So, you aren’t going to vote for President? You can’t stomach either of the candidates, and your conscience won’t let you cast a ballot for either?
That’s certainly your right as an American citizen. And you’ll have plenty of company. Millions of Americans stay at home every election day for every reason under the sun. As a matter of fact, there will probably be more of you sitting at home than there will be those of us who will actually decide the future direction of our country by voting.
Like you, I wish we had better choices, but this is the bottom line: on January 20, 2017, barring some tragic catastrophe, either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will put his hand on the Bible and swear to uphold the Constitution as our next President. While it may be the first time in a long time that either of them has actually touched a Bible, it will still be one of those two. Like it or lump it, those are our choices. No write-in or third-party candidate is going to garner enough support to win a ticket for the self-guided White House tour that’s free every morning except Sunday and Monday — let alone become the official resident there. It will either be President Clinton or President Trump.
If you don’t vote, that’s your business. But I want to make sure I understand what you are really saying when you choose to sit this one out.
I know that Donald is arrogant and Hillary has more baggage than most major airlines. He has the see-through combover of a man clinging to his teens, and she has the grating voice of a perpetually angry wife. He celebrates family, and rightly so — he has three or four. She makes millions from the financial houses she pretends to condemn. The deeper you look, the more you question how in the world did these two get here?
I’d understand why you aren’t voting if it all ended right there.
But it doesn’t.
Whoever gets the most votes in November is moving to Washington D.C. in January. And they are bringing a whole boatload of people with them.
The outcome of this election will do much more than decide whether it’s Donald or Hillary who will occupy the Oval Office. Will the IRS continue giving conservative Christian groups the run-around, or will a new leader move in? Will the leaders who allowed Americans to die in Benghazi serve four more years, or will a new President bring with him/her a new team who puts lives above politics?
Will this election send leaders to DC who will aggressively respond to those threatening and killing police officers, or will our capital be filled with folks who think police are the problem? Will leaders committed to protecting traditional family values come to town, or will more of those obsessed with gender blending experiments occupy places of influence?
Will our new leader’s team try to spur economic growth by reducing taxes and encouraging hard work, or will they seek higher taxes while pushing for a $15 per hour minimum wage? Will they be tree-hugging, global-warming alarmists, or will they encourage the continued production of our inexpensive fuel sources while newer sources are being developed?
Come January, one of those groups is moving in. But you don’t care which one so you aren’t going to vote?
The vote isn’t just for President. It’s for Supreme Court Justices. You know, those guys who said that forcing American’s to buy health insurance is legal, but marriage defined as one man and one woman isn’t. The new President could appoint as many as four new members of that group. But never mind how that works out, right? It’s not important enough for you to vote.
You say personal convictions keep you from voting for a person who doesn’t hold certain values. Okay. But if being true to your conviction results in creating a less safe, more unfriendly, and more anti-Jesus world for your children to grow up in, well, right there is where I lose you. Sure, you can say that you didn’t vote to let Donald or Hillary move into the White House, but you can’t say that you did what you could to keep the most evil influences out of positions of authority.
It’s so easy to see this election as just choosing either Donald or Hillary. But it’s way more than that. It’s hundreds of bureaucratic leaders, Cabinet officers, and Supreme Court Justices. It’s military readiness, global warming, healthcare revisions. It’s redefining family, expanding sexual experimentation, shrinking Constitutional freedoms.
It’s not just about Trump or Clinton. It’s about the philosophy and future of our country. That’s why, even though I don’t particularly like either candidate, I will cast my vote.
265 Comments
Stephen Drury
July 21, 2016 at 8:43 amAwesome Doug.
Celia Lysek
July 22, 2016 at 11:34 amAmen Christian’s who don’t want abortion or same sex marriage, or men in the same restrooms and dressing rooms as your daughters. You need to vote against these sin’s.
Matt
July 22, 2016 at 1:40 pmBoth Clinton and Trump support same-sex marriage and no separation of bathrooms by male/female identity.
Ira English
July 22, 2016 at 4:43 pmThat’s not true Trump wants to let the States handle these things.
Joe Creech
July 24, 2016 at 9:07 amGuys, if he wants the states to “handle” the bathroom thing, how do you not realize he isn’t going to change it?!
