Why I will vote "No" on Tuesday

There will be a Constitutional Amendment question on the Minnesota ballot. It will state:

Shall the Minnesota Constitution be amended to remove state lawmakers' power to set their own salaries, and instead establish an independent, citizens-only council to prescribe salaries of lawmakers?

On the surface, this sounds like a fantastic idea, but here is why I will be voting “No.”

Transparency. Let's be realistic - an “independent” council is never really independent – especially in the state of Minnesota (MET Council, anyone?).  Members of the council would be hand-picked by the governor and the Minnesota Supreme Court chief justice. Even though it is to be made up by members of both parties in equal numbers, it is wrought with opportunity for special interests, political agendas and corruption.  I understand the legislature may want to hand this responsibility over to avoid the appearance of “conflict of interest,” but honestly, I feel as though they are passing the buck.

Accountability.  Under a clause in the state’s constitution, legislators are required to set pay for a wide range of public officials — including themselves. Part of their job is to approve the budget for the entire state and determine our taxes.  If they can make these other financial decisions, I think they should be able to discern an appropriate salary for themselves.  Whether they prove themselves capable or not, they should be held accountable for it.

This amendment has enjoyed some bipartisan support, which is why we haven't heard much about it in the news.  The argument has been made that legislators are in a no-win situation when it comes to this subject.  If they vote for a pay increase, the electorate cries foul (conflict of interest).  In fact, many have lost their seat for voting in favor of a pay increase in the past.  On the other hand, if they do not vote for a pay raise, we risk losing good legislators, due to reasons of insufficient income for their family. That is unfortunate.

But, for me – that is sort of the point.  Personally, I want our legislators to consider very carefully whether it is appropriate and prudent to increase their salary. I want people to serve their state not in financial hardship, but also not a career path.  I don’t want them to be too comfortable that they never leave.  I appreciate that they need to go back to their districts and present their case for a raise and justify their votes up or down. That is what responsibility and accountability look like.  I don’t want them sloughing it off on some independent committee, where they can shrug their shoulders and plead ignorance.

As a matter of a fair living wage... serving in the MN state legislature is meant to be a part-time job. An article at Minnpost.org does a fairly good job outlining the amendment on the ballot, and the salary structure of the MN state legislators. 

In 2016, the MN Legislature was in session from March 8 through May 23. That is 104 days (minus holidays and including weekends).  So, if the average legislator receives a salary of $32,000, plus an $85 per diem while in session… the compensation would be right around $40,000. Legislators who live further away receive more per diem due to their commute/lodging expenses while in session. Those in leadership also receive an extra $12,000 bonus.

No, this really is not enough to support a family, if that is an annual income. And, I will concede that our state leaders probably work pretty hard for that pay. But, they do not work as our legislators all year. So hopefully, like their constituents, they supplement that income the other 261 days of the year with another job or with spousal income. The bottom line is, it was never meant to be a career. Is that to say our legislators shouldn’t receive a comparable income to their peers in different states? No. Are they? I will let you be the judge (ballotpedia.org). We all have different perspectives on earnings and can make that determination independently at the ballot box when our state representatives run for re-election.

This year we must confront the issue of process versus pay. Do we choose to keep our legislative body responsible and accountable for determining their pay, or turn it over to a independent council?  Since  we have a system of government where we place our trust in individuals charged with protecting our interests and promoting our well-being as a state, I believe it should remain in their domain. After all, an independent council does not have that relationship with Minnesota voters; they have no accountability or obligation to the citizens of this state.  Instead, they are serving at the pleasure of whomever appoints them.

Yeah, I don't like the odds...

I am voting "No."

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.

A Nation that Feeds upon Itself

I truly feel that most people in this country are proud of their nation, and want to see us united and value the freedoms and traditions we all enjoy as Americans.  I believe the American public would prefer an honest and ethical president. I think all parties would celebrate a diverse government with broad representation – across race, religion, economic status and gender.  I know any loving parent also wants the best future for their child, and that every child wants their parents cared for in their golden years. 

In that same spirit, I would also wager that the majority of Americans understand the positive intent of our Constitution, as it was written.  However, what I am beginning to understand - what I now believe - is that Americans truly not comprehend the risks and ramifications of its slow erosion.  Either willfully or unwittingly, we have become uninformed and apathetic regarding hour nation's history and the principles it was founded on.  The truth is, the constitution was written to protect us from both the tyranny of our rulers and from our own selfish natures.

