Time to Put my Yard Sign Out
Published by heatherlinn October 17th, 2008 in Fun with Politics, Happy HeatherSo shall we talk politics again? Anyone else out there sick of the election? I haven’t written on the topic since our little Palin food fight, because I haven’t had anything new to say. I still find the fact of Sarah Palin’s nomination of interest, and I still can’t abide either of the presidential candidates. I thought the entertainment value of the last debate was higher than the others, but do we really feel better informed on the issue and where anyone stands? At least we know what Joe the Plumber thinks.
But I suppose I should come clean. My name is Heather, and I’m a cynic. Actually, it’s much worse than that. My name is Heather, and I’m going to vote for John McCain. There. I’ve said it. I feel much better to have it off my chest. And I can clearly remember the moment when I first suspected that I would. I was watching what seemed like an eternity of Obama-Hillary back and forths on the cable news networks. No talk of McCain. He really had a free pass going for a while. Anyway, I was listening to both Barak and Hillary talking about their exit strategies for Iraq, and for the first time in all this election hoopla, I felt real worry creeping in. I didn’t mind their anti-war stance. I’ve never been a cheerleader for it myself. What bothered me was the simplistic approach to troop withdrawal both candidates were committing to (at least verbally). Whether we should have gone over there in the first place is moot at this point. We are there now, and we can’t commit to arbitrary timelines that pay no mind to the damage we leave in our wake, especially to those Iraqis who have tied their fates to ours.
As my mind spun around in the rinse cycle of these sorts of thoughts, I almost felt embarrassed to admit to myself that my only other option is to vote for McCain. I know many of you will find that conclusion objectionable. Why vote for the lesser of the evils? Alack, alas, perhaps I lack the principals (and the principles) some of you hold dear. But at this point, I am feeling quite the pragmatist. When I look ahead to the next four to eight years, I hope for as much stability as possible for my little family. Even the glimmer of a chance of Roe falling is seductive. And I want a foreign policy that deals with the reality of the militant Islamic world. And on top of that, I also want my taxes to stay sane.
Does this mean I like John McCain. No. But for the office of President I do like him light years better than his opponent, Barack Obama. And while the yard signs aren’t going up in front of the house (and I still yawn most every time he opens his mouth), I am becoming more comfortable with my decision and more confident that it is a responsible one.
Since you seem to get quite a few highly passionate replies, I thought I’d let you know that I’ve loved reading your political posts because you are willing to publicly state what you are thinking through. As a fellow sometimes cynic and pragmatist, your posts have made me smile. Thanks
My political sign would say “Confused ‘08″
Not, of course, because I’m teetering between Obama and McCain, but because I don’t know if I should cast my worthless vote in symbolic protest of Obama or cast my worthless vote in symbolic protest of McCain. I live in the cheerleading proud-of-our-homeboy state of IL, so I know where the state is going. Maybe my symbolic protest will be hiding under the covers of the bed with a good book pretending politics doesn’t exist.
I’m right there with you, Heather.
Light years better.
Ditto that.
I’ll say it again…light years!
so is your yard sign going in the backyard?
The few times I’ve seen Barak Obama, I’ve been struck with a sense of arrogance and coldness. He has a thin veneer of elegance, but he strikes me as reptilian. And right below the surface is a seething hatred for all things “white”, which would include the whole spectrum of what God would call good. He frightens me more than anyone who’s run for political office in all my voting years. Your sentiments were not wasted on me!
I like your spunk Heather!
It sure helps matters for me that Senator McCain winked at me in the Capitol building.
I was deeply disturbed when I watched him debating with Obama and he was winking at other people. The nerve!!!!
I thought he thought I was special. I was just another lady riding the underground trolley all the politicians ride to get from one end of the building to the other. How depressing. To say the least, I am sick of politics too.
I enjoyed this post.
But think…if ALL the people who were “settling” chose NOT to settle but rather, to take a stand…
there would be some pretty powerful and shocked reactions. From ALL sides.
Thank you, Heather for being bold enough to post stuff like this. It’s fun to read!
