Remembering Our First Lessons

"He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing".

Deuteronomy 10:18

 

  There's something about the political season that brings about a certain tension among people; particularly the last two elections. I believe this is primarily because our nation has successfully elected the first African American to the nation's highest office in the person of Barack Obama. While this was an unprecedented and historical event, four years later the idea of a black man being the leader of the free world does not sit well with many people. I can sincerely say that I always vote my conscience and not according to what is popular among others. In truth, if the ideals of Barack Obama and Mitt Romney were completely reversed I would vote for Mr. Romney without hesitation. But that is not the case.

  When I was in the military I strove to attain the highest rank because I believed that I would be more successful in initiating changes that would better my soldiers and the entire unit as a whole; however, I soon learned that the higher one may go in position the more ugly the view becomes at the top. I discovered that decisions were not always made fairly or for the betterment of a particular person(s), but rather, for purely political reasons.  I did not always fare well with my counterparts because I had a knack for standing up for my soldiers and against what I perceived to be acts of prejudice, racism, favoritism, or just outright evil to a certain caste. Nevertheless, I fought to maintain my learned morals and would do so again, if necessary.

  When I study the actions of both President Obama and Governor Romney I can clearly see the contrast in their views and aspirations for America. Undoubtedly, President Obama is at a huge advantage due to having served a term in office and has heard, seen, and dealt with issues that Governor Romney can't begin to imagine. What I do find remarkable is how in the face of the the many blatant attacks Barack Obama has suffered regarding his race, education, place of birth and every other negative distraction directed at him, he has steadfastly argued for quality education for all Americans, the proper distribution of wealth, the discontinuation of horrendous wars which have robbed so many of their loved ones, aiding corporations, (i.e. banks, auto industries, housing markets), so that our American way of life would not need to be farmed out to other nations, health care which favors the needy over large conglomerates, and a stimulus plan which many states have benefited from.  

  Our president is not popular among some because of some of the things I have mentioned beforehand, but I believe that his adherence to solid Christian values such as charity, truth, the command to live peaceably with all men, caring for the poor, the disenfranchised and the powerless is what truly causes so many to attack his person and his presidency. How easy it can be for the rich to get richer and for those who do not fight to advocate war.  I am proud to have a leader who empathizes so openly and sincerely with the common man; a leader who has not forgotten his own humble beginnings.

  I can only pray that whatever the outcome of the next presidential election, that we, as a people, will not allow our hearts to become cold towards our fellow man and that all men will keep God at the forefront of all their actions and decisions with the sincere belief that after this life there will be another.  

Love thy neighbor.
Dennis