A Right or an Obligation?

I saw a post on Facebook the other day - and thought it was worth sharing:  It said, "If the right to vote compels every American to vote - by that logic, the right to keep and bear arms would compel every citizen to own a gun."

Yikes! Of course, that is ridiculous! But it begs the question - is voting a right or a duty? 

The reason this analogy is preposterous is because no one would want every one to own a gun.  A person who is mentally unsound, or has a violent history, probably shouldn't own a gun.  We also should not want someone to own a gun without a good understanding of gun laws or the mechanics of a gun. Owning a gun is a right, but there are qualifiers that must be met in order to exercise that right. If you do not properly identify yourself, you cannot legally purchase a gun. Even when you're thinking about making a purchase, a thorough background check is done to ensure you are a mentally healthy, law abiding citizen. And then, if you misuse that gun, not only does your right get taken away, but you go to jail! 

Wow! They really take this right seriously! In fact, it almost feels like a privilege - but it's not! It's a right. One could argue that the responsibility of exercising our gun rights demands more stringent precautions.  However, I would argue that the risk exercising the right to vote has equally critical implications. 

We should not expect, ask, nor ever wish all Americans to exercise their right to vote. Citizens who are uneducated about our political process, ill-informed about the candidates, or completely ignorant of the issues, could arguable be unqualified to participate.  Like the right to own a gun, the right to vote is both a right and a privilege. However.... it is not an obligation.

In recent years, politicians have mastered the ground game of "getting out the vote.” This seemingly patriotic plea is not as much about fair representation in Washington, as it is about depending on the uninformed voter population. They pull people out of their homes, off the streets, and cry disenfranchisement if anyone is questioned. Candidates don't have to worry about campaign promises, because many of these folks will not understand the issues well enough, or care about them long enough, to hold them accountable. This election day hustle works with lofty promises and tantalizing incentives to make the oblivious voter their Election Day BFF. 

How can I say this?  I can say this with near certainty, because many of the issues we are facing are hard for me to understand as a college graduate! These are complex issues of economics and international relations; medicine and morality.  The experts cannot agree, the facts change daily, and the media is biased. Who can we trust to tell us the facts? If we rely solely on headlines and campaign videos for our information – we are missing a lot of perspectives! 

Someone who hasn’t even cared enough to register to vote, cannot be much invested. I remember when I turned 18; that was one of the first things I did!  Joining this democratic process is a rite of passage! Finally! Someone wanted to know what I thought; I had some control my future! And, the only way I could exercise that right was to register to vote! Becoming educated about the world, making informed decisions, and joining the process, is simply a part of becoming a good citizen.

Yes, voting can be considered a duty - but it is a duty unto ourselves.  We owe it to ourselves to be informed and active in the matters of our country.  We also have a duty to our families to protect the future of our children.  And finally, we have a duty to our fellow Americans, to understand what we are voting for. 

Become an informed voter.  Do your duty to read and listen carefully; know who and what is on your ballot. Check out candidate websites, and then read opposing views for a broader perspective. Seek out non-political, subject matter experts in the topics you care about and consider their counsel. Don't be afraid to wrestle out those controversial topics with friends, maybe you will learn something.   Then, when Election Day comes, and you enter the voting booth you will not only know where the candidates stand, but what you think - and why.

Voting is more than a census or a survey of every American's favorite color or animal.  Instead, it is an opportunity to stick a pin on a map of the future, pointing to where you want to go and who you will follow to get there. 

In the end of all this political chaos remains a democracy; it is governed by the people, for the people.  You are responsible for who leads this country. If you are unwilling or uninterested to responsibly participate in such a lofty duty, by all means, stay home. That is also your right.

1 Peter 2:13-16

Oh the Hypocrisy!

I understand completely.  I do.  

As a Christian, as a wife and mother, Donald Trump pretty much disgusts me.  He does. 

But, here’s my problem….

The hypocrisy of the Democratic Party disgusts me more.

All across America, throughout liberal college campuses everywhere, our youth are chugging down alcohol, smoking pot, raping women, causing riots and disrespecting all elements of authority.  They do so under the promotion of disenfranchisement and the protection leadership in this country.  For years, this country has passed off this behavior as “rights of passages.”  Whether it has been athletes or spoiled yuppies, we have bailed them out of jails, coddled them as victims, celebrated their prowess, and considered their “potential” so we could look the other way.