I guess I’m even too cynical to vote McCain, but we are putting signs up for the first time ever. Not for a candidate, but for the California proposition that hopefully puts judges back in their place and keeps people from marrying their car, or dog, or cat, or whatever else they might feel like.
Does anyone have to put signs up in Idaho? It’s never been that much of a swing state…Growing up there and watching the election on TV I always hated that they called Idaho for the Republican candidate before our polls even closed!
We have a friend who observed that the idea of voting on principle vs pragmatism is a false dichotomy. His principles have him voting for his favorite candidate in the primary. When it comes to the national election, damage control is his guiding principle. Makes sense to me.
My yard sign says McCain ;)!
How refreshing that everyone is playing nice so far!
Brittany, Moscow, Idaho is Obamaland when it comes to signs. I don’t think McCain supporters are feeling the need to shout from the rooftops like their counterparts. I also suspect that I’m not alone in my vote against Obama does not translate into yipee-yahoo support for McCain.
Helen, I concur with your friend’s guiding principle for the most part. Though I’m glad I’m not faced with a vote between Obama and Giuliani. Yuck.
Rebecca (and anyone else who cares to answer), what does “taking a stand” look like in this case? And who’d be watching that stand? At this stage of the game, someone is going to be elected. I’d like to think if my vote as not merely settling for McCain but rather taking a proactive stand against most everything Obama is for.
I was so glad to read your last sentence. We need to not only look at McCain and all his shortcomings and differences that we would like to change, but all the more look at Obama and see what we are voting against. I know that the Bible commands us to “fear not” again and again, but envisioning Obama being sworn in causes fear to grip my heart. Therefore, when I think long and hard about Obama and all he stands for and would fight for, I see McCain as our hero. Almost. Somewhat.
Also, as much as I cannot skip light-heartedly to the voting booth, I can go and I will proudly go. I feel so strongly that it is not only our priveldge but out duty to those who have fought so hard for that priveldge.
We live in interesting times. It is so good to know the One that knows it all and ultimately His plan will come about! Praise God!!
Oops! Privilege.
Well said!
Heather- I agree with you whole-heartedly on all that you you have said in this post, and older ones.
But, I do wonder if it is different for those of us who live in a “blue” state- our vote won’t matter anyway, right? So, shouldn’t I vote my ideals? I could pick the no-shot 3rd party candidate of the constitution party, or write in the not-running-anymore Ron Paul.
I just got my ballot in the mail today. Thank you for blogging your thoughts for us!
I would love to be able to quit thinking (uh- obsessing) about politics. Only a couple more weeks!
Yard sign ideas -
“Vote For Change… in your own pocket!”
“Joe the Plumber 2008″
“When is the last time the Gov’t proved that it could handle its money?! Stop feeding its addiction!”
“If You Want Socialism…MOVE! (Think Cuba)”
“Redistributing wealth? Did you think that they meant giving it to YOU?! AHAHAHAAHA!”
“Funny how it’s the Kennedys, Clintons, Obamas that want the wickedly rich to be taxed! Hmm”
I bet that the media wouldn’t put my signs on the news especially after being burnt by Joe’s interview. That was so good! It was great to see the media squirm! It’s a wonder that the cameras kept rolling.
I think it’s important for us to remind ourselves that God is not a Republican….or a Democrat.
Your views “against” Obama reveal the horrible element in
right-wing religion. “Your God” is most certainly ashamed of you.
You best repent, and get used to Barack, for he will indeed be your new leader. I’ll pray for all of you.
Well, I admit it; I’m not voting this year. The time and hassle it would take to get a ballot to where I live… it’s just not even worth thinking about. And I also admit that when the people here ask me who I’m voting for, it is an easy way to stay out of a debate .
That said, I appreciate the people who are thinking not only of the U.S. but also of how our presidency affects the countries in the world. I admit that the stance on Iraq is one of the most important issues for me and I’m glad there are people who share that concern.
Margaret,
So I don’t know that you’ve chosen the best way to begin a conversation. I welcome your thoughts but perhaps next post you could add some actual points to discuss (and I mean that in all seriousness, with a smile on my face).
