Friday, October 4, 2024

A Dangerous Election

 

As a follower of Christ, I don’t proclaim faith in policies, politicians, or the promises offered by such. These are not worthy of my faith. Only One is worthy. Yet, with discernment and the understanding that I’m not voting for a savior, I will vote. If there is danger in my decision, so be it. Danger is inevitable, and perhaps more so if my decision is to offer no vote at all. I’ve heard that 40% of evangelical Christians will not vote in the presidential election. That is dangerous.

Here are some dangerous provocations about, let’s say, the super-rich champion of patriotism:

…the twice-impeached former president, now also a convicted felon and adjudicated rapist, demonstrated that, since leaving office, he has become only more vindictive and deranged.     

           from Commonwealth Newsletter

Donald Trump is spreading a dangerous mental illness to his supporters.                                

           from Raw Story Newsletter

…are ready to declare that President Trump, whose actions are often described with neutral terms like “unprecedented,” is in fact dangerously ill.    

            from a bunch of Yale psychiatrists

I could go on—there is no end to it.


But danger crosses party lines. Here are a few statements about, let’s say, the middle-class champion of the future:

Far from improving outcomes by “reimagining” public safety, Harris’ approach to law enforcement would endanger our communities, continue to imperil the law enforcement profession, and place the interests of law-abiding Americans squarely behind those of the criminally convicted.    

            from America First Policy Institute

Harris was a dangerous authoritarian with an unlimited appetite for power who displayed contempt for the Constituton and no regard for the rights, dignity, faith, or reputations of anyone in her way.  

             from National Review

[Senator] Cotton added: “Kamala Harris is a dangerous liberal. She makes Joe Biden look competent and moderate by contrast.”    

              from The Guardian

Again, there is no end to the reproach. But opinions are just that, facts are facts, and the slant is obvious. As for the VP’s, let’s say, the backwoods boy and the old mega liberal: Not that Vance and Walz run in the danger-free lane, but considering their recent debate, maybe the presidential candidates should just stop talking and let their VPs address the public. Seriously, enough with the superfluous quips and the word salad.

Does this election matter? The whole world is in a heap, and the President of the United States can’t fix it. That’s no excuse to skip the vote. Maybe somebody can uphold the Constitution, for the present. Maybe life (all of it), liberty (without fear of oppression), and the pursuit of happiness (not to be denied or taken away) will stir another generation. Maybe there is someone who could preserve America’s standing in the world a little longer—one who might suppress the rousing of WWIII. Maybe economic disaster can be avoided. Maybe we can mend the slippery grasp on our property, our profit, our rights, and our freedom. Maybe. But I’m not putting my faith in it.

Nevertheless, my faith tells me to pray for our leaders, and, if possible, to live at peace with all people. That may, in dangerous times, become very difficult, but I choose to trust and obey. No matter the outcome.

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