We have young women in this country, who celebrate prancing around half-dressed, sleep around, and use filthy language and spewing hate.  Meanwhile, they demand respect and ownership their bodies in such a way that they think they are God. They expect equal pay and opportunity, but aren't willing to work for it and refuse to pay for the education they chose to squander away at bars, coffee shops and marches.  

Meanwhile, we have celebrities who promote violence and sexual assault on screen, while off screen pouring guilt money into anti-bullying and anti-gun programs.  We have a music industry whose lyrics promote racial hatred and demean women, and are surprised when their listeners use their very words in their daily speech.  The stirring of discontent leads to violence, drug abuse and suicide.

This President and the Democratic Party has had years to stand up for women and morality.  They have chosen to burden women with abortion as a means of birth control instead of demanding that men take personal and financial responsibility. They could have focused this energy into supporting and protecting vulnerable women and providing for the unborn. They have had countless opportunities to clean up our colleges, regulate drugs, and punish those who abuse the laws of the land.  Where has Mrs. Obama been?  She could have been sharing her "faith" with impressionable, innocent youth – pleading with girls to respect themselves enough to protect their bodies and pursue their dreams?  Instead she was planting gardens and lecturing us on our sugar intake.  Why hasn’t Mr. Obama used his testimony to illustrate the progress of civil rights in this country, the problems within the inner city and promote what IS possible? To what benefit has it served to merely complain, when they have had the position and power to mobilize this country to greatness?  

I don’t think there is a conservative in the land who celebrates Trump’s perspectives on women.  Almost all of his supporters are disappointed and have refused to defend him.  He knows it and has apologized.  Yet, the very population that was offended by Clinton's impeachment, cries out in shock and horror at Trump's language. Well, I don’t buy it; not from the Democratic party.  It further solidifies the dis-ingenuousness of the party.  And one thing that I won’t be party to is compromising my own integrity by pretending that I am perfect.   

Here's the deal...

I honestly do not the condition of Donald’s soul and it is really not for me to say (John 8:7).  It is true, a Christian is known by his fruit (Matt 7:16), but I also know that even Christians have sin in our lives, and our Christian walk is a journey, growing in grace and gradually changing to be more like Jesus (2 Cor 3:18, Phil 3:12). Whereas the Clintons have claimed to be Christians their entire life, their public life has been rampant with dishonesty and immorality.  Donald has not made such a claim.  He has admitted that he has lived the majority of his life without Christ.  And his life reflects that.  He has claimed to be evolving and has shown a gradual change in his views and his positions.  I do not know if he understands what being a Christian means. His speech certainly doesn't resemble a typical born-again Christian.  However, when I was first saved, I didn't either.  I still held many un-Biblical opinions and was very confused what a relationship with Christ meant to my life. In spite that, God saved me. I knew I was a sinner, I asked for forgiveness, and welcomed him to take control of my life.  It took time to learn and grow and change my habits and views. It was not instant or easy - and I wasn't running for President, having every word scrutinized.

If he is a Christian, he is a baby one.  Instead of condemning the man, we should be supporting him, encouraging him and praying that God continues to work in his life.  How dare any Christian judge him based on his life without Christ – what would we expect? I would be doomed if I have to be held to account for my life prior to Christ. Praise God, I am made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Folks, Christianity is progress over perfection. However, when I look at the Clinton's and their continued lack of integrity over the course of their lives, it is evident to me they have perverted their faith to fit their politics.  Rotten fruit.

So, for now, I will judge Trump on policy. I will vote for the issues I can influence.

I want safety and opportunity of my family. I want borders to protect us from enemies who wish us harm. I want a gun rights to protect us from those who violate those bounds. I want school choice to protect our impressionable youth from liberal poisoning.  I want healthcare rights to protect us from malpractice. I want freedom to protect our rights to worship and speak according to our conscious. I don't need a preacher or a nanny in the White House; I want a leader, a defender, a scholar, and a servant. 

I will never have the political power to change the way someone acts or speaks.  But, I will exercise my rights to vote for the candidate who believe in consequences for breaking the law, respecting life and protecting our rights. Someone said recently that it is not a matter of choosing between two evils, but voting for the most good. I am not voting for Donald Trump, I am voting for a platform. 

