Why I’m voting for John McCain
I had no intention of writing about the presidential election here on my happy mommy book blog. Then my pastor had to go and preach a fabulous, hit-it-out-of-the-park sermon about Christian citizenship last Sunday. I sat in the pew, muttering to myself.
Drat. Now I have to be a political blogger too.
I didn’t watch the conventions, didn’t listen to any of the speeches. When Twitter was abuzz about the debates, I found other topics to tweet about. I’m probably the last person to meet Joe the Plummer and I don’t know all the names of Sarah Palin’s children. All those political emails and YouTube videos in my inbox - deleted, unread and unwatched.
It’s not that I don’t care. I do. I’ve just had enough of the American political machine.
The mudslinging, obnoxious ads, and the overall negative atmosphere of the campaign that started months ago in the primaries, it makes a girl want to move to Canada until it’s over.
I’m not even all that keen on sharing my political opinions openly because I’m not good at debating. I’m way too emotionally involved. My vote is tied directly to my convictions as a Christian, and when a friend, fellow blogger, or family member disagrees, I take it too personally. I know I need to toughen up, get a thicker skin, but this is who I am.
Book blogger mama stepping out of her comfort zone to jump last minute into the political debate.
Tomorrow I will vote for Senator McCain and Governor Palin because I believe they best represent my values as a follower of Jesus Christ.
As a Christian, I can’t vote for Senator Obama. And part of me likes the guy. He’s younger, well spoken and from what I’ve seen so far, not at all goofy. (In other words, the complete opposite of President George W. Bush). He talks about bringing change to our country. (Great idea, Barack. Change is good. Let’s change the law to protect the unborn! Hmmm. Somehow, I can’t see him agreeing with me on that one).
I know some of my brothers and sisters in Christ plan on casting a vote for Obama tomorrow. Maybe they like his views on tax cuts or education or the war. Maybe it’s George W. backlash. Maybe they don’t agree life begins at conception.
Or maybe they don’t think the issue of abortion is as important as the economy.
May God have mercy on our nation if it’s that last one.
As much as I would love more money in my pocket, cleaner air, a stable economy, and our troops home from overseas, I will not vote for a presidential candidate that doesn’t believe in the protection of human life.
Friends, this is an important election. Supreme Court justices will be selected by the next president. We need a president willing to protect the innocent, the unborn. How we vote tomorrow will impact laws in this nation for years to come.
Christian voter, I hope you say YES to Senator McCain and Governor Palin, because I believe it’s a vote to protect human life.
As I close this post, I just want to say I’ve never had to edit or delete a comment due to nastiness. Feel free to disagree with me, but keep it civil with no name calling, cussing or ungodly behavior. I’ve tried to speak my bold convictions with love. I hope you can do the same for me.
In love and humility,
Monica
Tags: Christianity, Jesus Christ, pro-life
11.3.08 at 10:09 am
Traci comments:
I too am a Christian - a very conservative one; and will not be voting Obama. My issues with Obama start with his views on abortion - but don’t stop there. I do not agree with him on his ’spread the wealth’ plan, his desire for even bigger government and many more equally as important items: but I’m most concerned about two things.
1. His apparent lack of patriotism. His known associations with those who clearly do not love America are chilling. I can’t help but wonder what his ‘real’ plans for change are concerning America - hand us over to the enemy?
2. Then there’s my concern for his ‘education plan’ with ‘age appropriate sex education for Kindergarten’! We are homeschoolers, so I don’t put my children in the liberal school system NOW. I’m very concerned about the future of homeschooling.
I’m praying for God’s will to be done during this election and should that be Obama as president (for whatever reason God would place him in that position), then I pray God give me and my family wisdom on how to live under an Obama regime.
11.3.08 at 10:15 am
Kristen comments:
Me too! (What gets me are the Christians voting for Obama!)
