I've tried to put these thoughts into words during a few conversations, and I think I've found a coherent way to say (well, write) them.
When it comes to politics, our society has tragically fallen into individualized egotistical mindsets ranging in severity from "I'm right, you're wrong" to "I'm right, and you're a hateful, bigoted, mindless idiot who wishes the worst upon the country and has less value than the dirt beneath my feet." I'm not just pointing fingers; I have been guilty of supposing my ideas are the only correct ones (though I certainly hope no one thinks of me as being on the extreme end of that scale).
But I've had a change of heart recently, because many people I love and respect are voting for candidates I wouldn't personally vote for.
This is the conclusion I've come to: God gave us brains and the gift of choice for a reason. If a citizen has become informed (actually informed--not just swayed by trending Facebook videos or news reports from a single agency), weighed the options, and brought his/her conclusion to God in prayer, that citizen has made the right choice. And I have no right to demean, accuse, or insult that person for that decision.
I saw a bumper sticker about six years ago that said, "God is not a Democrat... He's not a Republican, either." I think that'll always stick with me. Too often, we judge a person's morality and worth based on which box he/she's checking in the voting booth. We can promote our own beliefs without tearing down others' beliefs--or worse, others' character.
When it comes down to it, I really think that there is no single "right" choice, and I don't believe God thinks there is, either. He did, after all, bless us with intelligence, resources, freedom of choice, and the ability to pray for confirmation or redirection. As long as we are informed, prayerful citizens, we won't make the wrong choice.
Fine Print: Everything in this post reflects my personal opinion and does not necessarily reflect anyone else's.
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