My “views ‘against’ Obama” are fairly simple and they are based on what I’ve heard him say and his voting record. All the misc. Obama news (whether you view them as truth or slander), are not why I’m voting for McCain. I hardly trust the news (another day, another time for those thoughts). I don’t know when it became a right-wing thing to vote for the candidature whose platform better represents your own thoughts on issues.
And if Obama gets elected, well it will be an interesting ride.
Good going Heather…
I agree with you 100%, Heather, and my response to Rebecca on taking a stand and voting your conscience is that the time to do that was the Primary. She’s right, and I wish that during the primaries, people would vote their conscience, and not just who seems electable…we might really be able to elect an excellent candidate(maybe…I’m a cynic too). But by the time of the general election only one thing is certain…the next president will either be Obama or McCain, so yeah, I’m voting for the one who’s light years better.
Heather,
I am with you, though I do so much wish it were different.
I wonder how many of you ladies are old enough to remember Ross Perot, and the effect he had on the election that put Clinton into office. There are times when it is wise to vote against the greater evil. This appears to be one of them.
This is my first chance to vote, so even if I don’t really get to vote my conscience, I don’t want to pass up the opportunity. Plus, it will fun to say that my first election had both a woman and a black man on the ticket.
While out doing a little grocery shopping, I ran into someone who explained to me that Obama is the truly pro-life candidate. That was exceedingly awkward trying to get away. I guess it’s going to be McCain on my ballot.
my hubs and i like to say we will be holding our noses while voting mccain. there’s at least some hope in a temporary co-belligerence on this issue of abortion. and it’s definitely less scary than the alternative.
So I have a question for all you wise women: My husband and I have been talking about the elections, and voting and who to vote for, etc. etc. etc. and he is of the school of thought that we only vote for the candidate who is a Godly man, and who represents what we believe as Christians. I see his logic and respect it, but I feel that I am in the same boat as most of you all seem to be. I’d rather vote for McCain, who is clearly the lesser of two evils, and light years better than Obama. Is this a case where I must submit to my husband and vote for one of the lesser known-doesn’t-have-a-chance-Christian-guys? Or am I free to vote for McCain?
Oooh… well isn’t that another big can of worms? I think I’d ask for more instruction from your husband and respectfully share and discuss your concerns more. Legally, of course, you can vote for who you want, but what will your conscience tell you afterward? In the same dilemma, I think I’d be inclined not to vote… My husband and I are wrestling with this right now, but are on the same page about being frustrated as to the options. Knowing that God is in control and that His will will be done regardless of how we cast our ballot is a restful reminder.
Well, hey, I like burkas! Woot!
I agree with everyone that abortion is a central issue here, so I have a question for some of those reluctant McCain supporters:
This doesn’t apply to everyone, of course, but I have talked to many voters recently who are reluctantly supporting McCain, even though they refused to support George W. Bush in 2000. Bush was just as much a pro-life evangelical as Palin is (and in a better position as president, not just vice), and yet his term seemed to change little for the unborn. He signed the Born Alive Infant Protection Act, but did not actively promote it or enforce it. His Supreme Court appointees have so far not shown their colors on the Roe issue either.
So, if anyone’s willing to entertain my honest curiosity; am I wrong about Bush? Or is McCain that much better than Bush? Or is Obama just worse than Gore?
I have to agree with your post. We’re voting McCain in this election too. Not because he’s the best candidate, but in my husband’s opinion - and mine - if we voted for a candidate that was more “godly”, we would also be voting for Obama, in the sense that no one else has a chance against Obama, but McCain.
The “lesser of two evils” is how my pastor describes it too.
It stinks, but I would really rather vote McCain than to see Obama get in because I voted for someone else.
I do know, however, that God is in ultimate and full control and His will will be accomplished. Even if that means Obama becomes president.
I am encouraged by Palin’s Pro-Life stance and I vote Pro-Life in every election. As a Christian, I feel that if there’s any chance we can get rid of abortion, then I need to vote in such a way that this could happen.
