Single Issue Voting
You know, one of the things that frustrates me to no end is the way that much of the religious right, evangelical Republicans are seemingly single issue voters. I’ve gotta tell you that this has probably been one of the most crippling things that has taken a toll on the “Republican” party. I’m no political genius by any stretch of the imagination, but I do have the capacity to reason. I was reading on my friend Marque Jensen’s Facebook page today about why Frank Shaeffer (Francis Shaeffer’s son) supports Barak Obama. Much of the article that Marque posted was about the issue of the pro-life debate. That got me thinking about the voting stance of many evangelicals around this fine nation.
Let me start out by saying that I am pro-life. I am pro ALL life. I think God values life otherwise he wouldn’t have created it. The problem I have is that seemingly, the single most important issue is abortion. I honestly can’t speak for anyone but myself, but if all we are concerned about is if a woman can legally terminate her pregnancy, we are seriously missing the point of this life. Why don’t we take a proactive role in creating places for women who find themselves in situations where they need to make these choices where they feel safe and welcomed? I know there are resources like this, but instead of picketing Planned Parenthood, why don’t we/they/you/I help inform these women?
I implore you, dear uninformed voters of America, to inform yourselves so that your only voting issues are abortion and taxes. Also, please stop voting for someone just because they claim an evangelical standpoint. I’m all for having Christ follower lead this nation, don’t get me wrong. I am against blindly voting for someone simply because of their affiliation with some evangelical position. Take a look at their character. Take a look at their voting record. It really is time to stop being sheep, think for yourself, and honesty vote for the lesser of all evils. No one is perfect, everyone will go back on their word at some point. Follow your gut and instinct and vote for who you think will be the best person to lead this nation in a new age.
/rant
You come across as someone who resents people of faith, yet you would appear to be a person of faith yourself. Allow me to assure you, as an evangelical, I am pro-life from inception to the grave. The abortion issue is my primary focus. If a candidate doesn’t recognize the sanctity of life, I won’t vote for him/her. But just because a candidate is pro-life doesn’t mean that I will vote for him/her either.
I also believe that anything short of absolute victory in the war on terror is unacceptable. I’m not worried about tax cuts, if we continue on with our broken tax system, I feel spending cuts and paying off the deficit is far more important at this time than tax cuts. I support the fair tax. I feel that is the best hope for our sagging economy and for paying off the national debt and strengthening the dollar.
I support Mike Huckabee for president, not because he is an ordained minister but in spite of that fact. I would have never supported Pat Robertson, maybe Alan Keyes, even though he comes on a bit too strong. I feel that Mike Huckabee is guided by his faith, as all who call on Christ’s name should be, but in spite of what others may say, he won’t use the bully pulpit for shoving his faith in the face of others
Just because someone supports a man of faith for president doesn’t make them uninformed. Sometimes the man of faith just happens to be the best choice.
Scott,
Thanks for dropping by. I am a person of faith, which I think is one of the primary reasons why it may sound as if I am ‘resentful’ of people of faith. It isn’t really that I resent ‘people of faith’ as much as I hope and pray that people would broaden their horizons and not simply be sheep. I know that many people are informed and one of the reaons that I rant about the uninformed is because I personally spent a long time as an uninformed voter.
I’m not against Huck, I just don’t want a repeat of the GW era. It seemed as though people voted for him because of his religious views. I was one of them. I don’t regret voting for him by any means because I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to have Kerry for prez.
The war on terror may never be won. But I do agree that it is a worthwhile cause. Bankrupting our nation by going at it alone may not be the answer, however.
I really don’t mean to come across as anti-people of faith, I’m just tired of hearing the arguments that people around me pose for voting for Huck or someone else. My friend Jeff Bristow (www.thebristows.com) has written many compelling articles in support of Huckabee…head on over and check it.
Thanks again for dropping by.
I will admit that there was a time when I was a full-fledged Republican and an everyday listener to Rush Limbaugh. I will credit Ruch Limbaugh with teaching me to think for myself and not let others decide matters for me.
I am pro-life, but agree that we need to be concerned with life AFTER birth and not only the issue of abortion.
At one time, I had said if Hilary Clinton was ever voted into the office of President; I would leave the country. Now she might just call my bluff!! Seriously, in looking at the LEGITIMATE choices we may have(Clinton or Obama and McCain), I can’t vote for any of them and won’t.
The fact remains that for all this ‘change’ they espouse; the ONLY change we ever get is a different party in office. These candidates promise the moon to get your vote and have next to no chance of delivering on these promises. (There is that ‘little obstacle’ called Congress.)
Change will only happen by everyday people, like you and I, getting out in the neighborhoods and DOING SOMETHING. If we continue to wait for politicians to do something, then we will continue to wait.