Ballot Box Blues
Well, the election is a few days out and like most Americans, I am incredibly disenchanted with our choices. No matter who wins the Presidency it appears that America loses. I’m not usually one who is ambivalent when it comes politics, quite the opposite, I know my own mind, but this is probably the most disheartened I have ever felt with the political process. Conspiracy theories aside, no matter who wins this election, I am reminded that one person is not the answer. Too often we Americans expect someone to swoop down and save us. George W. Bush didn’t save us and neither did Barack Obama. When will we learn?
Worst of all is how this election has exposed what a hypocritical nation this is. Those who once fought against corruption, now stand behind it as they align with their political party of choice. I am sickened to my core to see my fellow Americans scramble to defend inexcusable behavior; people I generally agree with as well as those I generally disagree with. I find it much more admirable when someone appears to mean what they say, rather than those who change with the wind. Unfortunately, there are less and less of us who are willing to stand in the gap. We are becoming a nation of zombies and there but for the grace of God, go I.
Like ripping off a band aid, I’ll be happy when the election is over and we can get on with our lives. No, we probably won’t be any better off, but at least we can stop bickering with our friends and neighbors. We can stop obsessing over every poll and every accusation the other side levels against the other. I am exhausted with the political game…it’s not one you can ever truly win. Those in power will continue to act in accordance with self-interest, let us down with their inability to deliver their promises, and slow down their agenda as the next election draws near. Things will only truly begin to change when we as citizens begin to change. After all, is not our nominees a reflection of who we are as a people? This is what we voted for…and will continue to vote for as long as the person has a D or an R next to their name.
Of course I wholeheartedly believe in standing up for what is right and defending those too weak to stand up for themselves, but too often we create an invisible enemy and fight tooth and nail against those who support them. We destroy relationships with people we have loved and cared for without an ounce of patience or effort to lovingly persuade them in our direction. We argue publicly on social media forums and throw out bitter accusations and name-calling. I myself have been guilty of it as well in the past, but I am learning in time who the real enemy is, and as men continue to fail us, I learn more of where our HOPE is truly found. It is there that I place my vote. And while I certainly encourage people to go to the polls, even more so we should go to our knees in prayer. If not for our sake, but for the sake of future generations.
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” -Ephesians 6:12