Kathleen
July 26, 2016 at 5:19 amWith the states is where it belongs. it is called states rights. Washington has taken over too many of the states rights. Trump is doing what the Constitution is all about. Giving control to the states.
Pam Minehart
July 23, 2016 at 1:34 amThat’s not true Trump is against the bathroom Id that Hillary wants .
Jen
July 23, 2016 at 10:26 pmWrong. Just like the other commenter said, Trump said it should be left to the states!
DAWN
July 23, 2016 at 8:15 pmYou are wrong about Trump, Matt. Correct about Hillary, only.
Anne Bradley
July 23, 2016 at 11:29 pmI think Trump is arising to the challenge. What happened in the presidential race is most likely because internet is the craze and can be quite a manipulative tool. Yet I see Trump’s team doesn’t play that game. They use internet to find out what people are saying. They don’t do cyber attacks, for instance. I will refrain from saying the ones who do that. Internet is a very powerful manipulation. I think I read a verse in Ephesians 4 which refers to the cloud and thought – how true. How profound. Man makes choices. Decides whether he will use something for good or bad. And that is the bottom line. In Obama’s eyes, killing people us used for good, for political advantage. What a disgrace! The Orlando massacre occurred three days after Abu Bakr al Baghdadi was killed in Pakistan by US-led operatives. Obama didn’t want US to know. It was all over India’s news. I think Trump will be honest, yet reserved with information, which is the way it should be. Obama has allowed people to expose so much info. Snowden stole and shared more govt information than anyone in history. Yet Obama planners get people to do oohs and ah’s and that’s the end of it. The AG failed to pull his passport when it was discovered he stole so much top secret govt info. Burgdahl is a traitor, abandoning his post and then helping ISIS find Seal Team 6 so they can kill each one – for revenge on shooting bin Laden, so we think. Yet some military have shared on blogs that the real truth is that the team did NOT kill bin Laden and upon discovering that it was not his body, they began sharing that. They, the terrorists, did not want that to happen because it spoils all their barbaric fun! And Iran is fighting corruption yet not getting recognized for it because the billionaire who they sentenced to death in March is no doubt buddies with Obamas and Clintons, they love crime so much. His name is Babak Zanjani – BABAK/BARAK/BAKR – see the wordplay? And there is much more wordplay I could share. San Francisco/Pope Francis; San Bernadino/Bernie Sanders; Obama purchases a dog and names it BO so he can obviously have secret conversations about Bowe Burgdahl, who he knew where he was all five years and came back without a scratch on him! There is so much more I could share, but it is very late and I need to rest. God bless. Stay vigilant. And if you see anything suspicious, report it to law enforcement you trust.
Kcr
July 24, 2016 at 7:12 amWell said!!
Ryan
July 27, 2016 at 9:13 amHahaha oh mah, Ephesians refers to “the cloud”? As in the wireless connectivity of the world’s computers? So god left a thousand holes in his perfect Word but decided to drop a hint about the future of da a sharing? Give me a break, you Christian imbeciles, this isn’t the bronze age anymore.
Danielle
July 24, 2016 at 5:08 pmTrump has been a consistent opponent of marriage equality. He said that he opposed it because he was a “traditional” guy, choosing to support domestic partnership benefits instead. Trump later reversed himself and said he also opposed civil unions. Despite a brief flirtation with “evolving” in 2013, Trump has consistently maintained his opposition to marriage equality, sometimes by citing polling and making an analogy to his dislike of long golf putters. After the Supreme Court ruling, Trump said the court had made its decision and, although he disagreed with the ruling, he did not support a constitutional amendment that would allow states to re-ban marriage equality. He later said he would appoint Supreme Court judges who would be committed to overturning the ruling.
John
July 26, 2016 at 1:15 pmYep, those are REALLY important reasons to let Hillary into the Whitehouse….good grief…
Shelly
July 28, 2016 at 4:09 pmYes this is true, but one will force you to accept their ways as your own or you will ve an outcast! The other, while he may share this feeking will not force it upon you by passing laws etc! He has said that isn’t his job!
Judith Turner
July 23, 2016 at 8:21 pmYes, we do!!!
