John and All,

I have been a visitor to your site for quite a while now, and I've truly
enjoyed reading the letters from so many, with views on so many subjects.
Some have been very informative, but others have made me wonder how such
views could be considered.  The recent discussion about voting has caused me
some concern, since there seems to be so much at stake this time.  It looks
like some want to give up on the system instead of trying to make it better.
  That's what prompts me to finally join in and offer my two cents worth on
some of the viewpoints I've seen.

I too have been disappointed by some of the actions/inactions of GWB.  Does
that mean I should vote for a third party candidate?  If a perfect candidate
could ever be elected, would he be much different?  Would Peroutka try to be
the president of all Americans, or would he be making decisions reflecting
only the ideals of those who voted for him?  Which faction of his supporters
would he favor?  What about all the other religious, national, ethic, etc.
groups that make up the real world?  When dealing in the everyday world of
real political life, would he stick to his lofty principles, or would he
"compromise with evil" to get something less evil?

What is wrong with voting for the lesser of two evils?  Answer: It is still
voting for evil.  That may well be true, but if not voting for the lesser is
actually a vote for the greater, how can that be something to boast about?
Are the Perot voters happy about what their votes actually brought us?
Recent discussions seem to indicate that's okay, as long as one has voted
his conscience.  There may be some truth to that.  There may also be a need
for more candidates, but diluting the vote only weakens a process designed
to take advantage of a strong two party system.

Some people seem to have assurance from the Lord that they shouldn't vote at
all.  Then, there are the people of principle who refuse to vote because the
system is corrupt, the Electoral College is archaic or there is some other
fault with which they cannot abide.  In most cases, from what has been
posted recently, it's apparent they haven't taken the time to learn how the
system works or why it was created the way it was.  Where the system has
been perverted, who is to blame?  Perhaps the blame rests with them and with
those who didn't vote before them.  All too often though, not voting has a
deeper underlying reason, and one not very honorable --- pure selfishness of
time and effort.  It takes a little time and effort to be a responsible and
informed voter.  How many excuses have you heard for someone not making it
to the polls on election day?  I have known people who haven't registered to
vote, because they were too embarrassed to let it be known they weren't
registered.  One senior citizen once confided to me, "If I registered to
vote, I could get called for jury duty."  However, that person has plenty of
advice for the way others should vote.  We've seen posts from those who brag
about dropping out because of how bad things have become.  I assume those
same people have also dropped out of our economic system, by not paying
income and property taxes or using money.  Have they also stopped using our
justice, health care or transportation systems?  Postal service, internet
and etc?  There are certainly faults in all these other systems, but I'll
bet it's only our political system that isn't worthy of their efforts.

Would Jesus vote today?  I have no idea, but it's likely he would.  Voting
wasn't an option then, but he lived as a responsible citizen within that
system.  However, please note how Paul lived.  I have no doubt he was
diligent in performing his obligations of citizenship, since he certainly
made full use of his rights as a citizen.  Even to the point of appealing to
Caesar, showing who had earthly authority over him.  He did not claim to be
above the system, although the title of Apostle probably gave him every
right to do so.  What will we say, if we are ever asked how well we
performed our duties, within the system we were given?  Of course that
doesn't apply to those who outrank Paul.

As for me, I plan to cast my vote again this time, for the lesser of two
evils.  It may make no difference whatsoever, but I can say I tried.  It
troubles me though, to know my vote will merely be used to offset that of
some Christian brother, who is staying home, thinking he is much wiser and
more noble than people like me.

DWB