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Friday, September 28, 2012

Religion and Politics: In My Opinion . . .

With fellow Precinct Delegate at registration table
Christians don't have the option to walk away from the political arena. When believers neglect involvement in the political process, government is manipulated by the loudest voices – and in our society, those voices are too often shouting support for agendas contrary to the Word of God. 

Citizenship is our duty – to protect and preserve the principles in our Constitution that govern our nation. This begins at the ballot box. That’s why it’s so important voters are EDUCATED and PARTICIPATE! That is also the reason I was recently involved in organizing a "Christian Voter Information and Registration Drive" at my church.  

PARTY POLITICS       
Undoubtedly, politics is not fun or interesting for everyone (and by election day, we're probably all tired of the rhetoric.) There is no denying there are unseemly aspects of politics or the fact that everyone looks at the world through the lens of their our own views and special interests. In political parties – as in all organizations that carry great power, money or influence – there will be those who attempt to garner those resources for personal gain. But, my friend, we can’t throw out the baby with the bathwater. 

We are blessed to live in a country where our founding fathers carefully established a representative democracy in which citizens have the privilege and opportunity to vote for those representing them in government. Although I am a  very active Republican, my goal goes beyond promoting a party. I am working diligently to see people of integrity elected who will work to defend and support the things most important to me. 

Today we are talking about religion and politics. For me, if a party or candidate stands for biblical principles, that’s the one who will receive my vote. In the future I'll post some information on the history of the Republican party; but for now, I ask you to consider the moral issues at stake in this election.


We need to understand where parties and candidates stand on issues of abortion, traditional family, gender roles, religious freedom and even establishing huge programs that create government dependency. Where does a party or candidate stand regarding a strong national defense and national sovereignty (governing ourselves instead of giving control to the world powers like the U.N.)? Does the candidate or party keep God's name in their platform, or are they humanistic in their philosophies? Pro-God or pro-man?

WHAT'S THE GOAL?

The ultimate and very personal question each of us must answer is, "Which candidates best represent my faith and my concerns as a Christian?"

In considering evangelical Christians alone, of the 60 million professing this faith, only 30 million are registered and voting. What a difference we might see in our nation if Christians of all denominations would simply register and participate in the election process. 


Citizenship is stewardship. Let's be good stewards of America, the Beautiful . . . from sea to shining sea . . . crowning our greatness with goodness . . . always remembering that righteousness exalts a nation (Proverbs 14:34). Thanks for sharing a bit of your time with me today.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Rule of Law

In addition to social/moral concerns, two of the most important determining factors for deciding which judge(s) to vote for are their positions on "rule of law" and the constitution. Here's a great article:
http://www.fff.org/freedom/0892a.asp

Michigan Ballot Issues

Looking for information on Michigan's Ballot Issues. This is provided by a referral from the State of Michigan website to the Citizens Research Council.
http://www.crcmich.org/election/index.html

Good Information

Informative article on Obama's views on REDISTRIBUTION. Written by Michigan Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville.
http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20120925/OPINION01/209250324/1007/rss07

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

In my book, character counts -- even in politics! We can discuss that in another post; but today, let's look at another important issue facing voters.

REGARDLESS of our opinions on the MOTIVES or CHARACTER of our presidential candidates, I hope as we complete our ballots this November we each give serious consideration to this question:

Are we, as a nation or as individuals, better off under Barak Obama's presidency?

Did you know FOOD STAMP usage reached a record 46.7 million people this June? I'm not slamming the program, but the statistic begs the question, "Why do more people need food stamps than ever before?"

At the same time, our NATIONAL DEBT has risen to over $136,000 per person. That's up 50 percent! The United States Treasury reported the total public outstanding debt has gone over the $16 trillion mark for the first time in our nation's history. That's up $5.4 trillion since Obama took office.

 Even Democratic Governor Martin O'Malley, considered a possible contender for president in 2016, is on record stating the American PEOPLE ARE NOT BETTER OFF today than they were four years ago.

Mitt Romney is running for president to CREATE A BETTER FUTURE!

Here are some of the highlights of his plans:
  • Create 12 million new jobs (he has the experience to do it) 
  • Gain energy independence (have you seen the price of gas?) 
  • Give citizens the skills and education they need - every child a choice and every child a chance
  • Make trade work for America with new trade agreements and consequences for cheaters. 
  • Assure every entrepreneur and job creator their investments in America won't vanish by cutting the deficit and putting America on track to a balanced budget
  • Champion small businesses 
  • Repeal and replace Obamacare 
  • No tax increases on the middle class 
  • No "talking" with dictators or "walking" from commitments -- more loyalty and backbone on issues of defense 
  • Honor American ideals instead of apologizing for them.

President Obama promised to begin to slow the rise of the oceans and heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family. - Mitt Romney

Remember, my friend, we are not electing a pastor or motivational speaker. We are electing to office the person most qualified to lead our country and get this derailed train back on track to a brighter tomorrow.

Thanks for reading . . . and voting . . . and engaging in this election. Volunteer. Give. Promote. Do your part. Let's unite for the United States of America!
Heading off to the the Michigan State Republican Convention this weekend in Grand Rapids. Yes, these are fun and interesting . . . but also involve careful consideration. We will be voting on:

The election of 16 Presidential Electors

The nomination of of three
Michigan Supreme Court Justices
Incumbent for Full Term – 1 Slot: Stephen J. Markman
Incumbent to Fulfill Partial Term – 1 Slot: Brian Zahra
Non-Incumbents for Full Term – 1 Slot: Jane Markey or Colleen O’Brien

The nomination of  2 members each of the following:
The State Board of Education
Todd A. Courser
Nancy Danhof
Paul Garon
Melanie A. Kurdys

Wayne State University Board of Governors
Michael J. Busuito
Satish B. Jasti

Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Melanie Foster
Anne Norlander
Jeff Sakwa

University of Michigan Board of Regents
Carol Ann Fausone
Dan Horning
Charles William Kauffman
Rob Steele