Joe Creech
July 24, 2016 at 9:04 amCelia,
If you think he will affect change regarding abortion, ss marriage or bathroom use, you have lost your mind. The ship has sailed on that one I am afraid.
Doug, this is SUCH a tired argument. Other than an “R” (newly placed btw) next to his name, what makes you think he will be to the right of HRC on ANY topic. Unfortunately we have ZERO proof he will be and LOTS of proof he won’t be…
Bill B
July 25, 2016 at 5:24 pmIf Trump only does on Christian Conservative thing that will be one more than Clinton will EVER do!
Charlene Robillard
July 25, 2016 at 7:22 pmHonestly, how can he even call himself a Christian?? He belittles people groups, is divisive, quick to respond, and doesn’t ever ask for forgiveness. I know that Christians are not perfect, but seriously??
Joe
July 25, 2016 at 8:55 pmBill B – well if there was EVER a reason to vote for someone, you just NAILED it!
Rhonda Peyton
July 24, 2016 at 10:53 pmI don’t think peeing next to someone of the opposite sex is a sin! It might not be your choice, I know it is not mine….but Not a sin.
Michael R
July 25, 2016 at 1:15 pmI’d prefer to vote against the sins of poor grammar, like using ‘s to pluralize.
Doug Ellingsworth
July 25, 2016 at 1:48 pmMy favorite comment so far!
Jim Scott
July 25, 2016 at 2:29 pmThis country was founded on the Judea Christian principle, BUT our founding fathers intended for there to be a separation of church and state. This never happened and look at the result. In reality, abortion, transgender rights, homosexual rights, gay marriage should NEVER been integrated into the governments business. This country is so bogged down with these issues that the REAL issues such as a crumbling infrastructure, severe climate change, an environmental crisis, food quality, schools, immigration reform, etc. are ignored in leiu of religious issues. Nixon plotted just how to take advantage of people’s religious beliefs with the “Southern Strategy” implemented to retake the south when he was President. It consists of fear mongering, religion, racism, homophobia, etc. It still works, primarily in the South and these Republicans simply use it to win elections, but seldom change any of it. They’ve been in power in congress now for over 6 years and haven’t changed anything. Moreover, they regained control of the house and senate promising to create jobs. Where are those jobs? All they’ve done is obstruct everything designed to make this President a failure and in doing so, the country a failure as well. The truth hurts!
Troy
July 26, 2016 at 7:45 amSo then which do we vote for? They are both for abortion and letting men use the girl’s restroom. So which do we vote for?
Brent Johnson
July 26, 2016 at 8:26 amTrump said in his acceptance speech that these were not important issues to the U.S. This statement earned him a standing ovation from the “conservative audience.
The Supreme Court is not a good argument either, if you understand how a justice actually gets approved by the Senate after the President appoints someone.
But, the author does bring up some other valid points to consider, outside of those two issues.
Frank
July 26, 2016 at 3:12 pmPlease don’t form a plural by using an apostrophe. Just “sins,” OK?
Lindow
July 29, 2016 at 9:41 amIf the only thought you can add is to correct someone’s grammar, then you have a problem.
chuck
August 12, 2016 at 9:46 pmOk Celia but what do you do with trump who says it’s ok for trans genders to use little girls bathrooms???
Joe Creech
July 24, 2016 at 9:09 amAs the Republican Candidate, Donald Trump has policy views like:
– 9/11 was likely an inside job.
– George W. Bush should have been impeached
– The first version of ObamaCare (Universal Healthcare) is a good idea.
– He was pro-abortion his whole life until he decided to run for president.
– He supported a ban on “assault” weapons until 2015.
– He thought George W Bush lied about weapons of mass destruction.
– He agreed with the Obama Administration’s bargain with Iran.
– He wants to add a 45% tariff to Chinese imports
– He said he would nominate his pro-abortion sister as a Supreme Court Justice.
– He wants Israel to give up more land to the Palestinians.
– “Planned Parenthood does great work on women’s health.”
– Forcing states to raise minimum wage.
– Raising taxes on high income earners.
– Thinks its “wonderful” when the government seizes private property.
