I'm not offended at all by people asking me who I'm voting for. In case you haven't noticed, I neither shy away from religious discussion or politics. In this case, I feel like my choice to vote for Obama encompasses some of both of these ideas to some degree.
I've never been one to call myself an "evangelical" Christian, because I may (by some mistake) bring up for you images of Jerry Falwell or TV evangelists, or Pat Roberson. I'm not sure I have much in common with those guys. I would however, classify myself as a Christ follower and I hope to be a revolutionary that follows in Jesus' crazy revolutionary footsteps. (Check out this article from the NY Times.)
I feel like that's what the world needs right now -- a revolutionary in some kind of governmental power. It's not lost on me that that you can't really know or understand a person's performance in that kind of role until they are in it. So, this could simply be a leap of faith. I do know that Obama lived in Chicago at one point, where he organized efforts to improve inner city poverty through a local church. Sounds like I do have something in common with him.
There are issues that make my heart break, I have heard Obama address them on multiple occasions. Mainly, the black death of horrible disease and tragedy in Africa. I heard Obama talk about his grandmother (who lives in Kenya) once, and he teared up talking about the terribleness that has overrun that continent, just like I always do. Maybe it's not "well rounded" or "very informed" of me to vote based on this single issue. I get that, it's also not "well rounded" or "very informed" of me to NOT vote for him solely based on his views on abortion. (Which I think is one issue a president ABSOLUTELY cannot change by them self -- that supreme court thing will hang you up every time!)
There are other issues that he's brought up that I care deeply about too. Things that I can't change on my own, but need a movement of people to get behind, and ones that I haven't heard any other candidate mention. Whether it's the poverty exposed by Katrina, the genocide in Darfur, or the role of faith in our politics, Barack Obama continues to speak out on the issues that will define America in the 21st century.
Like I said in my previous post, this is right for me, right now. It may not be right for you, and that's okay. Thankfully, no one is going to keep you from voting.
Being at the Apartheid Museum in South Africa in 2006 gave me a whole new appreciation for voting. Mainly, it was the account of our tour guide who said that while she waited in a line that stretched on for miles to vote for the first time, she wasn't sure if she would be killed at any moment. She wasn't sure if it was all a trick by the white South Africans, or if it was real. But, she was willing to put her life on the line to vote. I'll never take voting for granted again.
8 comments:
You told us: "... while she waited in a line that stretched on for miles to vote for the first time, she wasn't sure if she would be killed at any moment. She wasn't sure if it was all a trick by the white South Africans, or if it was real. But, she was willing to put her life on the line to vote."
Wow. Wow. Wow. That's powerful. That has changed my way of looking at my personal voting as well. As you stated, I'll never take it for granted again either.
This has really had an impact on me, Rachel, and I thank you.
(Completely unrelated, the word verification to post this was zlova -- I'm gonna tell Jeff that -- I am Zee Lova!!! hahaha)
Cool Rachel!
It's cool to see your thought process on this. I too am excited for CHANGE.
I like Obama best too. I didn't want to be swayed by what he said about Africa and poverty because he didn't have a lot of answers, just caring and some action. But then, that's what it takes isn't it? I remember those teen moms mired in poverty and racial issues caring enough about you and your future to council you when you were nine to enjoy being a child as log as possible. I'm proud of the way you are returning the favor by helping children in Africa and Cincinatti eke out a little more childhood. I'm voting for Obama too. Love, Mom
You seem to be pro-life since you brought up the issue of abortion. I would disagree that the President has little to do with abortion. Five justices on the Supreme Court are over the age of 68 meaning that the next President will appoint two or three justices. That is not at all insignificant.
While Obama certainly has charisma and a seemingly positive disposition, let us not forget that the next President will continue to face Islamic fundamentalism. This is not some imagined threat. Osama bin Laden has stated that his goal is to see millions of dead Americans. I think that experience certainly does matter when selecting a commander-in-chief.
Don't get the wrong idea though. I'm all for helping those in need. But is it the government's place to redistribute wealth? Taxing you more will allow you to spend even less on charity. Obama has made it clear that he intends to raise taxes. Government is designed to protect freedom, not play Robin Hood.
The final point that I'll make is that President Bush has not gotten enough credit for the things that he has done vis a vis Africa. Bush has spent more on African aid (particularly regarding AIDS) than any U.S. president in history. If you follow that same line of thinking, it isn't to hard to imagine the justice in removing Hussein from Iraq after he butchered tens of thousands of Kurds.
I would encourage you to give a look at McCain. The man was held captive for five and a half years in a Vietnamese prison yet still had the forgiveness in his heart to push for normalizing relations with Vietnam. He has all of the qualities that we need for a President, even though he isn't young and doesn't have a catchy slogan (Yes We Can - which incidentally is a knock off of "Si, Se Puede" by Cesar Chavez).
noted. =)
So cool. I love the title of this post (did you get that from the bumper sticker?). :o) I, too, am really excited about the ideas and passion that Obama brings to this candidacy. I have been supporting him before he even decided to run. I am scared for him, though, as he reminds me so much of Bobby Kennedy. It seems like people with great ideas and passion for change end up being assasinated in our world. It has been so long since this has happened, though. But still...I'm afraid for him. And the fact that he is African American makes me even more nervous...just knowing that there are still stupid people in this world that hate people because of the color of their skin. I *really* hope my worries are unfounded...but I just have a bad feeling. I would LOVE to see Obama be our next president. Let's see what happens! :o)
http://www.tnr.com/politics/story.html?id=76832a5a-4c74-41f1-98b7-82f6b74638b8
“Change” looks good on a bumper sticker and might make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside, but simply espousing the need for change will not protect you from the jihadists that want to kill you, your family, and every member of your community and country no matter what side of the political isle they stand. These are the same people that Obama says we should have a dialog with. How do you start a dialog with a person whose belief system starts with “all American pigs should die”?
As a self professed Christian do you believe that it is your obligation to research a candidate before you throw your support behind them? Besides national security, do you even know what Obama’s worldview is? Where does he stand on abortion? On bioethics? Judicial issues? Family and parental rights? Protecting and promoting marriage? Religious liberty? Homosexuality and special rights? Securing our borders? And as a previous poster mentioned how will Obama pay for all of his socialized government mandated and managed plans? How much of your income are you willing to forego to support his plans?
If you are going to get involved you better get informed, no matter what party or candidate you support. Don’t simply fall in line like a lemming mesmerized by a cult of personality. A good place to start your research is a simple voter’s guide available at http://downloads.frcaction.org/EF/EF08B09.pdf
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