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Why I’m Voting for McCain on Tuesday

I hate controversy.  I generally go to great lengths to avoid awkwardness of any kind.   I just want everyone to get along and live together in love and harmony forever and ever amen.  This is why I do not wear my political affiliation on my sleeve.  I do not put bumper stickers on my car.  I do not put signs in my yard.  And I do not discuss politics on my blog.

Until today.

That’s right, I’m throwing caution to the wind.  Living on the edge.  Except that I think I’m going to close comments because I am SCAYERED.

And yet, that is the very reason I have decided to write this post.  It seems to me that conservative voters tend to be less vocal about their views.  But after I read this article yesterday, I decided that whether or not it’s true, it’s time for this conservative to speak up.  I’m not writing this post to start a debate or even a discussion, but simply to state who I am voting for and why, to share my side for the information and consideration of anyone who cares, and perhaps to encourage other conservative voters who have been keeping their cards close to their vest to speak up as well.

I started this election by looking at both candidates with an open mind.  I talked to people on both sides of the fence and read articles and watched several of the debates.  But in the end, I came back to my roots.  I don’t think liberal is a bad word.  I certainly don’t think Obama is evil incarnate.  I honestly sympathize with the opposing position on most issues.  But I keep coming back to McCain, and this is why.

I do not have the confidence in our government to take over the health care system and make it better.  I am not impressed with the way the government runs Social Security and welfare and other systems.  I am convinced that competition is necessary to make businesses run more efficiently and to drive excellence.  Yes, I realize there are other countries who are pleased with their government-run health care, but most are nowhere near as large as we are, and most probably started out that way.

I’m not saying that our system is without fault, but I believe there are better ways to care for the underprivileged and uninsured than to centralize our heath care and increase other government programs.  Frankly, I resent the implications and outright accusations that conservatives are selfish and tight-fisted.  We just believe the private sector is far better equipped to handle the needs of the underprivileged in our society.  And that basic belief is what drives my voting choices.

As for the war, that’s a huge issue in this election, and while I don’t like war, I believe we need to finish the job before we come home.  I trust McCain on this issue given his experience in the military and in Congress for so many years.

I am leaving social issues out of this post because they are secondary to me, and I am writing a blog post not a book.  You’re welcome.

And there’s one more thing that’s been on my mind during this election.  As a Christian, I believe that God is on His throne no matter who is in the White House. What’s more, He ordains the rulers of this world AND He commands us to honor and obey them insofar as they do not ask us to sin against Him.  To act like it’s the end of the world when our candidate of choice is not elected is implying that we don’t trust God.  He is not affiliated with any political party.  His ways are not our ways, and He accomplishes His will through people of all colors and stripes and party affiliations.

So I will get out and vote my conscience on Tuesday.  But I will not participate in the drama and dire predictions that are bound to ensue in the Republican camp if McCain doesn’t win the election.  Whoever is elected president deserves our respect and our prayers, no matter who we vote for.

I have a great deal of respect for my liberal friends, and I truly
believe we all want the same thing in the end – a safe, healthy,
productive society where we can live and work and play with freedom and
security. And because of that, I think I may change my mind and leave the
comments open.  I don’t think it’s necessary to close them.  I trust my readers more
than that.  That said, any comment I feel to be inflammatory or unkind
will be deleted.

Join The Conversation

49 Responses

  1. I feel almost dared to comment… SO HERE I GO. lol just kidding. Not yelling.

    Seriously, I have my opinions about the US political parties and candidates. But I couldn’t agree more with your conclusions about politics and the role we play, and the role that God plays. I probably have a different idea than you on how things could be better done. But the deal is – we both want the same things. Perhaps just different ways of accomplishing it. And I also love how your put it about God being in charge. And I’m glad you spoke up for your Conservative views. I’ve not read or commented on ANY blog posts about the US election. But I too, have heard that it is “uncool” to be conservative in some parts of the states. So glad to see you speak up! You may now join the ranks of the uncool.

    Blessings, and prayers for your election on Tuesday.
    Cathy

  2. I’m glad you pointed out that the world will not end (and God will not leave us) if one’s chosen candidate does not win.

    I’m still wavering on my decision for who I’m going to vote for. I also am frustrated that I can’t find any info on whether there are any town-level elections!

  3. You go girl, it is hard to speak up in such a public way especially when your views seems to be the unpopular one. I too voted for John McCain and for some very similar reasons, I was swayed away for a little while early on and ultimately decided that someday I could vote democratic if the right person was running. However in this case I was not particularly WOWED by either ticket and my bottom line landed with my roots as well. I will support whomever wins, I will go on living my life knowing that president doesn’t really make the decisions it is the people that he/she surrounds herself with, that in 4 years we get another chance at this and who knows what life will bring, so I too Voted Republican, I am proud of my beliefs and I am proud to consider you my brave internet friend!

