The Choice this Election
I take no pleasure in saying that “there is no choice this election." This election is a defining moment for our nation. I hope it will define us as a people who believe in equality for all, respect and love for our neighbor, and a determination to secure life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness for all. But there is a possibility it will define us as individuals and people that do not love and respect ourselves or others. Much of our public discourse and private interactions are filled with intolerance, hatred, prejudice. As we make our way to the voting booth, the reality is that one of our major parties is the standard bearer for beliefs and activity that are not “American.” That party is the Republican party. This is not easy for me to say. It saddens me. (Full disclosure here - I grew up self-identifying as a Republican, I spent most of my adult years as an independent voter, and I now consider my political views “progressive.”) I know full well that at this point there are readers who will be saying “both political parties are to blame for the current state of affairs of our politics,” - but this is a false equivalency that allows us to dismiss our own culpability in not standing up for what is right and just. Some people may argue that there are some “good” candidates running for public office that carry the “Republican” label. I acknowledge that. That may be possible. However, every vote for a candidate that self-identifies as a Republican is a vote for a party that is lead by people who are demonstrating themselves to be the antithesis of our historic American ideals. The time may come again when it might be a legitimate option to vote for one who carries the Republican label. But that is a future that must be earned. It can be earned when Republican representatives come to stand against hatred, bigotry, intolerance, and fear. So what are my more conservative friends to do? I believe you should go to the voting booth. Make a statement. Do not vote Republican. Be independent voters and vote for candidates that that stand for working together with you to build a better society. They may not agree with you on every policy issue, but they share your love for our land and all its people. Do not vote for a party and candidates that acquiesce to a leadership of self-aggrandizement, disunity, fear, and hatred. Do not give them more power by giving them your vote (which is your voice). And don’t forget - many local races are not defined by political parties. Vote for the school board members, judges, and other local officials that you respect. With your vote - you can make your voice heard. When you consider what your vote says this year, perhaps you can understand why I say “there is no choice this year.” Vote!
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Time for Common Sense AgainCommon sense commmentary by Joel Kreger (unless noted and credited to a guest writer) Archives
November 2018
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