The 2016 Presidential Election hasn’t been conducive to my wellbeing. I think it is unfortunate how divided our country has become and how absurd this election has turned out to be. I have been holding off on a political post for some time and am going to do my very best not to evoke the wrath of the internet or the ire of my family and friends of all different points of view. I regret that I am even writing this now. But I feel like I need to say a few things.
First and foremost I want to lay out what the available options are. Barring an act of God, either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will be the next President of The United States of America. That said, it does seem like an act of God might be possible, however, in all reality we have two diametrically opposed, unprecedented, much hated, borderline criminal (depending on who you ask, plain CRIMINAL!), and very eccentric, powerful and rich candidates that are duking it out until the very end who’s unrelenting and progressively dubious power-plays are degrading and separating peoples across the board. I pray that their exertions of power don’t do irreparable damage and that We the people will eventually come together, if not in ideology or leaning, than in an understanding of love and goodwill despite our differences. You might say that there are things to stand and fight for. I agree. But even when we stand and fight, we will lose regardless of our principles if we do not hold one principle above the rest and have love for even our enemies. Keep that in mind.
I know people on all sides of this equation. I know people who are going to vote third party. In truth, I do not know who I am voting for just yet, and I know people who are greatly concerned about who I am going to vote for. But to be sure, I am going to vote. I know that early voting has already started and many of you might have already cast your vote. But I have listed a few things below that I think are essential to do in any election but are very pertinent in this one.
1. Vote. There seems to be some ideas out there that voting is a waste of time and that your vote doesn’t really count. I will vehemently oppose this stand point. It is important that you cast a vote. Every citizen should consider this an important duty to their country. Please vote, even if you write someone in that isn't on the ballot. Just vote. Your vote does matter. Even if the election is completely rigged (it’s not) you should make it a priority to vote. Your vote does count, and it is important on principle alone. If you’
2. What The United States is. Regardless of who you vote for, I am pleading with you at this time, to, if you don’t already own a copy, purchase and read The Constitution of the United States, The Declaration of Independence and The Bill of Rights. These documents are, after all, the reason we are holding this election. Please remember the words of these documents as you consider your vote. We would have none of the immense blessings that we do were it not for the men and women who sacrificed all they had for the institutions outlined in these founding documents. Every principle in them is important to our very identify as Americans, citizens of the United States. Please read them. Please own a copy of them. You can get them on Amazon for a very fair price. And, as well, here is a link to the transcripts of these documents, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs
3. Principles matter. How is someone supposed to make an ethical decision when it seems that corruption is running rampant? What is to be done? Well, I want to address two camps. The first camp belongs to those who don’t abide by any religious practices. To you I assert that it is your obligation, when considering who you should vote for, to weigh every sentence of the constitution against the principles asserted by each candidate. And then make it your duty to be as informed as possible. However, if you are god-fearing, then it is your added responsibility to take into consideration the will of God in this election. Pray for an answer. If that is not enough, fast for an answer. And as surely as God lives you will receive an answer as to whom you should vote for. I make explicit mention that this is your added responsibility. Likewise you need to know the founding documents, and be a informed as possible on the issues.
4. Be informed. To say the least, if you are beholden to one media outlet and one only, then I would argue that you are not staying informed. Regularly watch multiple news networks. Why? So you, for one, stay informed as to your opponents arguments, and for two, aren't lulled into an abyss of one-sidedness and prolific bias.
5. Love. What can I say more? Vote for who you will. Stand up for who you believe in. Have convictions and live by principles. But be willing to change. Have an open heart and love your enemies. And be readily willing to forgive. These humble, yet invariably difficult principles to remember and embody will guarantee that no matter what happens in the world, that you will find yourself progressing in the right direction and ultimately influence the direction of the world itself. Can any argue otherwise?
6. The outcome. I have a general sense that some think that the end of the world will begin if their candidate doesn’t win the Presidency. I am going to go out on a limb and suggest that this won’t be the case. No matter what happens you will be alright. Focus on the good. Do good. And live your life.
Early voting has already started in some areas. I think, in Utah at least, that tomorrow (November 1) is the last day you can register to vote. Find out the times and locations for when and where you can vote. Just Google “How to Vote” for all the info you need.
Thank you.