– Desires to open up libel laws so he can sue people who say bad things about him.
– Is all for neutral gender bathrooms.
– Believes Ted Cruz’s father was tied to the assassination of John F. Kennedy
– Desires for the return of Glass-Steagall financial law.
– He wants to deny an entire religion access to the United States.
Furthermore, Donald Trump has said and done some things that should make most people pause when thinking about supporting him (especially Christians):
– He has never and “will never” ask for forgiveness.
– “You could see there was blood coming out of her eyes, blood coming out of her — wherever. ” – regarding Megyn Kelly.
– “Ariana Huffington is unattractive, both inside and out. I fully understand why her former husband left her for a man – he made a good decision.”
– “You know, it really doesn’t matter what the media write as long as you’ve got a young, and beautiful, piece of ass.” — regarding his WIFE.
– Most hispanics who come across the border are murderers and rapists.
– He visually mocked a reporter who was disabled.
– He called Carly Fiorina ugly — “look at that face.”
– He publicly bashed Ted Cruz’s wife’s looks and integrity.
– He called Ben Carson a child molester.
– He believes that war heroes are the one’s who weren’t captured (regarding John McCain)
– He did not disavow the Klu Klux Klan until he was forced to by his campaign manager.
– He shows signs that he has an issue with people who are Jewish and calls them out for being Jewish.
– He brags about being able to sleep with some “of the top women of the world.”
– He regularly ridicules evangelicals, with almost as much glee as he does Hispanics.
– In recent years, he has suggested that evangelical missionaries not be treated in the United States for Ebola, since they chose to go overseas in the first place.
I understand the whole Supreme Court thing. But as a Christian man how can you condone this?
How can you overlook this?
How can you justify voting FOR him? I understand voting AGAINST Hillary.
That said, in previous posts I have seen you say Trump’s candidacy was “refreshing.”
Is the above refreshing to you?
These are questions, not accusations.
It is my opinion that voting for the lesser of two evils is the reason we are in decline as a nation.I’ve felt convicted to commit to ardent prayer between now and Election Day. C.S. Lewis once observed that Satan often sends evils in pairs, knowing that one of them will prove so repulsive that the unsuspecting Christian will choose the other. Charles Spurgeon, the famous Reformed Baptist preacher, is famous for saying, “When faced with two evils, choose neither.” Christ is our hope. Let’s not forget it in these terrifying times!
Terri
July 24, 2016 at 12:34 pmWell, you are just everywhere, Joseph!
d
July 24, 2016 at 2:08 pmOur Lord God has used evil men and Kings in the past to unfold His plan. He is GOD. All Power belongs to Him. Christians make mistakes all the time, whether in their personal lives or in a voting booth. Non believers make mistakes all the time, whether in their personal lives or in a voting booth. The only difference between Christians and non believers is our love of Jesus and our trust in Him for our salvation. God will give you discernment of who to place your vote for. Do not give up on this country yet. Yes, it is corrupt. Yes it is evil. But non of this surprises our GOD. And He is not intimidated by it. I have asked for discernment and He has blesses me with it. When Obama was running for office, his face and his voice made me physically sick, dry heaves, migraines. There was a word given to me when I saw him. the word was Death. That’s all I received. When I asked for discernment for Hillary the one word I received was Demon. Vote, but ask for discernment first.
Ashley
July 24, 2016 at 3:57 pmThe word I hear when I see or think of Hillary Clinton is Jezabel. I’ve never thought of any presidential candidate as truly evil before until Hillary. I’m praying that if Trump is elected he will become a King Cyrus.
NJ Graber
July 24, 2016 at 7:09 pm“I have asked for discernment and He has blesses me with it.” Oh Really ???? Maybe you should pray for wisdom in discerning between Lies and factual, untwisted Truth. In pretending to be wise, they expose their foolishness. (Paraphrased)
Charla Willie Frieze
July 25, 2016 at 3:48 pmAMEN, very astute comments
C. Hawk
September 29, 2016 at 9:24 pmYou are a very sad individual. I suggest you go back and read Matthew 25 in it’s entirety.You make me feel very sad with your hate. I pray that God will ope your eyes that you may see and let him and not you be the judge!
