Appreciating Differences

I have never been one to get into politics. For the most part, I don't understand it all, and think a large majority of the people we elect are certainly not living what they are preaching. Far too often it appears that those seeking an election for any office, (Senator, Representative, Judge, Town Mayor) say the things necessary to get elected, things that show they are "for the people" and then push their own opinions once in their desired position. Maybe that is the way it is supposed to be, but is doesn't sit well with me. People who stand up in Congress and read newspapers and magazines to waste time don't deserve my money. People like Al Gore who spend millions of dollars to push a topic he is passionate about - Global Warming - to thus win him the Nobel Peace prize, where he urges us to take colder showers, ride bikes, and use less air conditioning all the while has several houses twice the size of any person I know and refuses to cut back on what he is doing doesn't deserve my applause either.

I look at this presidential race and one person stands out clearly in my mind. I can't possibly see why others would consider the other opponents. I've felt this way for the past two presidential elections that I've had the wonderful opportunity to vote. I see the issues I am passionate about, and have very clear objectives and opinions in, and the other candidates are completely off the spectrum from what I value.

To break the murky waters, I think John McCain is hands down, the best candidate. I think he has talked the talk, certainly walked the walk, and will continue to do so. I don't see him looking for status, power, or recognition. I feel strongly he is running for president to make America the best it can be. I don't for a second think Obama or Clinton don't want what is best for this country, yet I have a very difficult time seeing that they aren't searching for that status and glorification first. Being the first Black or Female president of the World's Greatest Country says something. Your name will be written in history. Does that idea cloud reason or judgement?

I've got a great friend of mine, one of my groomsmen during my wedding, who thinks Obama is the best man for the job. I love my friend and we've been buds for a long time, but I can't understand where he is coming from. I don't know how to appreciate our differences in opinions. I don't even know how to evaluate them.

I fear that people in my age group look at the candidates who speak their language and say the things they want to hear, when in reality the candidate has a completely different agenda to push. Their track record of voting, the people they associate with, and they statements they've said in the past, for some reason never make people look twice. I believe people can change, and everyone has made mistakes in their past, and will continue to do so, but if a person's voting record, lifestyle, and history differ from what is being portrayed now, isn't that cause for concern?

I don't know how to value opinions different from mine. I don't know how to even understand them, or "step in their shoes" because they don't make sense. Yet at the same time, I am wise enough to know they probably look at the me the same way. How do I watch someone get elected, who I fear will change this country for the worse, and not have an "I told you so attitude?"

These are the things I wrestle with. I guess I must do my part, vote for who I think is best, and realize God is in control and he knows what is best for us, either in the immediate, or in the long run.