Last night I saw a picture of people supporting both Democratic Candidates with placards, wearing hats and other apparel demonstrating what they stand for in front of the building where the debates were being held. They were screaming and shouting…with great fervor. I could easily think critically of this display (as neither of these Candidates are my choice) but instead it brought a big smile to my face and joy to my heart.
I think it is great! Thank God for all that emotion and excitement. God forbid we become complacient about what is happening and sit at home, judging those who are willing to step out and stand for what they believe.
Are they right or wrong? Thank God we get the choice! Do I have strong opinions–you bet! Am I happy about the choice I have? Not really! I am thanking God we have non-government controled media (with whom I disagree often).
I have friends in Kenya where there is great violence taking place. Slaughter and mayhem all because of a ‘questionable’ election. Automatic weapons, knives, rocks, weapons of any kind being used on fellow countrymen between tribes.
How grateful I am to be in America with choice. Many are saying in this election they have no choice or very poor choices. My thought is, who in America do we want? Why would anyone (who values life, security and peace) want to be President? For noble, ethical reasons, let alone Godly reasons? To expose themselves to the public, to the media, to their opponents is one thing, but the whole family is involved and possibly someone from their past dredged up, and humiliated for simply doing business with them.
For the power alone? There are many powerful men in our country who are never in the news or well known. The Presidency is not the only road to power, of course it is one. One that used to be honored and revered, a desire of young men in their youth. Even though some of that has been lost I still believe with all my heart in the system. I still believe our political system attracts men and women with a heart to serve mankind, to make a difference in the world.
I have a friend from the far East that is well known there in political circles who says those people have great respect for President Bush. They consider him a man of strength and courage and a man of his word. They are mystified about the mock, media abuse and humor that is thrown at our President, and his cabinet.
The good side of all of this is, we can. May not show ‘class’ or respect, but we can. Thank God for the freedom to speak our mind, display our choices and fight our battles in the media, radio talk shows and demonstrations; not to mention the new arena of the Internet. Even though, I personally, am very careful of information I receive by email. I received several emails that claimed people I admire were endorsing certain Candidates. Contacting the office of those people only to find that was not true.
God forbid we come to blows, or violence, or use weapons to express our opinions. God forbid that our desires, our emotions ever erupt in violence of any kind.
And, most of all thank God, we have men and women willing to run for office. Thank God for our system and the freedom we enjoy. So as we keep a positive political perspective, we will pray for those we support, we will forgive those we find offensive, and we will bless those, all of them, who take the risk to step out and say, “Choose me!”