Danielle
July 24, 2016 at 6:12 pmYou know, I’m not a “don’t judge” kind of person. I think we are to hold one another accountable, but this post makes me curious what it would like if we were to post even one day of all of our sin. Every thing you may have thought or said that didn’t line up with the heart of Christ. Be careful.
Joe
July 24, 2016 at 8:23 pmLOL. Because critique of the person running for the most powerful job in the world is apples to apples with what you are suggesting. Let’s not be silly… We owe it to our kids/grandkids to ask these questions!
Danielle
July 24, 2016 at 10:42 pmNot meant to be apples to apples. Just good for thought.
Sherry
July 25, 2016 at 12:10 amThank you, Joe. You said exactly what I have been thinking and saying. I don’t understand how people can make excuses to support him. Or Hillary.
Charla Willie Frieze
July 25, 2016 at 4:05 amChrist is our hope : But God can and has use murderers, persecutors, Saul/Paul. Drunkereds like Noah. Murderers and adulters like David. Kings and Governers to do evil towards Jesus, but fulfilled God’s plan for Salvation. God used Harlots and unclean people to do His will and fulfill His plans for man kind. God used Peter, a betrayer, a flip flopper, a lier.
betrayers, flip floppers, and liers like Peter: Yes we are to choose wisely. To study to show ourself approved, to not choose evil, but He also uses our feet and hands to do His bidding at times on earth as he did with all manner of evil men to bring His plans to fulfillment, to bring judgment, and The Holy Spirit can change the heart of anyone. So while you are praying ask God to open your eyes, your ears, and see God working in both the Republican and Democrats camp. Everyday there is something come up and we say, Look God is working to refine/derail/change/guide/lead, open your Bible, your mind, your hearts and see the hand of God move towards or against these troubled times. It is getting excited people. The next 4 months, we are in for the ride of our lives. But just know Our God is in control and being angry and faithless and not looking for God’s handiwork is just as wrong as what you accuse Trump of…
Susan
July 25, 2016 at 5:46 pmI’m looking for some input and I liked what you had to say. Thanks!
Jim Bob
July 27, 2016 at 4:04 pmYes, God can use whomever he chooses. But how many of those people from the Bible you listed did Israel vote for?
Brenda
July 27, 2016 at 7:08 pmThank you Charla… Very well put….
Glen
July 25, 2016 at 8:03 amI would love to see these on the truth meter because very few even have a touch of truth in them. It’s sad that you act like a Christian and lie on this board. Shame!
Joe
July 25, 2016 at 10:37 amGlen, first of all WOW! Challenging my Christianity because I hold to conservative values. That’s a first. What point did I lie on? Show me proof that any one of these is a lie and I will apologize (unlike Trump). Proof or take back what you said. Good luck buddy!
Sharron
July 25, 2016 at 3:54 pmIf you are going to give us reasons why Trump shouldn’t be elected then do the same with Hillary. It would take a lot more space than you gave to Trump. We know what dirty baggage she has to carry into the White House, which is a lot. She has been given a chance and messed it up.
Joe
July 25, 2016 at 8:53 pmSharron, do you REALLY need reasons why NOT to vote for Hillary?!
Bill B
July 25, 2016 at 5:30 pmSo what you are saying Joe, is that you want Clinton as President, cause there is him or her!
Joe
July 25, 2016 at 8:30 pmBill……. A vote AGAINST Hillary cannot equal a vote for Hillary.. Your logic is astounding! What I am saying is, PRAY FOR OUR COUNTRY!
Troy
July 26, 2016 at 7:48 amEXCELLENT Joe Creech!! Just EXCELLENT!
Anita
July 26, 2016 at 4:10 pmWas looking at that big long list you attribute to Trump and have to say that many of those things are only media hype toward him. I have followed him from the beginning and although he sometimes says things that anger people, i have tried to look at the man underneath aa I have done with Clinton. I do believe a lot of what he has said was to make a splash and keep himself in the news which worked. He used his own money and spent much less than anyone else and got the job done. Now He has changed his tune (have any of you heard him say anything like that recently?) He is still not a politician so doesn’t have it all figured out yet but he does show me a heart that loves this country and truly wants to make it the best it can be. The man Trump believes he can do it and I believe it would break him if he couldn’t. Clinton on the other hand has had years of scandal and her most recent one with the e-mails have proven her to be a liar. She did lie to the American people and I see her heart as one who simply wants power. Does she have more experience…yes but i’m not sure if she would use it for our betterment or hers. I guess you can tell that my choice is Trump with all his flaws because I believe he really does have a sincere love for this country and will fight for her.
linda parks
July 26, 2016 at 9:04 pmJoe Creech, you nailed it.
