOULD pray through their struggles.
And I think we should pray not only for the elections but for our friends who are struggling to do the right thing.

The way the system works, I feel that I must be a "sheeple"
(as this article suggests we are http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=79627)
when it comes to voting for two extremes if we don't want evil to overcome. :-)

But after all....

As I posted on Charity's blog I will post these verses here:


Daniel 2:21 He (God) changes times and seasons; he sets up kings and deposes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.

Romans 13:1 Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities , for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.

Colossians 1:16 For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities ; all things were created by him and for him.

John 19:11 (speaking to Pilate) Jesus answered, "You would have no power over me if it were not given to you from above . Therefore the one who handed me over to you is guilty of a greater sin."

Daniel 4:17 "`The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, so that the living may know that the Most High is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of men.'

Daniel 5:21 He was driven away from people and given the mind of an animal; he lived with the wild donkeys and ate grass like cattle; and his body was drenched with the dew of heaven, until he acknowledged that the Most High God is sovereign over the kingdoms of men and sets over them anyone he wishes.

Anonymous said...

Good thoughts, friend. I echo your consternation that the Rev. Wright (etc.) associations have been simply dismissed or, as you mentioned, made a mockery of. Of course our associations affect us. Especially those with the people who "led us to Jesus", as Sen. Obama says that Wright did for him. It really is mind boggling.

Time will tell.

Kimberly said...

I like McCain....have for a long time....think he's a good man and would be a better than average president. I don't get 3rd party voters either...i actually would understand voting for Obama more than I would a 3rd party. Ah well...we'll have to hope for the best whatever happens.

As for the "campaign"...I think the odds were against Republicans for a whole host of reasons....but McCains people should for the most part be fired...they've done a lousy job of "selling him"....and let's not forget that most campaigns are really that...a marketing job.

Post some pics of your kiddos at Hwen:)and try to remain as calm as possible on E day:)....Love Ya!

(so glad that your desire to vent political thoughts forced you to post:)!)

lauralavon said...

You make good points, Tara. We're in a pretty serious situation this time around. It's just unbelievable that this man (Obama) is running for president when he couldn't qualify to become a secret service agent... too many questionable aliances.

Leah said...

I hope you don't mind... I linked to this article. The Emporer's New Clothes analogy is just the PERFECT word picture!!

Life Lessons said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tara said...

Kim M.: I sincerely was not criticizing the "struggle." I understand the struggle full well, and have experienced it myself. It is only the end result brought about by third party this election that I find unacceptable.

Sonja: Why is that what seems common sense to us, gets totally ignored by the powers that be? Hmmmmmmph.

Kimberly: So how does it feel to vote early? Is it relieving, or do you feel like you "miss out" on election day? I have mixed feelings about the concept of early voting, but am not necessarily opposed to it. I agree w/you that John McCain will probably be a better than average Prez. And, yes, I'll TRY to post some pics soon! :)

Laura: That, my friend, is scary. I did hear, too, that the Federal case against Obama had been dismissed. But details are hard to come by on that story. If it were McCain, we couldnt' escape the story if we tried. It would be everywhere.

Leah: You are too kind to me. But of course you are welcome to use any of my rambling thoughts! :)

Kim M. said...

Tara,

I apologize if I misunderstood your use of the word "unacceptable". No hard feelings?

By the way... I also forgot to mention that I loved your "Emperor's New Clothes Example" too.

That is great!

Tara said...

Kim M.: Absolutely no hard feelings! We're in this thing together!

kayla said...

I really enjoyed finally hearing your thoughts.
I think both liberals and conservatives are baffled that anyone could be undecided at this point. There just isn't any question here.
Love the analogy of The Emporer's New Clothes, it truly describes our situation.
I am very proud of the fact that I have already voted. No lines for me tomorrow.