I'm really wrestling with my vote this year. Not that I'm even considering casting a vote for McCain. But I am wrestling with if I should vote for Obama or not vote at all. The problem is that Obama is pro-choice and I believe that abortion is perhaps one of the greatest evils in our world today. But I agree with Obama on so many other issues. Below are the issues that concern me most in order of importance and how they are weighing in on my decision to vote:
1. The illegalization of abortion. I am convinced that abortion is murder pure and simple. Obama supports the right for women to kill their children even in the final trimester of pregnancy. I think this is criminal. -10 points for Obama
2. A Peace-making foreign policy. McCain is a war-maker in the tradition of our current administration. Obama would be a breath of fresh air not only to our country, but to the rest of the world since he believes in using war as a last resort rather than war mongering as the Republicans would have us do. + 5 points for Obama
3. The elimination of poverty. McCain represents more government apathy in the war on poverty and, I believe, is a pawn of the rich and powerful. Obama, as a community organizer on the south side of Chicago, certainly has more of a passion for addressing issues of systemic poverty and oppression as I do. + 5 points for Obama
4. A compassionate approach to our immigrants. Actually, McCain and Obama will both be a step in the right direction for our nation as we overcome the xenophobic of the Bush administration. I could support McCain on this issue. +3 points for both candidates.
5. Care for the environment. Again, both candidates are better than Bush. But I find Obama's proposals for investment in alternative energy sources to be the right direction for the country as opposed to McCain's insistence that we find more sources of oil. + 2 points for Obama.
6. Obama is black and we need a black president in this country. + 1 for Obama.
So there you have it. Should I vote for Obama or not vote at all? What would God have me do? I look forward to all of your responses.
Greg,
ReplyDeleteI struggled with this exact same question this week after attending a political discussion with some fellow Democratic Christians. We were going over Colorado amendments and there was actually thought given to one of the amendments, in which life was defined at conception. They were not questioning whether life began at conception-they all believed this, but instead of questioning what the ramifications would be if they voted "yes." To me, they were looking at faith through the lens of politics instead of the other way around. Due to the mere thoughts from the group on this issue sent me into a tailspin and I questioned if I should even vote as well. But, I resonate with the other issues and I will be casting a vote for Obama. After all, either Obama or McCain will become president, and we must unfortunately decide between two imperfect candidates. I am going to send you a video that I thought was hilarious and ultimately got me back into the race. Have a good one, my friend.