Kristens last blog post..THAT Family Tree Society-Issue 16
11.3.08 at 10:23 am
Colleen Felz, Homeschool Coach comments:
I still have no idea who I am voting for. It is such a complicated decision. There are so many factors, and honestly, I don’t like either of our choices.
Colleen Felz, Homeschool Coachs last blog post..Rehearsal Learning
11.3.08 at 10:42 am
Monica Brand comments:
Colleen, thank you for your honesty. It will only take a few moments from your day to explore where the candidates stand on the issues; I’ll send you some links to your email address.
If anyone else is undecided and wants those links, let me know.
11.3.08 at 11:37 am
Michelle Pendergrass comments:
I think this is the first time I’m saying anything in public about who I’m voting for. I’ve never been a one issue voter, but this time I have to go with my gut.
Obama has character issues I can’t condone. Like you mentioned, the abortion issue. Then there’s the fact that he turned his back on his pastor and church for political gain. And that he didn’t keep his word about campaign financing.
Since Chicago is my neighbor and always has been, I know enough about the politics there to be more than a little worried about corruption.
I understand no one person on this earth is trustworthy, I understand that everyone is fallen. But I also understand some people are more trustworthy than others. I cannot. Cannot. vote for someone brought up in The Outfit (aka: Chicago political machine.)
I guess it’s not one issue is it? Well, there’s one more thing, guns. But I don’t want to start a debate. For his birthday though, Phil got a concealed carry permit and a .45. That was like Friday. BEFORE the election.
Okay, I’ve said enough. Probably too much.
Michelle Pendergrasss last blog post..Apex Open to Novel Submissions November 1st
11.3.08 at 11:51 am
Juli Jarvis comments:
Thank you so much for speaking up on these issues! I agree with you 100%. I’m afraid many people (Christians included) have their utmost confidence and trust in Obama, when it ought to be in the Lord instead.
11.3.08 at 11:53 am
Marianne comments:
Bravo for speaking your mind!
I’m with you; besides all the other unanswered (and unvetted by the Obama-mania press) questions about Obama, his stance on abortion is unacceptable.
It saddens me; here’s a family man, a self-proclaimed Christian, and a father to two young girls. I don’t see how anyone can participate in bringing life into this world as a parent and still support the pro-choice platform.
And, as I emailed the McCain campaign (oh yes I did), I’d love to know how Obama might feel as a father if in 4 or 5 years to discover that his oldest daughter (who would be adolescent by then) had an abortion without parental consent. I would imagine his personal position might vary widely from his political one.
11.3.08 at 12:03 pm
Emily, NJ Moms comments:
Hi Monica,
It is wonderful that you are not afraid to say who you are voting for, although you may not have made the “popular” choice.
Both my husband and I are disabled and not working. I don’t have to tell you anything more for you to know that we are struggling.
I have to hope that Obama winning will make it a bit better for us than McCain and I hope that you can respect that as well. I have become so sick that I do not know if I will even make it to the polls tomorrow.
For the last few Presidential elections, I have always prayed to God that the best person is elected for our whole country.
God bless.
11.3.08 at 1:00 pm
Monica Brand comments:
Emily, I know by reading your posts at NJ moms blog, your tweets and the emails we trade back and forth, that you are suffering with your illnesses. Regardless of who wins tomorrow, you and your hubby need healing - neither McCain or Obama have the power to give that to you. There is only one Man with that power - Jesus Christ.
Christian friends, we need to support, love and pray for Emily. She doesn’t have a blog (yet), but you can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/mamasick and read her posts at the NJ moms blog.
11.3.08 at 3:11 pm
Audra Krell comments:
Thanks for this great post. All I can say is “Amen.”
Audra Krells last blog post..Hard Times
11.3.08 at 7:47 pm
Gabi comments:
Fantastic post! Amen and amen!!
Gabis last blog post..Make Straight The Paths
11.3.08 at 8:42 pm
Michelle comments:
Well said, Monica! I really admire you for standing up for what you know is right in this election — for the value of human life. Yes, standing up like this does put a bullseye on your head that a lot of people will try to hit, but this issue is one worth fighting for.