    Happy Monday!

    Terra

  4. My husband and I had a discussion very similar to this yesterday. I totally agree–both on why I support the more conservative candidate and that we have a God who is in control no matter what! My reasons are social issues, but also a deep concern for what could happen with a socialized health care system and with taxing large business who will surely pass on the costs to consumers both in prices and job loss–which leads to MORE welfare, etc. I do not think there are any easy answers or perfect candidates but I do believe in our country. Thanks for this post and for encouraging people to get out and vote!

  5. If I could reach out and hug you, I would!! People want something (insurance) for nothing, but the price will be high. Layers and layers of MORE bureacracy and more and more layers of TAXES. People look at Sweden and Finland fondly with their wonderful healthcare, but what they don’t see is the 40-50% tax rate. People look at Canada with their supposedly wonderful healthcare system, but what they don’t see is the 60 year old man whose daughter (who is a nurse in Texas) had to sneak him down to our country and desperately attempt to invoke his heart problems here so he could get a defibrillator! The defibrillator that he had been told would be almost a 2 year wait. Umm, when you need a defibrillator, you need a defibrillator.

  6. This was a great post…and not just because we happen to be supporting the same candidate. I feel the same way you do. I try to be respectful of everyone’s views and always try to remember that the president doesn’t have all of the power. It brings me great peace to know that I know The One that does.

  7. I love this post. You are a brave soul. If I had a blog (Ahem!) I would link to you. It is clear and concise. I too am a McCain / Palin supporter. None of the four candidates are 100% on spot with my same values, but, I am more in line with McCain than with Obama. I, too will be praying for whoever wins. They have a tough job ahead of them and will face criticism no matter what.

  8. You are brave for posting this. I too avoid conflict and controversy, and would not get political on my blog. Regardless of who wins, we must continue to pray for our leaders and our nation as a whole. Life is not magically going to get easier when this election is over. And there will be midterm elections in two years that could be critical to the future of the nation too.

    Also, since I voted over a week ago I’m so tired of ads and news coverage already. I don’t think I’ll even turn on my TV tomorrow until late night.

  9. It does seem that conservatives are in the minority on the mommy blogs I read. I am one of those few and I completely agree with your views on McCain and especially on government healthcare. The government hasn’t shown me that they can handle the programs they have now so why give them more responsibility?

  10. I think it’s great you put this up. It’s a shame that on our own blogs we have to feel somewhat censored. Dumb, huh?

    We had early voting in my state so my ballot is cast.

    I just wanted to say congrats on doing some actual research before you decided who would get your vote (I’m sure you are in the minority on that one) and voting your conscience.

    Hope no one attacks you. If they do, I’ll be happy to belly bump them with my giant PG belly.

  11. Politically, I don’t agree. (I’m voting Obama/Biden).

    I DO agree though that God is in control. I keep telling my friends…at the end of the day, God is still commander in chief of the universe!

    I just hope that the nation will get over these factions of late (we’re ALL Americans!) and support our new president. Whoever he is, he will need all of our support.

  12. God bless you! I agree with everything you said. We need to stand up for what we believe. We need to be able to defend our faith and more importantly, prepared to live our faith no matter the outcome of the election. Pennsylvania will be important in the process tomorrow night!
    Prayers for all!

  13. Jo-Lynne –

    Wow!!! This is one of the best posts I’ve read in a very long time! While I will be voting for Obama, I REALLY appreciate your points of view and appreciate that you respect mine. I love how you describe WHY you are voting the way you are without getting caught up in the passion and drama that can sometimes “cloud” all of our opinions. You rock! I am going to link to this on You Ott 2 Know!

  14. Yay, you kept your comments open! You know you and I are on opposite sides of the fence on just about everything EXCEPT our strong feelings on respecting others’ opinions. I refuse to think people are bad just because they don’t agree with me. Like you said, we want the same things for our country, we just have different ideas about how to go about it. May the best man, or man/woman combo, win.

  15. Well said! I’m with you all the way – I early voted and voted for McCain/Palin. I will support whoever wins, because I believe they will need it – you’ll hear no trash-talking from me, either. 🙂 (I just posted about this today, too…must be our moral consciences?)

  16. I love your post and I’m glad that you decided to go with your gut and say what you have been afraid of saying. I can’t say that we are on the same side on this, as I voted for Obama 2 weeks ago, but I can say that you have written the truth and that whoever is elected should have all Americans, red or blue stand behind them, give them a chance to make things better and PRAY for them. the world is most certainly not going to fall apart if the candidate we choose is not elected.

    I am very open to politics on my blog. mostly just on Tell It Like it T-I-Z Tuesdays, though, and I never have controversy. We have have different veiws and that’s okay. So glad you spoke up for yours.

  17. This is one of the best politically minded posts I’ve read yet (even if I am voting the other way… ). Kuddos to you for posting it and for letting us comment!

