Ragamuffin: US politics

Racing to the finish line

W

ell it will be the nominating conventions soon for our presidential candidates. I have mainly been a Republican and in recent years switched to being an independent. I lean right though.

Like most large countries we Americans come from a wide variety of races, ethnicities, economic, cultural and political backgrounds. It is great to live in Chicago metro area and see and hear the diversity every day. This also brings some conflict in views.

Sad to say, but true, that most of the time a low percentage of registered voters actually vote in the USA. In presidential elections like the one coming up in November it is higher than usual I suspect. Someone once wrote – “wonder if they held an election and no one voted?”

I am a conviction-filled Christian American who prays, reads, listens and votes according to my conscience in each local, state and federal election. Generally…

I take seriously the flag, our freedom, and the opportunity to vote. I don’t usually just support a major party or a candidate but try to look deeper to issues.

Our Democratic and Republican parties are so often extremes that it is hard to agree with any party or candidate on every main issue.

Issues such as family, abortion, the war and such are important to me as I choose whom to vote for. Shane Claiborne is doing a tour for his new book entitled Jesus For President. I wonder how many would really vote for Jesus. Jesus seems like a troublemaker to me.

I don’t support killing unborn children via abortion but I lean toward capital punishment.

The Iraq war is another story. I grew up in the Vietnam war era and generally feel war should be avoided. After 9-11 I thought we would go into Iraq and take care of business and get out. How wrong I was! It is a complex issue and no easy solutions. We are where we are but somehow need to get that area stabilized. I pray for our troops often. Afghanistan as well is a sad condition. I want to stand for peace and be a peacemaker as a Christ- follower. I support people in the military while disagreeing with politicians and their policies at times.

Immigration laws should be enforced yet compassionate. There are legal ways to enter and work in the USA.

I do not support gay/lesbian agendas when it comes to marriage. I do think they deserve respect, love and common courtesy. Too many times Christians have been hateful and bad example of the Christ they say they love. I have friends who are gay yet I call them friends and treat them as fellow travelers on this earth. I think some of the political issues come from the Christian mix of history in our government. We sometimes do not see clearly a division between policy and a moral judgment as it may be in other countries.

I have a healthy concern for the poor in our country and world-wide. We could do more through the G8 Summits and aid to others. I do not think it is primarily the government’s job to take care of the poor. Faith-based organizations are a vital answer to helping the poor. Our individual responsibility is paramount in compassion for others. Some attitudes against the U. S. are unfounded, but we can do more.

Then there is the issue of genuine concern and programs for the environment. We must become better caretakers of this planet. It seems to me that our continued dependence on foreign oil is hurting us in America. I am thankful for hydrogen cars, hybrids and such as we move toward other greener solutions. We can try to use more wind power and solar power as an alternative.

I tend to support a lawful use of firearms for protection, sport and conservation. That being said I do not want to own a gun. I do not have weapons in my home.  I’m convinced that criminals generally won’t turn in their guns. Background checks or permits mean nothing to criminals or sometimes to the sellers.

Jesus had much to say about us caring for the poor, the widows and the orphans.

Although Obama stands for change in this election hope for real change is not found in political systems. Our own Chicago Mayor admits we need a change of heart that no law or political system can effect.

For you and me the real issues include prayer, daily self-sacrifice and sharing any and all we can in genuine love with those in need. Loving God and loving others. It is not that complicated.

Americans each choose in every election whether to vote for candidates from the two major parties, for an independent or libertarian, or to abstain. I will vote and I probably lean toward the right. When all is said and done the sad fact of politics is that more is said than done. Yet we hope for more – for better.

I won’t criticize others for the way they vote. It would be a positive step forward if we discussed our positions in love. It would be an asset to our world and the name of Christ if we will show authentic concern for the poor and the oppressed in our nation and in other nations.

May God help us to vote with a moral conscience and with care for the “least of these.

Ragamuffin appears every Monday on theRubicon. Find past Ragamuffin posts and a bio of Capt. Jay Davis here.

2 Comments to Ragamuffin: US politics

1. Jay,

   It’s a great freedom and responsibility we have to share our opinions and thank you for an honest enumeration of your personal politik.
   I think part of the problem with the political process is that it becomes increasingly more specialized and complex for a citizen to enter into their local political process. You are quite right in mentioning the deepth of sophistication for each issue. Yet, in deciding national policy through means of a democratic election that is hinged upon a two party system, citizens can become disenfranchized too easily when there is such a scientific analysis which can pin point the exact states and percise counties which votes will matter the most! The late Tim Russort will most likely be remembered for the phrase on a white board, “Florida, Florida, Florida!” This may translate to a middle age man in left coast California, “what does it matter if you get out to the polls, we already know where your electoral votes go!” Also not to mention, the majority of Americans have becomed jaded when the disillusion bubble burst when such leaders as Clinton and Bush seem to make tragic mistakes. And on top of that, there are many opinions that corporitization and wealthy lobbyist are true masters minds that wield the fate of our future.

   I think part of the solution in getting a better voter turn out is to rally a local community to engage in meaningful dialogue (but it takes courageous leadership to handle that).

   Then again, I could be just typing a bunch of non-sense.

   All the best,

   Keith
keith on July 28th, 2008

2. Looks like your senator won Germany, anyway.
Catherine W. on July 28th, 2008

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