Well, I don’t like Obama or McCain either. But I did my research on third party candidates and am voting Chuck Baldwin. I just can’t vote for the lesser of two evils, and my vote won’t be wasted. My conscience is clear in knowing I did’t put either evils in the office. And surprisingly, just in the last 2 weeks I’ve come across so many other 3rd party voters! I’ve enjoyed your blog!
Thank you, Heather, for sharing your thoughts and coming clean. I agree with you whole heartily and will be voting for McCain out here in the liberal land of California. It doesn’t matter what color my state is or what our news networks say! It comes down to just the two candidates so I’m going with my convictions.
I agree with you, Blue Castle, I too am very encouraged by Palin’s Pro-Life stance.
Yes, Margaret, we can use your prayers. We all need to pray for the interesting ride ahead of us if Obama is elected or even God willing he isn’t. Bottom line is- God is in control.
We have preferential voting here in Australia, so we don’t have to face the same dilemma that you folk do. I feel for you all, but am really glad to hear what you said about Iraq, Heather. Some of the people who are suffering most now are our Christian brothers and sisters, and even if I vehemently disagreed with our going IN to their country, I think it is shameful that we should just consider walking away from a problem that we have created for them. At the very least we should offer Iraqi Christians assylum in our own countries. O.K. I’m cooling down now … and thanks for your post!
Preferential voting… does that mean you get a #1 choice and a #2 choice, and do they get weighted as such? What an awesome concept!
It seems to me that if you are voting for a third party candidate then you are certainly helping to put either of the two evils in office. I completely agree with Helen above when she said that damage control is the issue here. Of course if you ultimately don’t care who goes into office, then I suppose a third party vote will help clear your conscience, but if you have any convictions at all about one man being worse then the other, then by not placing a vote that will count against him, I don’t know how you should have a clear conscience.
For the record, I will vote the same way my husband does. We’ll sit at the table with our mail-in ballots, pray, talk about each person and issue–and vote together. And right now, I’m praying for him to be a man who understands the time and knows what ‘Israel’ ought to do. For us, it just seems right.
PMD,
You’ve missed your calling - the campaign needs your brilliance! I especially like the one about spreading the wealth. I’m on it…figuring how to make my own sign.
Too rich. I needed a laugh to take my mind off the sadness of it all.
Blessings,
I vote the same way as my husband. I suppose that if I ever felt really strongly that he was doing something ungodly, I’d talk to him about it and perhaps vote another way. However, that hasn’t happened yet in our marriage. Besides, I remember talking to someone (may have been Meredith Wilson) about how our votes would just cancel each other out if we didn’t vote the same way.
Haha…good point Megan!
I’ve voted in the past 30 years of elections. I’ve never met or known a person who hasn’t voted their conscience or taken a stand or wasted their vote, even when we’ve disagreed on ideas and candidates. I’ve never found a candidate that I agree with 100%. There’s never been a 100% perfect party platform. I can’t remember ever voting once for a perfect candidate who didn’t have some flaw or sinful things about him. If it came down to not being able to vote for a candidate because he had some sinful things or imperfect ideas about him, I wouldn’t have been able to vote for any of them, in any election, ever. BUT this election is the most difficult one for me. From checking voting records and the candidates own words, I’m not thrilled with either of them.
My “Ron Paul for President 2008” sign has been in my front yard since spring–it will stay a few more days yet. In the primary, I voted the ideas and principles I’m *for and support* (I don‘t agree 100% with Ron Paul). Voting seems some what of an inadequate means or tool when we have great spiritual needs but nevertheless I will be voting. Like three comments above, I think it is “wise and the time to vote against the greater evil” (Missy) so next week I’m voting *against* “most everything Obama is for” (Heatherlinn) and for “damage control” (Helen) — biding some time — to build on the principles I am for.
Thinking about where we are headed concerns me deeply. It doesn’t matter who is president, it going to be a different time. May God have mercy on us. Things may not turn out as I’d like but I know and trust my Sovereign God.
Blessings!