I am voting for the Republican Party Platform.  This is the only platform that stands upon a commitment to my core values. This party believes in American exceptionalism and the integrity of our Constitution.  Will I be disappointed in the person for which I cast my vote?  No doubt I will. However, when I stand before God, I will know I voted for a set of ideas and ideals that was most consistent with God's Word. 

This presidency is a caricature of our country.  If you are disgusted and ashamed, then look around.  This is our America.  These are the types of people we elevate… selfish, pandering, egocentric elites. The Republican Party had 16 candidates - SIXTEEN.  Many were ethical, brilliant, lifelong servants of this country.  But, instead the American majority wanted a sideshow.

I have no blinders on about the negatives of a Trump presidency.  He is a loose cannon. But as President, he is constrained by checks and balances. His speech will be no more offensive than the policies that have been promoted this last eight years.  His relationships around the world can damage us no more than Obama’s. 

Trump is right…what do we have to lose?  It is pathetic.  But, alas, here we are.

I agree that we are better than this.  I have a hope for revival, and a change of hearts and minds in this country.  But, it won’t happen in this election; it won’t happen with any election. It will happen when knees begin to bow… when we collectively humble themselves and realize we are sinful and in need a Savior.  Until then, I will honor God with my vote and thank him for the privilege of being in a country where I am free to do so.

All Things to All People

The unique and respectable quality of Christianity is its exclusiveness. This is what non-Christians despise about it. But, it is what the God of the Bible commands of His believers; there is one true God and One Truth. That is why the Holy Bible remains undiminished.

When you accept Christ into your life, you start to appreciate some basic principles found in the Bible. If you are in doubt about what to believe, you refer back to the Holy Bible and see what God says about the particular issue. Its not always clear in one verse, but put into conext of the entire Word of God, you can come to a sound conclusion on most matters. However, if you are searching the Bible to accommodate your beliefs, you are preverting God's Word. Further, once you deviate from what the Bible says or seek other sources for counsel which conflicts with the Bible, that viewpoint can no longer be supported or tolerated within the faith. It is sin.

This assessment is not intended to address any particular issue, but to illustrate a parallel to the adoption of ones political views.

As a citizen of this country, one appreciates some basic principles of our Constitution. If one is in doubt of how the country should work or how people should be treated or what laws are based upon, one can refer to our Constitution. Not every law is detailed within the document, but from that, you can typically understand the cohesive succession of law. If a law contradicts that foundation and/or a law is being manipulated into an individual's "interpretation" of that document, it becomes a perversion of original context.

In the case of our American Constitution, much perversion or the original intent has taken place. To accruately understand the authors' intent, one needs to be reminded of the history of oppression our founding fathers experienced prior to drafting it. They were not, as some suggest, unfamiliar with the issues or today. In fact, it was many of the issues of today they they were trying to protect Americans from. Our Constitution, as the Christian faith, are based on this central theme: Freedom with Responsibility.

God allowed an imperfect world so that his children may choose the life they wish to live. Jesus came to lead, to be an example, so that people may choose to follow him. God gave us the ability, a brain and a heart make our own decision. But, He says, once you "call my name", you are "not your own." He gave us freedom, but once we choose to follow him, it comes with certain responsibilities, which we willingly and joyfully submit to, because we are thankful for his grace and forgiveness.

Likewise, our founding fathers wrote the Constitution based on freedom and responsibility. We are not wards to an oppressive King who demands our unfailing loyalty. We are not told how to think, what to say or forbidden to question. We have a President to serve as a leader, at our pleasure. He is supposed to be our representative, our defender and our example to follow. He is not elected to author the laws but to enforce them. He is not to serve the other bodies of government, but the people.

To ensure limited powers, we have the Consitution. It is to be view as a whole; a complete work. Once someone begins to chip into that framework, by adding to it or subtracting from it as trends may change, we diminish the country's integrity. It is no longer, uniquely and exclusively "American."

Therefore, if one wants to discuss the merits of Americanism, that is fine. If one wants to challenge the abuses of individuals with the established framework, great. But we are not a nation of "all things to all people." This nation is a refuge for those who are seeking what we have. If someone doesn't like the manuscript from which principles are built - well, they have the freedom to shop for a better story.