    And yes, many prayers for the winner either way. They’re gonna need ’em!

  18. First of all, you’re a very brave woman. I’ve been avoiding blogging politics, too, and I don’t have anywhere NEAR the readership you have. I have less reason to be “scayered” and yet you blogged it anyway. So kudos for that.

    Second, you worded that wonderfully. I don’t just say that because I agree, but because you said everything I’ve wanted to say (but am still too scayered) in such an eloquent way that… well, who’s going to attack you?

    Wonderful post.

  19. Great post Jo-Lynne. And I’d respect your opinion even if I were voting the other way. Sorry, but I had to vote McCain/Palin not only for all the reasons you mentioned but even more. I agree, I’ve not posted about politics because I’ve been afraid of the backlash. People can be hurtful just because your opinion is different. I’ve been praying and I’ll continue to pray.

  20. I really hate politics because to me it seems that most people are incapable of supporting one candidate without smearing the other. We have seen that rather viciously in this campaign (mostly from “supporters” rather than straight from the candidates, but it’s still terrible) and it breaks my heart. I can’t wait until the election is over because I can literally feel the viciousness in the air as I’m driving down the street. It was nice to read a post about politics that was so honest, straightforward, unemotional, and just plain nice. Great work here.

  21. I usually avoid political conversations like the plague, but I am commenting today. Thank you for being brave and posting this! I am not overly thrilled with the choices we have either, but I have to stand by what I believe and trust God no matter what. I will vote based on things you stated here as well as many others and then leave it in God’s hands. He is in control no matter what, and whoever ends up in office will be no surprise to Him. I wish I was brave enough to blog about this, but I get too passionate about what I believe and don’t always convey it very well, so I’m thankful for the other conservatives like you, who aren’t afraid to speak up! And yes, no matter who it ends up being, we still have to PRAY! And trust God. That’s the most important thing. Even though it might be tough sometimes!

  22. This was very well said. I’ve come to belive over the last few days that no matter WHO ends up in the White House that lots and LOTS of prayers will be needed. This is a hard time in our nation right now. No matter who ends up there, there is so much going on that it’s going to be a rocky four years. Prayer for our leaders is really going to matter.

  23. I haven’t blogged about politics, but I decided last night that I was going to share my views, the day before Election Day. And I’m more confident now that you’ve done it as well! Also, may I quote you? (The part where you said God is on the throne no matter who is in the White House).

  24. Thank you for your insight. I haven’t yet run into someone from “the other side” (I say that with a smile on my face) who has been able to speak clearly and concisely about why they want McCain. I respectfully disagree with you on many sides, but I love being able to have dialogue with someone who can do so without being emotional.

    So thank you for this post.

  25. Kudos to you friend on a powerful pos!. I think being free to discuss the candidates and issues in a respectful manner is so important–and one of the perks of our society. I think respect is key though. I agree that we must remember God is in control no matter what the outcome of the election is.

  26. Good post! I agree with you wholeheartedly. It appears we will be voting for the same candidate on Tuesday! Good luck to you and to our fine nation…

  27. I have been working on getting the nerve to put up a semi-political post, but am just as nervous.

    You put this so very well. Even though people don’t always agree, you put a new spin on somethings that are being repeated over and over again! This will cause someone to think about their decision, and that is what we all hope to achieve, just think.

    Well done!!

  28. I just had to come back and read some of the comments. I’m not saying who I am voting for, but I just wrote a post because I am really interested in what people’s voting experiences were like. Crazy? Long lines? Voting early? It is just interesting to me this year.

  29. Great job Jo-Lynne! I agree with you 100% and you said it so well. I’ve been a bit more vocal on my blog about my political opinions, but only a few people read it (mostly family and they all voted for McCain/Palin as well, so I was mostly “preaching to the choir”.) But, I agree that too many times conservatives feel like we have to sit at the end of the line to get our opinions out there. For some odd reason we almost feel like we have to apologize for how we feel. I don’t get that. So, I’m glad you spoke up in a respectful, intelligent way! And I agree that our election has not caught God by surprise and He will still be on the throne in the morning, no matter how this shakes down.

    Bless you friend!

  30. I have tried very hard to pray not for the results I believe are best, but for God’s will to be done and for me to be strong enough to accept it. I feel like my prayers were answered.

    Granted, this election did not bring the results that I wanted, but God’s will is what I want…even when I have to keep reminding myself of that. 😉 God has not turned his back on us, he’s just taking us to a new place. When you pray for strength and courage and conviction, you’re going to be tested. I believe that is where we are right now, and I will continue to pray fervently for our nation to find its way to a Godly path.

  31. It’s wonderful to hear a strong “conservative” voice in the blogosphere. It sounds like you thought through your decision and I admire your ability to articulate your position so well. Good for you!

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