Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme authority, or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish men. Live as free men, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God. Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17 (NEV)
Dear Friend,
I saw the pictures and commentary you put on your facebook page promoting a particular candidate and making fun of another. I wish I had the confidence you have to so completely support one party and one man in the campaign.
Right now, I am still trying to figure out not who I will vote for, but if I will even vote. For the first time in 36 years, I may not cast a ballot. You may be convinced of who is best for our country, but I do not think either party, either platform, either candidate represents what I believe and stand for.
I am a member of the shrinking middle class. Granted we are in the upper middle class having gone to school and worked our butts off for more than half our lives. We had the benefit of the wealth of the Greatest Generation to assist us when we were young. We raised our children to believe that if you work hard, you will be successful.
Now, our two boys are unfortunate in that they are coming of age in a “difficult” economy. They both went to school to study what they love and sought careers where they could help others. Though they both work more than 40 hours a week, neither has a full time job. One even balances three positions. One does not have health insurance. Another will lose his coverage when he marries in a few months. One, at 26, has a huge debt that is not a mortgage on a home like the one we had when we were his age. Instead, he owes his soul to the government and banks to repay his student loans. Because they have both chosen public service careers, they will depend upon taxpayers for their livelihood. The same ones who vilify all government workers as lazy bloodsuckers earning benefits they don’t deserve.
We have been told by both parties that we should be willing to make sacrifices for our country. To look beyond our own needs and put the future of our country and our children’s children first. This is not a good time to tell me that as I face retirement in a few years, but if you could truly guarantee that my sacrifice would help my children, anybody’s children, I would do it. With all the smoke and mirrors of this election though, I don’t believe the rhetoric.
The more I volunteer with the homeless and helpless, the more liberal I become. I have always believed that government does some things simply because it is government, not because it is run like a business balancing every dollar spent with income earned. There are some more helpless than I that I am required by God to assist. But, how much assistance should be given before it becomes entitlement? Believe it or not, that is even a word that is also thrown at people like me making me wonder, do I feel entitled? And how much debt do we incur that will be upon the backs of our children?
Both candidates appear to be good fathers and husbands. Both have a faith though it may not be exactly like mine. Both have proven leadership in difficult times. But neither is backed by a political party that I trust. Squabbling. Partisanship. Greed. Lying. Hatred. Do I really want my future in their hands?
I know I should not waste my vote. There are people in other countries who will walk for days for that right. But, can you tell me, without lies, without even stretching the truth, who I should vote for? Don’t tell me here, email me. Because if there is one thing I know, those of you who are passionate about your candidate don’t care much for someone who disagrees, and I strive to make this a politics free zone as much as I can.
There are two is things I do know. No matter who is in the White House, I am required by God to show him or her respect. And, God is bigger and more powerful than even the President.
Sincerely, Your friend who loves you no matter who you vote for
Well said.
This IS a tough decision for many.
Not for me,
as I do have some absolutes
I will not forsake.
I will send you an e-mail
Blessings on your Monday
Can you send your e-mail address to
fishy2me@gmail.com?
My pressure-cooked head.
throbbing, pounding, and squeezing –
migraines bite, big time!
Starting to hate it.
Always typing the same stuff!
Stupid resume!
These are free…
A fly is buzzing
And I am hunting it – SWAT!
I am the winner!
But alas, I'm not!
Fly has escaped – still buzzing,
My office! Destroyed.