Instead, we have become a nation that feeds on itself like an ouroboros. Many have succumbed to the myth that our Constitution is immortal. Like the mythical snake that devours its own tail, many believe if we just change our form, we can evolve alongside culture. However, the reality is, once we bite off the tail, the organism slowly decays and will be unable to sustain itself.  Although our Constitution was fully designed to be amended, its vital appendages were never intended to be amputated.

A broader examination of history can provide more context.
Unlike the Constitution, which has been scrutinized in the courts to re-interpret over generations, the Declaration of Independence, as a historical record, remains unchanged. The Declaration serves as the testimony from our founding fathers, stating why this country fought for independence, what principles this country would be built upon, and who gave them their rights.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. —That to secure these Rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the Consent of the Governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive to these Ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its Foundation on such Principles and organizing its Powers in such Form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

Our rights were not given to us by the government. Our government was created to protect our God-given rights.  When the monarchy in England became a tyranny, the people revolted and fought.  Many are blindly surrendering their rights back to an authority, other than their Creator, ignorant of what it will cost to get them back.

Because our rights are endowed by our Creator, they are inherent and unalienable. People unfamiliar with their Creator, are deceived into relativism.  When we remove our Creator from society, individuals make “self” their God. That leads to a nation of egocentric citizens, motivated by their own interests, instead of the benefit of the majority.  That isn’t democracy; that is anarchy.

Sadly, Americans have become uninformed and uninterested in truth.  By truth, I mean objective facts. In an age where information is endless and instantaneous, people have permitted the media to propagandize their perceptions of history, rather than discern truth themselves, based on facts. In addition, institutes of education have blurred the lines of fact and fiction, altering recorded history to conform to present culture.  In a nation of narcissists, we subscribe only to the perspectives we agree with – further deafening us our own demise.  That isn’t  the pursuit of truth; than is indoctrination.

If we continue to elect representatives who serve themselves, versus listening to the govern; if we elect a president who chooses which laws to enforce, based on his own beliefs; if we continue to allow the courts to deconstruct the foundation that our Constitution was built upon, we will, in essence, have eaten our own tail.  And, these words of the Declaration may haunt us once again: 

The history of the present [Government] King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute tyranny over these states.

Who is paying the difference?

The recent "Cash for Clunkers" program is reminiscent of a not-so-distant and equally stupid strategy based on the government enabling people to purchase things they otherwise cannot afford. Although all media cries the program is "a success," ask yourselves, "Who is paying the difference?"

Haven't we learned what happens when banks loan money to people to buy homes they can't afford? Sure, it gets you in the house (car) but the devil is in the details of mortgage payments, taxes, insurance and maintenance. Likewise, that brand new car driving off the lot.

The auto industry is the most recent recipient of big government's latest brain child. On the surface, everyone wins! People are shopping! Dealerships are busy! Unfortunately, quick fixes often lead to long term frustrations. This is no different than the deceitful credit card industry making offers to consumers to charge today (No interest! Cash back! Rewards!) and pay tomorrow.

Was it so difficult for the auto industry to weather the storm? It's been less than a year since they begged for mercy at the feet of Congress. It appears the union's overindulgent uncle has yet again swooped in to "rescue" the American free market. However, while the industry appears to get a "hand up" they fail to see the empty pocket Uncle Sam pulled that hand from. Good luck - check is in the mail..

Instead, Uncle Sam should act like the depression-era grandparent, who has money under their mattress, yet holds back and lets his family figure out how to achieve success on their own. Perhaps they could learn from a typical middle-income parent, who tell their teenager to "use their own money" for those expensive shoes, instead of buying it for them. These tough life lessons teach children about choices and the value of a dollar. When those values aren't learned, when children aren't expected to succeed on their own, we all pay.

Who pays the difference for government programs? We all do. Suddenly we all pay more - for purchases, insurance, health care - everything. Meanwhile, entrepreneurs cannot get business loans, grandparents see dwindling returns on their hard earned investments and neighborhood shops that have accounted for every dime to survive, shut their doors because government propped up their big corporate competitors. It's not speculation and it's not scare tactics. It's Obama's America.

So I will be content to drive right by all these dealerships with flags flurrying in desperation, in either of my ten year old vehicles. I will be happy pass on a new car loan and know I can make my mortgage payment on time. I don't need to be told what to buy or when to buy it. I don't need rescued, Uncle Sam. I need my freedom and the opportunity to success or fail based on my choices and abilities. And so does the auto industry.