So had a few folks over to the abode this evening and a rather interesting political discussion ensued. We had the full representation...the republican view, the democrat view, the naderesque view and the socialist view. Couple quick thoughts or rather impressions. One, in my utter cynicism of the political scene, I have become indifferent, but also equally uneducated. This is my fault. This is scary. It has finally "hit" me tonight that I need to think through the "why" of my voting choice. Second, I continue to be amazed by how dominat the Republican view is within American-Christian circles. It's good for me to dialgoue with other believers that do not align themselves with "God's Own Party." Lastly, I find myself wishing there existed a candidate who embraced a little of Kerry and Bush. Somebody in the middle. Somebody not quite so polarizing on various issues. But I am quickly reminded by my cynical self that this candidate will never exist so I might as well get over it. Which leaves me with two guys, neither of which I am crazy about. What to do? Feel free to give me your thoughts--I want to know who you're voting for, but more importantly, "why" you're voting for them. Thanks much!
Saturday, October 23, 2004
politically inept
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Vote for Kerry. Thats all you need to know. Seriously though, you should go to christiansforkerryedwards.org. It is an independant site that looks at what the dems views actually are and how Bush's actions do not parallel his religious beliefs. My political views aside, i agree that the most ideal would be someone in the middle. Like i said the other night, although it sounds odd for a socialist, i think McCain is the best one for the job right now.
ReplyDeleteMaybe you should run you pinko commie! JK
ReplyDeletei'm not saying it's wrong to vote for kerry, or that he isn't a christian because that's not my call to make but any man who says he's a christian and says his fav verse is the one that goes "love the lord with all your mind, BODY, and soul", is probably a liar... or is reading a bible written by popular dance groups of the 1980s. if it's the latter of the two i'll vote kerry... and i want to know where i can get my copy!
ReplyDeleteZQ OUT
Zaq- I have not heard this reference from Kerry, but I'll take your word that he said it. I would not go as far as saying he is a lair, rather maybe he misspoke. Several translations of the bible include the word strength, which maybe what he was thinking. Also, if you are directing your vote on the sole basis of a incorrect statement, i would ask you to visit www.dubyaspeak.com.
ReplyDeletenate- if only i were old enough.
ReplyDeleteI'm tired of "God" dropping to pander to a particular interest group. This should make us reevaluate what it means to use God's name in vain. For those who believe that governing/politics/morality/religion are all interrelated, consider the manufactured "truths" (aka lies) that come out of political advertising, debates, and rhetoric. Furthermore, does Christ not foremost call Christians to "love thy neighbor as thy self"? What are the implications in for foreign relations? Are we not to give to the poor and downtrodden, love all people as God's image bearers and recipients of divine love (this includes gays and Muslims), and seek non-violence? As Christians, why isn't the Environmental Protection (Creation) at the very top of our reasons for voting for a political candidate? The current administration is the worst environmental record in history. Finally, the buzz-word-abortion-issue, how can someone be Pro-life and Pro-Death Penalty?
ReplyDeleteIf we are really honest, shouldn't religion stay as far away from politics as possible? If the church can't stay above government, then who will be the voice social conscience?
I apologize for so many question, well, not really--it seems that now days, with the absence of any factual center (except for Factcheck.org), all we have are escalating numbers of questions. It seems the only way to come to any conclusive understanding about the state of the world is to ignore another subset of "facts." Also, (while I'm sort of apologizing) I really hate the topic of politics in general. So, I'm sorry if this has stirred negative feelings, but also know that to get angry over politics is a waste of energy. How do we as a nation progress toward the good if we are entrenched in argument? Consider it more as a dialogue (hence, question type format), that only through understanding multiple sides can we hope to transcend current discord (something to consider with the Arabs).
I try to stay as far away from politics as possible; but this election season I have been repressing an unusual amount--I've had conversations to the extent that one can't be a Christian and vote for Kerry--and on this night before the election it's all coming out; just this once and i promise it won't happen again!
None of this is to advocate a particular political party; IMHO, neither party is that different. The White House will continue to be a corporation regardless of Bush or Kerry. However, I do think that the situation Bush has put us in will not be fixed by whoever is in the next administration.
Whoever takes office needs to figure a way to unite this great divide we have in our country. If a president wins an election by 51% of the votes (forget about the worthlessness that is the Electoral College for a moment), is Democracy really at work? Can a 2 party system fairly represent American ideology?
I propose a McCain/Dean ticket in 2008, with Nader as Secretary of the Interior!
Alright, I'm cutting myself off, back to repression. Politics are all out of my system...Now I can go back to work without offending anyone.
Give to Caesar what is Caesar's, let him deal with it.