The Father Speaks...

On the Topic of the Upcoming Election

I have listened to the political rhetoric throughout the campaign, since it began more than a year ago. I have reviewed the candidates, their platforms, their voting records, their personal lives, at least as much as is available to the public.

Barack Obama is first one that I must reject. Not because he is a Democrat but rather his plan for the future of this nation is in total opposition to the principles and morals that we hold dear.

John McCain must also be rejected. He is a loose cannon as has been demonstrated in the senate throughout his political career. I applaud him for his service to the country while in the military. I doubt many of us would have resisted “talking” to our captors much (or any) better than he did while a POW. But as far as his voting record in the senate, it falls far short of what is acceptable as far as the values we proclaim to hold. There is NO WAY that I would vote for him!!!

My recommendation would be for Chuck Baldwin of the Constitutional Party. Everything I have heard and read about this man points to him being a man of principle and integrity. I may not agree with him on all issues but there are relatively few that I would consider bones of contention. He has my vote.

WAIT. A new angle has come into the equation. One that I have not expected. Sarah Palin, John McCain's choice for Vice President. This took me totally by surprise. She is incredible. She is the only one with executive experience with 2 years as Governor of Alaska. She is a faithful wife, mother of five, dedicated and above all she claims to be a conservative Bible believing Christian. With her as vice president, McCain will be able to pull in many women voters who would not vote for him otherwise. She is what they have been screaming for. But, there are many men who would not vote for him also. Well, he found his ticket to their votes as well. He has mine. With her as VP, McCain will have all the attributes that are lacking in his own abilities, character and conviction. The perfect compliment to his hopeful presidency. Well, maybe I WILL vote for Sarah Palin ...uh ...I mean John McCain.

How could I change my mind so quickly and without reservation, you ask?. That is the question I am asking about many who have entered into the very scenario I have illustrated above. What I am about to post is not to convince those who have supported John McCain prior to Sarah Palin's entry into to the race to change their vote. Their mind was made up a long time ago. My intent is to focus on those that are now considering voting for McCain because of Sarah Palin. I will state right off the bat that (OVERLOOKING the fact that she is a woman) from what I know about her, she is qualified and her moral character is probably better than most in the political arena, (maybe). Nevertheless, in my opinion, and understanding of scripture, she is disqualified because she is a woman.

Putting that aside, let’s get back to the above scenario. Those of you who have said, “There is no way I am voting for John McCain.” and are now considering voting for him as of August 29th. What has changed as far as Senator McCain goes? He is still the same. His views politically, personally and even religiously have not taken a turn for the better. He is the same man with the same agenda. What has changed? Only one thing and that is his choice of running mate. Sarah Palin. He knew (or at least hopes) that the potential for gaining votes from women would improve with her at his side. That is a given. Many undecided women voters, and even some liberal women, who thought Clinton should be Obama's choice for VP, may vote for McCain now. It is possible. Palin was brilliant pick on McCain's part. What is even more brilliant is being overlooked by many. The women voters who may swing their votes are very limited. They alone cannot push his candidacy over the top on election day. The factor that is being overlooked because it is so subtle is the undecided male voters. He needs as many of these votes as possible. Since choosing a woman is not an issue with McCain, he could have chosen an elderly stateswoman with equal or maybe superior qualifications. Instead he chose a woman who is much younger and who will appeal to the eye gate of many men. I think this was a very calculated and deliberate attempt to sway not just the vote, but particularly the male voter. I have yet to hear a woman switch her vote from a principled vote from a lesser candidate to McCain simply because of Palin.

I have heard many men in person and on talk shows who are switching, or seriously considering switching, to McCain just because of Palin. In effect they are holding to their original declaration “McCain – no way”. Their vote will be cast for Palin not McCain. The problem is that Palin is just the fluff. McCain, should he win, would still be president. If he has enough confrontations with Palin, the possibility of her resigning after the election is very real. If not, just think about how much or how little influence will she really have on the presidency. Not much.

Final thought. Read Proverbs. The book is about taking hold of wisdom and clinging to it. We are constantly told to avoid that which would sidetrack us from the paths of righteousness. One theme runs throughout: that we are to be wary of that which could lead us astray from wisdom. Anyone who declared they would vote their conscience and not for McCain and are standing by that statement, I applaud you. Those who have changed their minds because of Palin, consider this. Did others hear that declaration? Did your children? Your grandchildren? How about your wife? What will you tell them when they ask who you voted for? When they ask why you voted for McCain? When they ask what happened to voting your conscience or biblical principle?

This election is an important one. How you vote may or may not make a difference. Just remember, the Lord sets up rulers, kings, governors etc. and he does remove them. Our Lord is sovereign even in this election. I encourage you all to vote as you believe the Lord would have you vote. Only in obedience, regardless of the outcome, can you can look back and have no regrets.

These are just my thoughts. May the Lord bless and keep you all.

Edward Discher