R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

So I’m forewarning you that even though I have stewed over this issue before venting my reactions, and tried to put together a well thought out, non-rant. I apologize if I step on the soapbox. I will try to come back and edit if necessary.

I generally try to avoid speaking in public concerning my personal views on politics nowadays simply because I find they cause fights. And I hate fights. I only speak when asked, and with people who I really believe can carry on a civilized discussion about our two opinions, differing or alike.

I am apalled at the lack of respect our new president is recieving from so many. I see facebook flooded with comments of “when will he get shot” to “Obama is already screwing the country up” and even some mentioning and questionning Christians dedication to Christ if they support Obama. To be honest, to see these comments from my friends, and especially those who take such a stand for Christ, scares me.

We follow Christ who said, “Give to Caeser what is Caeser’s and to God what is God’s.” (Matthew 22:21) I really don’t think that Jesus was speaking only about taxes and monetary things. He was telling them to respect their government and Caeser by giving the government the taxes they owed according to law. Granted, the law doesn’t say you must respect and lift up the president in America. I’m very glad it says the opposite almost, that we are allowed to say the things we do by law. (duh, I’m a journalism major. i love the first amendment.) BUT I think that because he was elected by the public, that he should be respected regardless of what he does.

We prayed for God to choose the right man and put him through. Maybe he is not the right man, but I know God has a plan like he always does. He will make the best out of every circumstance. So many Christians coated this election with prayers. Now it is time for us to pray for our country. Pray for our President Barack Obama–I don’t care what your opinion of him is. He is still a human who needs our prayers.

I may not agree that he is the best choice for president. But I do know that he is my president. And I will respect him.

I challenge you to do the same. At least give him more than a week to form an opinion on the man!

i voted in johnson county

yep. i finally got to do it. i voted. one of the good privileges of being eighteen :].

although i didn’t know a whole lot of what i was voting for… so before i went, i brushed up super quick, but nonetheless, it made me think. Especially since the movie “Swing Vote” is now out.

Idealistic or not, I’ve always been a proponent of the idea that “one vote makes a difference.”

So, I always thought that would obvioulsy mean that you vote no matter what right? you make time.

BUT- is it better to vote and not know what or who you’re voting for?

OR

to not vote?

voting. does it truly matter?

“My vote doesn’t matter in the scheme of things, so I don’t vote.”

I will never understand that statement.

Think about how many people today say those very words. And think if those people actually voted. While your vote alone won’t changed anything, it joins leagues with hundreds of thousands of others that combined, DO count.

When, in a presidential election, barely 60% of the registered voters, vote, you have to wonder if all of those votes who “don’t matter” could make a difference. Especially since everyone loves to talk about how horrible George Bush is.

it’s my personal opinion that if you don’t vote (and are eligible to), you have no right to complain about who our president is, or what he is doing.  Simply because, you didn’t care enough during the election season to support him, or someone else.

so go vote. primaries. and november.

pretty please?

yes jesus loves politicians too.

anne jackson reminded me today something I think we’ve kinda lost sight of.

when the sunday school teacher said that Jesus died for everybody’s sins.

she meant everybody.

like including all those politicians you wanna smack over the head. yes.

jesus loves mitt romney. jesus loves barack obama. jesus loves john mccain. jesus loves hillary clinton. jesus loves john edwards. jesus loves fred thompson. jesus loves mike huckabee.

and whoever else.

everyone.

oh and here’s the kicker.

we’re supposed to love them too. despite those things we don’t like about them.

irony in politics.

i was perusing through campaign stances, and what each party believes, be it democrat or republican. I plan on being an informed voter this upcoming election.

Through all this, I discovered something i found to be quite ironic.

Generally speaking…

Democrats: Pro-Choice. Anti-Death Penalty.

Republicans: Pro-Life. For the Death Penalty.

i won’t deny. it made me laugh a little.