Let's get one thing straight: I do not believe in belittling candidates in order to make some seem much better than others. I am after the truth, and that is something hard to find. A good way to know what the candidates believe is listening to what they say and looking for the meaning behind it. Example one (from candidate Mitt Romney's platform concerning education, www.gop.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2012GOPPlatform.pdf)
"We advocate the policies and methods that have
proven effective:...ending social promotions;
merit pay for good teachers"
This sounds fantastic, right? Well, I'm not sure if it is. What does his party really mean? Candidate Romney, will you adopt policies of teacher pay based on student standardized test scores? What measures will you use to determine the "merit" of teachers?
I do not want to attack candidate Romney, but I am not sure what he or his party mean in certain clauses. I'm neither advocating for nor against either candidate in this race, but I am against the use of unclear proposals.
I should point out, however, that, even when the candidates attempt to attack each other's platforms, both use similar language to describe somewhat unclear aspirations. In regards to education, both agree that STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) must be emphasized. In financial policy, they also agree that American banks are not "too big to fail" and that greater transparency is needed in the financial markets.
America, who do we turn to? There is no one perfect candidate and no one perfect system. What matters is that we live as a people who do what God calls right and holy and true (Leviticus 20:26;1 Peter 1:16). That we clothe those who are naked, feed those who are hungry, take in strangers, and visit those who are suffering in mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical sicknesses and prisons (Matthew 25:31-40). That we seek for God's guidance, because His ways are higher than ours (Isaiah 55:8). That we bless those who curse us (Matthew 5:44). That we be good stewards of our finite resources (Matthew 25:20-21). That we seek out friendships with other nations, as our battle is not against flesh (or along party lines), but against the principalities of darkness (Ephesians 6:12). God holds true justice and righteousness and we are called to seek it! "Seek for His Kingdom and His Righteousness, and all of these things will be added to you" (Matthew 6:33).
Be blessed in abundance and made full of God's great peace. Lord, have Your way in this nation and that many can come to know You as a God of love, great power, and deliverance!
