Election 2008

I'm not of the opinion that one should vote strictly for their party. Generally my ideals line up republican, but I never fail to research my candidates thoroughly before heading to the polls. Here are some of the issues that every Christian needs to consider in making a decision.

Abortion- Hopefully this is a clear cut issue in the Christian mind. Unfortunately, it is not clear in the republican party. Rudy Guiliani stood apart in the Republican race as the only candidate to support "choice." Here is a dilemma: Had Rudy won the nomination, what would be the appropriate response? I don't see how I could vote for a candidate who did not support the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Thankfully John McCain is secure in his stand on the importance of life.

Economy/Taxes- Christ has shown us that we are to take care of the poor, feeding and clothing them. At the same, we are to be hard workers, and not leech off of others. If we are given the ability to work we should do so, not depending upon the sweat of others (welfare). It's difficult to balance these without being either unfair or heartless. Presidential candidate for the democratic party, Barack Obama, believes in maintaining low taxes for the working lower and middle classes. He wants to raise taxes on the wealthy of America (200k+). Why should those who have worked hard in life to earn a comfortable lifestyle be forced to give away their earnings to those who have bad luck or have been lazy. Obama would advocate smothering capitalism in the interest of the boosting the lower classes.

War- Christ advocates turning the other cheek when it comes to violence in individuals. Does this apply to nations? I don't think that Jesus would want His people to fall victim to a situation of persecution either. Can America stand in isolation while other countries build up forces to attack our country? Is that right? Should we bury our heads in the sand to avoid confrontation? At the same time, is it right to take soldiers away from their homes, send them thousands of miles away to face a threat that may or may not be harmful to the U.S? Obama wants to establish a time table in which U.S. troops will be withdrawn from Iraq despite what Petraeus my suggest. Should a man with so little military experience really be calling the shots? John McCain believes that we need to stay in Iraq until the job is done. Troops may be needed in the area for decades. American troops are stationed all over the globe, and Iraq really would be no different. With proper plan execution, the war will soon be over..."for all intents and purposes."

My decision, if it is not evident already, is to vote for John McCain. He was not my first choice in the preliminaries. Despite this, it is so important for Christians to vote. Whether you select Obama, McCain, or a third party to vote for, choose someone who reflects your view of Christlike attitude and actions. It's so important for Christians to take an active role in elections. We have a strong voice that needs to be heard. Use our power to turn America around.