HOW CAN ANYONE BE "UNDECIDED"?

**WARNING:  This post might be construed as a rant!**

In today's political climate, I am totally floored that there are so many people UNDECIDED about whom they will vote for in the presidential election in November!

Given that we have two totally opposite political viewpoints, beliefs, experience, worldviews, and associations, it is impossible for me to understand how people cannot decide which side to vote for.  Unbelievable.

Personalities aside, we had all better do our homework and find out as much as possible about both candidates.  Forget the political ads.  I don't like them and avoid them whenever possible.  They are geared to appeal to emotions, and last I checked, voting out of anger, disgust, or even euphoria would be as much of a mistake as any other important decision made by relying on emotions.  Find out all you can, be clear headed, and vote.  Not voting is not good--this election is very important.

That's my advice for today.  I'm done!

THE REPUBLICAN DEBATE TONIGHT



 This post is not about endorsing anyone, but even for curious Democrats who plan to vote Democratic, it is about our responsibility as citizens to know what all candidates stand for and what their aspirations are if one of them does get elected. 

If you don't plan to vote Republican, you probably won't be interested in anything the Republican candidates have to say in this debate tonight, aired from Florida by Fox News and Google.  It's also interactive, with youtube getting in on the action.

If you are an independent (a.k.a. swing) voter or a staunch Republican, it is equally important that you watch, listen, and calculate which candidate most nearly mirrors your own values and ideology.  All of these candidates fiercely want to become the next U.S. president, and all bring different things to the table.  We've seen what President Obama stands for, so it's important to find out which of the Republican candidates is the best choice for leading this country in 2012.

The political pundits are all over the page regarding the Republican candidates.  Will Sarah run?  Will Gov. Christie run?  My question is this:  who will be the best candidate to lead this country out of its current woes?  Don't give me "Well, I don't know much about politics," or "I don't keep up with presidential candidates" or "I probably won't vote, anyway" baloney.  And it's a bit early to rely very much on the polls--they can change overnight.  Good citizens take presidential elections seriously, and our country is in a serious situation right now. 

The 2012 election will have long-term consequences, and it behooves us as citizens to do our part by informed voting.  What are their positions (and these are in no particular order) on the economy and jobs, immigration, federal spending, big government, entitlement reform, abortion on demand, foreign policy, and many others.  I happen to feel strongly about the aforementioned items, and I'm doing all I can to determine which candidate is best, in my humble opinion, for this country.

For whom will I vote?  I honestly don't know right now.  I'm watching, listening, and researching past experience, their stand on the issues I believe are important, and evaluating who will be best, not only to lead our great country, but to handle the global stage in today's shrinking world.

And, last but foremost, I've been praying for wisdom from God.  That is of utmost importance in choosing the right leader for America.

LET FREEDOM RING: VOTE, AMERICA!

To begin with, I am not going to mention how I plan to vote or tell you how to vote.  I simply want to urge all registered voters to cast informed votes next month in the midterm elections.  I will, however, give my personal criteria for choosing political candidates.

I find out all I can about those running for office, not only statewide, but also in my locale.  I have literally heard comments like these:   "He seems like a nice enough fella . . . maybe he'll do a better job than Sen. X."  Or, "Well, she sure had some good jokes at the fundraising dinner." 

In response to that kind of thinking, voting based upon personality or  speaking ability is far too risky--such surface skills are not necessarily those of true leadership and integrity. For incumbents, I check out their legislative records while in office; I look for how they voted on legislation and what they have been up to.  Then I choose those whose views most closely mirror my own. 

However, if it's time infuse the political process with some new blood,  then I also research the new candidates well.  I check out where they stand on the issues, searching for their honesty in personal and business dealings as well.  However, I don't let some really stupid youthful comment derail me from their stand on those issues.  After all, most of us have said some pretty dumb things.

Making intelligent, well-informed choices means that I know why I am voting for certain candidates, and also why I am not voting for others.  I want my choices to be based upon knowledge researched and checked beforehand.  As a Christian, I also seek for wisdom and guidance from the Lord in making those choices.

Today, more people are voting for candidates' stands and/or records, not just along party lines.  And, I might add, more people are truly involved in the political process, seeking out those candidates who are honest, trustworthy, and open.

Informed voting is far too crucial to allow emotionally-charged barbs--so often hurled during campaigns--to sway me from choosing my candidates, and it should never be a mere coin toss.  I love America, so I plan to vote for those candidates who exhibit exemplary leadership and character qualities, a love for our country, and a record of integrity. 

I urge you to do that as well.