Tuesday; November 6

          Today is the day many of us have been looking forward to for a while.  Not only it is election day, it is also the last day for political ads – maybe some honesty and civility can return to our society.  As I think about elections I am intrigued by how important they to some people and how personal they seem to take it.  Unfortunately, that has translated into a blindness that seems to overwhelm the Biblical admonition, “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” (Colossians 4:6).
          As we prepare for the post-election life together, let’s remember a few basic principles:
1)  As members of a free and open society, we all have the right to speak our mind and vote our conscience.  Just because you disagree with me doesn’t make you a bad (or ignorant person).  Our political system is based on the principle that the people effected by the process should have a voice in the process.  Debate and disagreements should be encouraged because that is often the best way to discover the best answer.  We all lose when we can no longer discuss controversial issues with respect.
2)  We come from diverse backgrounds with different perspectives of what is important to us.  The political parties have tried to define what they stand for but, we will not agree with everything any of the candidates believe.  We can only do the best we can do to support the person who represents the things that are most important to us.  Often, we tend to view one issue as the basis of our support of a party or person.  Let’s remember that another person’s primary issue might differ from ours, so let’s try to understand rather than embarrass or belittle others.
3)  Treat each other with respect no matter who they support.  Labels have a tendency to polarize us.  If we are good, moral people going into the polling booth, we are going to be good moral people when we come out of there – no matter which ballot we mark.  
          Think About It! 

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