Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Two seconds of politics

I really don't like confrontation and I have avoided any political talk on my blog. Political opinions are personal, and what's most important is that we have the freedom to not only have these opinions, but also to express them and vote. I have been voting for 20 years, but no election has ever been as agonizing for me as this one. Seriously, even walking up to the booth, I still wasn't sure in which direction I was going to vote. I actually came home and cried. There is so much talk about "voting with your conscience" and "voting like a Christian", doesn't anyone else see the irony in this? Both parties have issues that are clearly "Christian" and conscience issues. It seems like everything is so black and white to everyone else, and I'm just wallowing all by myself here in this big grey area.

7 comments:

ann marie said...

NO you are not all by yourself...I prayed over it for days and days. I went and saw Father Robert over this. I went to confession over this. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! This was hard for me too and it was not black and white, it was not easy, it was not made with no thought involved. It is deeply personal. The fact that you cried over it shows how seriously you took it. I cried too. No matter who wins, we all have to continue to pray for our leaders. This is something I have only just started to do. But I will do it everyday. I actually spend a few minutes on my walk praying for that..just to get in the habit of it. And no matter who wins, I know some people are going to be greatly pained and I'll just say with prayer hearts can change. I am so glad you posted this and I hope you are feeling okay.

ann marie said...

by the way...the hearts I was talking about changing was our leaders, not the voters. I didn't want any confusion there.

Julie said...

Thanks Am!

Unknown said...

I had to pray alot over the election this election year too-although I have confidence that the Lord is going to great and mighty things in our Country.
Hugs

Amy said...

I think back to the 2000 election when Bob and I spent the evening at your house watching the Gore/Bush election. What a mess that whole thing was. I, too, have very conflicting feelings over voting this year. I am confident that I made the right choice for myself and my family.
My lesson in class yesterday was to think for yourself and to look at the candidate's voting records and FACTS about their beliefs. Living in a very Republican state, many students come to class with very strong opinions and they want to share lots of rumors. I explain to them that my class is not a forum for that, but a place to think and decide which candidate most reflects their views. I gave them a little survey to identify with the candidates, but they don't know which beliefs are which. Many students were surprised by the outcome of their surveys.
I miss you and wish we could be sitting together again watching this very exciting election. Instead I am preparing a PowerPoint on the French and Indian War with the election news on in the background. : )

ann marie said...

I don't know who Amy is, but I like her! Amy, I'm assuming you are a teacher and you sound like a good one. All students should be challenged like that.

Leisa said...

I like your new blog design ;)