Election Day

As most of you know, I do not take part in voting, elections, or politics in general. I suppose at this point in my life, you could say it is for religious reasons; however, before I took my religious stand I didn't take part in things things either. I just don't believe that one candidate is better, good, or well qualified than the other. Each candidate puts different things on the table but they all (and I express this on a local level as well as the presidency) ultimately stand for things that I can't put myself in the mix of...and that's that.

This is my personal opinion and yes, I am entitled to it--just as anyone else is entitled to theirs. I don't judge those who do take part in all of the hoopla...it's just not for me. There will always be people out there that will judge me for having this specific opinion. That's okay. If it weren't, one could say that I was the judgemental one, I suppose. I just know what is right for me and where I stand. That really is not a bad thing. :)

I will say that I will be SO happy when this is all said and done. From the television ads to the roadside signs...to the daily discussions at the workplace to the radio announcers that rack my nerves. I'm ready for it to just be over with. I've had all of the mud-slinging I can hack for four years.

Regarding the presidential election: the most aggravating thing about this election has been the religious undertone that is the primary factor here in what I lovingly refer to as, "The Baptist Belt". This really has played a lot in my discussions with other people and has affected me personally. For the record: I do not salute the American flag and I do not recite the Pledge of Allegiance. As a matter of fact, I do not pledge allegiance to any country or any man for that matter. My allegiance is to my God and Him alone.

The day I was born in 1975 was the day in which I became an American citizen. I know that I enjoy a certain lifestyle that is largely due to where I was born and I know what took place to get those luxuries I am used to. However, there are people in other countries that enjoy the same (often more) luxuries and they didn't have to slaughter innocent people to get it. Understand...I am not "Anti-American" by any means. I am simply not "Pro-American" or "America-is-better-than-everyone-else" either.

After all, I am an American and most of the peole I know and love are American as well. I do not believe that we are any better than the citizens of any other country. My belief is that we are all created equal and this whole idea of "God Bless America and no one else" goes completely against what Jesus taught and against what I wholeheartedly believe in.

That being said, to state that someone is or is not an American citizen based upon their religious stand is completely unconstititional. Remember that whole, "Freedom of Religion" thing? That still applies as far as I know. Therefore you are American by birthright or you are sworn in as an American citizen. Your religion has nothing to do with your citizenship and it shouldn't. This is one of the things this country was founded on. So many take pride in that and yet want to use it against others when it's convenient.

That goes for ethnicity also. There are many Chinese-Americans and Japanese-Americans and God knows---how many of us would be considered Americans if only those who were Native Americans qualified? The founding fathers so many hold dear--they themselves wouldn't be considered Americans if this logic applied.

So there you go. That should last me about four years. Whatever happens in the end will directly affect me, yes. But honestly, it will affect me either way as a citizen of this country. Some say if I don't vote I can't complain. These are the people that say if you aren't trying to do something about it then sit down and shut up.

Enter in freedom of speech. If you are going to support everything American you cannot deny the rights of the American Constitution. Some could say that I "pick and choose" certain freedoms granted by the Constitution to my benefit. But let's paint a clearer picture: those are my birthrights and are there for me to use as an American citizen--like it or not. I don't mean that to be smug. That is just how it is as a matter of fact.

The truth is, I try not to opinionate publicly about the problems and / or the issues we have in this country for that very reason. Many people cannot see where I am coming from and this is the response I often get from them. From my eyes, I'm stating things the way I see them. Just because I do not cast my vote in a voting booth does not mean that I am not entitled to a personal opinion and/or point of view. I don't believe the election of any new president will solve all of those problems...or even come close for that matter. I believe that only one thing will solve all of those things and that is what I put my hope and faith in every day.

So may God Bless EVERYONE...no matter who you are. :)