Yesterday I started to write a post that I intended to be a politically neutral post. I intended to show some differences in the parties and their candidates without really endorsing either one.
I didn't get very far. This is what I had written when I stopped:
I've been listening to the some of speeches that were given at both of the major party conventions.
If I didn't know better, I'd say that the parties were nominating candidates to run for president of two very different countries.
One party painted a dismal picture of a country that is torn from within.
The other acknowledged problems, but painted a picture of strength and hope for all.
For some time, I have felt that the fear being spread if one party's candidate is elected over the other is a poor motivator to get people to favor one candidate over the other. To a certain extent, both parties are doing this. However, one is painting a dismal picture of the current state of our country while the other paints a picture of what will come.
I've already heard stories of people needing to stock up on ammunition and firearms because if Hillary wins, she'll take away our guns! (Hmmm, I think I heard that same fear mongering lie eight years ago.) I don't know if it is more disturbing that people want to run out the same lies again, or that the same people that believed them eight years ago will believe them again.
At this point, I realized that I wasn't going to be able to be neutral.
The truth is -- I have absolutely no respect for this year's Republican candidate and even have a difficult time having any respect for anyone that supports him. I am so disappointed that the leaders of the party are placing party loyalty ahead of their citizenship loyalty. It makes me sad that President Bush (W) wonders if he will be the last Republican President.
If there is one thing good about the Trump candidacy, it is that, perhaps, it has brought the Democrats to the point of recognizing the value of some moderate and conservative beliefs, while holding to the party stance of social protections for the neediest elements of our society.
The DNC looked as much like a National Rally as it did a party convention.
Speakers were of diverse backgrounds. There were men and women, Republicans as well as Democrats, police officers and family members of some that were killed by police officers. There were veterans and and family members of servicemen that died in the line of duty. Different races and religions were represented. The strength and greatness of our country was mentioned over and over.
In the past, I have often looked at the differences between parties and candidates and thought that each side loved our country but had different ideas of how it should be run. I don't think that I feel that way about Donald Trump. I really do believe that he is so narcissistic that he is only looking out for himself. And by himself, I mean only himself. I don't think that he cares about his friends nor his family. I believe he is only concerned with himself (period)
I think the presidency is just something he wants so that he (and others) can say President Trump.
I don't think that he actually wants to serve our country. Perhaps he expects our country to serve him. I don't know, but something tells me that he thinks of the presidency more like royalty and he would be more like King Donald than President Trump.
*sigh*
I'd go on because there is much more that I could say, but this crap makes me weary. I think I'll stop for now. I'll mention (in case you didn't notice) that I haven't endorsed any candidate. It's been more of an anti-endorsement kind of post.
Since this post will appear on my social media feeds, I would invite Trump supporters (I know there are a few of you) to explain why you support him. For myself, I am interested in hearing from you and don't intend to beat you up (or unfollow you) over your decision. I encourage others to treat our differences with respect, as well.
However, my friends (and family) come from pretty diverse places and can be pretty passionate about their views. If you are thin skinned and easily offended, you may want to send me your thoughts and comments privately.
John <><
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7 comments:
Well said, John ... I like the part about the parties nominating candidates to run for president of two very different countries. I'm really interested in hearing why people justify supporting Donald Trump, and why there is so much visceral hatred for Hillary Clinton. She's not my idea of a great candidate, but neither is she the She-Devil from Hell that she's being painted by the opposition. This is a campaign season that is fact- and reality-challenged on both sides, but more on the right, which is sad when I consider myself to be a moderate economic and social conservative (and possibly the very last of them).
The older I get the more disillusioned I become with our political system. It needs an upgrade. A national primary. I'm tired of Iowa picking our candidates. Or maybe rotate a 10 state initial primary through all 50 states over the years.
Hillary is untrustworthy; but The Donald can be trusted to do the wrong, stupid thing. He's an ass; but a dangerous one.
I like Mike's ideas. Nuts to Iowa!
Yes, I think the primary systems of both parties need help. The GOP really hurt itself with the winner take all states, especially with so many candidates in the early primaries. They ended up with Trump getting a significant number of votes, though far less than a majority of votes, and taking a whole state's delegates. He got all of the extreme votes and the rest split up the more moderate votes.
Although it would be difficult for campaigning candidates, a National Primary Day would allow each state to vote on the entire slate of candidates on the same day and not just the ones not eliminated by previous states' primaries.
As it is presently, Iowa and NH have a disprportionate amount of clout
I enjoyed reading your posts. I vote all the time but I can't support Hillary or Donald for the reasons you just mentioned. Many of our brothers and sisters in Christ will vote both ways and we need to show God's grace and love towards them. Back in the 1970's some believers would say you are not a Christian if you smoke and drink; now we have come to the point where some might say "how can you be a Christian if you vote for "so and so.' I agree that we need to be involved and please don't quit being involved. We need Christians in politics to keep our country free for the sake of the gospel and support of Israel. I pray that people will become passionate about the good news of Jesus Christ. John, keep up the good work in sharing the Gospel. I am praying for you and Chris.
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