God bless you!
http://handsfrozentothesword.wordpress.com/
Michelles last blog post..I’m voting for Jesus
11.4.08 at 12:29 am
Alexis comments:
Well written. And I agree 100 percent with you. Sadly abortion never seems to be an issue you hear in the political news these days. I hope there are more like us out there and we can pull out a win tomorrow.
Alexiss last blog post..Get Out and Vote
11.4.08 at 12:38 am
Rick Dawson comments:
Monica,
Wow! Did all this come out of reading my last post, or was there another catalyst as well?
I thought the title covered my concerns and expressed my positions… men (and women) must be governed by God, else they will be ruled by tyrants.
Rick Dawsons last blog post..Lives In The Balance
11.4.08 at 10:30 am
Monica Brand comments:
Sorry, Rick, I can’t say that it did. But if you want to think so, go right ahead.
I give credit to my pastor, ’cause that man can BRING IT on a Sunday morning. And then there is the Holy Spirit, must not forget Him. He said, funny coffee rants good; speaking on behalf of innocent babies - better.
11.4.08 at 12:07 pm
Rick Dawson comments:
Hehehe…naaah, I prefer to live with reality today, not delusions of grandiosity
It may not be as… colorful as my previous life was, but I know the ground I stand on is solid. Always best to speak for those who have no voice - after all, we’re in the best position to do it.
Rick Dawsons last blog post..Wait and See
11.4.08 at 2:28 pm
Lavonda Pflug comments:
Your post just got a standing ovation. Thanks for speaking out!
Lavonda Pflugs last blog post..It’s All About Hope
11.4.08 at 4:15 pm
Satchel Pooch comments:
[Monica, I don't want to start a hooley in your comments, but I can't let this go unchallenged.]
(What gets me are the Christians voting for Obama!)
Right here. You have a question?
11.4.08 at 4:20 pm
Monica Brand comments:
Hey, Satchel.
Is it a question? I thought it was a statement. I don’t get Christians voting for Obama either.
11.4.08 at 4:27 pm
Monica Brand comments:
Comments acting weird, let me try again…
I’ve re-read the comment thread. Satchel, I take it you are voting for Obama. I don’t think the commenter meant it as a challenge, she was just thinking out loud. And I must say, I’ve thought the same thing. Feel free to leave a response here as to why or trackback from your blog.
Gang, looks like we have a fellow believer AND Obama fan among us. If Satchel decides to leave a response about why he likes Obama, let’s be loving and respectful of each others opinions, okay?
11.4.08 at 4:30 pm
Satchel Pooch comments:
I guess I thought it was an implied question: “How can a Christian possibly vote for Obama?” If Kristen (or you) wants to engage in dialogue on that question, I’d be happy to oblige.
11.4.08 at 6:07 pm
Monica Brand comments:
Why don’t you write up a post at your blog and I’ll link to it, that way more people will see it. I doubt many folks are reading all these comments, especially at this late hour on the 4th.
I hope you do, because I’m curious as to your reasonings.
11.4.08 at 10:28 pm
Satchel Pooch comments:
I think this is as far as I need to go for now: http://highcallingblogs.com/satchelpooch/2008/11/04/on-logical-fallacies/
11.5.08 at 1:32 pm
Rose comments:
As a family, we have always prayed for our country and leaders… now more than ever!
Hugs Monica!
Roses last blog post..Election Day!
11.5.08 at 4:16 pm
Newlyweds comments:
what a great post and you expressed much better then I could ever as to why I did cast my vote for McCain.
Newlywedss last blog post..Popeks!
11.6.08 at 9:03 pm
Amy Andrews comments:
Hi Monica. I know this is a bit after the fact, but I read your post and felt like I was reading myself so had to pop in and say hello. I have a post almost identical to this one…and I normally shy away from political discussion for the same reason (i.e. I get to emotional). It’s nice to know I’m not alone!