Food for Thought

We routinely disqualify testimony that would plead for extenuation. That is, we are so persuaded of the rightness of our judgements as to invalidate evidence that does not confirm us in it. Nothing that deserves to be called truth could ever be arrived at by such means. -Marilynne Robinson (author)

A personal comment - I am perplexed by how many people calling themselves Christians are rendering judgement on those who favor Obama in this election. They seem to feel they have some moral superiority by voting solely on the issue of abortion and, therefore, promoting the sixth commandment often while enthusiastically breaking the ninth. I have always been taught that all sin is an equal abomination to God. You might want to test the emails you send or read, the information you post and the campaign advertisements you hear through that filter.

This just in - I just heard a news report that people are stealing political signs right out of other peoples yards. The report said a man described as "around 70" was seen pulling up Obama yard signs and throwing them in the back of his truck! Regardless of whose sign it is, we clearly also need to review commandment eight.

Pet Peeve Tuesday - Think People!

Let me say first that I believe it is every person's right and responsibility to vote. That does mean, however, that you should make some effort to know the stand of the candidates on issues (which may or may not line up exactly with their party) and what your educated opinion is on the same. It also requires prioritizing these issues based on both their importance to you and any real potential for changing them if they need changed or keeping them status quo if that is your desire.

My Pet Peeve, therefore, is about stupid/silly/unbelievable reasons I've heard people say they are casting their vote in a particular way for various offices - starting at the top:

For or against because "he's black".
For or against because there is "a woman on the ticket".
He was born in ______________. (FYI FACTS: Obama was born in Hawaii, McCain on a U.S. base in the Panama Canal Zone)
He/she's a republican.
He/she's a democrat.
He "looks" more presidential.
He wants to make changes. (Um, that's why they are running for office.)
He's made too many changes. (And that would be why he ran for office.)
I don't like the way he or she looks/gestures/stands/talks/smiles/etc.

REALLY PEOPLE!

This is an important election on both the national and state levels. Look into the candidates, their records, their personalities before the campaigning started, where they came from and where they want to take us. Do their current words and their previous actions match up? Are they sincerely looking to do things to help the American people and the American economy or looking to serve their own desire for personal power and/or wealth? Are they proactive about problems/issues or reactive?

So read, listen critically, and learn all you can about the candidates and the issues so you can make an informed decision. Then vote!