Debra Nugent
July 29, 2016 at 11:37 amI agree with you 100%. I’ve been saying this since the beginning. However, much can happen between now & November. Should something happen to where either candidate is no longer in the running for President; which opposing candidate would you consider? This is how I am looking @ it right now. The devil has given us two evils. However, God always gives us a way out. He never leaves us hanging. Never. This is my hope for the country.
Lou
July 25, 2016 at 8:10 pmGreat spin if you covertly really want to vote for Trump but secretly want people to believe you are really undecided.
Anita
July 26, 2016 at 4:26 pmIn his acceptance speech at the Republican National Convention, presidential candidate Donald Trump singled out “the evangelical and religious community” for their assistance in getting him nominated.
“They have much to contribute to our politics, yet our laws prevent you from speaking your minds from your own pulpits,” he said.
“An amendment, pushed by Lyndon Johnson many years ago, threatens religious institutions with a loss of their tax-exempt status if they openly advocate their political views. Their voice has been taken away,” Trump said. “I am going to work very hard to repeal that language and to protect free speech for all Americans.”
Madge Ellingsworth
July 21, 2016 at 11:10 amThis is awesome Doug and so true….
Melodi
July 22, 2016 at 9:59 amExcellent article….and I so agree.
Stan Holland
July 21, 2016 at 11:36 amExcellent article and to the point. No, I’m not happy with my choice but when I think about the group that will move in with them, I have to vote.
Michael Bauer
July 21, 2016 at 1:49 pmI have read a great amount of explainations regarding casting a vote. This one, by far, is one of the best. I urge all within my scope of influence read this, digest it, and make the decision to be at the poles in November.
Kevin
July 21, 2016 at 2:55 pmThe demotivational reason for not wanting to vote is the fuzzy distinction between the two candidates. They both seem equally unethical and chaotic. There is no good choice, therefore it is better not to choose at all. Maybe this is a wake up call to Americans who didn’t know before how much they care about the future of our country?
[email protected]
July 22, 2016 at 1:12 pmNo choice at all? No, you just chose by not voting to allow somebody in as president and you have no say so in it. We might as well just cut your holy strings and let you fly away. No choice, u say…
Dean
July 22, 2016 at 2:29 pmThat is your right but if Killary gets in office do not complain about the continued destruction of the country, morals, abortion, illegal immigration, sin, etc. because you along with others are the reason.
Phil
July 23, 2016 at 2:41 pmKevin, Did you just read this article ? because what you are saying
contradicts what the article just spelled out for you. I understand
the way you feel but I also think doing nothing at all is just as bad.
Roberta
July 23, 2016 at 3:52 pmI read the article & totally agree with Kevin. There’s not thing one that any average joe among us can do, so I will not be voting…so that I’m not blamed for the mess we end up with come January.
d
July 23, 2016 at 11:08 pmIf you can’t find the courage to vote and stand up for your country, please visit this site to see what the brave men and women who have fought for this country have to say. You might be surprised. Get Brave.
d
July 23, 2016 at 11:09 pmhttps://vets-for-trump.com/
Kcr
July 24, 2016 at 7:18 amI have changed my mind, I agree!
I didn’t want to be a part of making a bad decision in choosing between these two, but I do believe Trump is the one that I would choose.
Jeff
July 24, 2016 at 8:56 amWe’ve been hearing this argument of “At least he’s not as bad as the other guy” for decades now (I’ll be 40 by election time, and it’s been the excuse for every presidential election I’ve voted in). “Voting for the lesser evil” is still voting FOR evil, and I cannot do it.
The article makes the assumption that Mr. Trump will “aggressively respond to those threatening and killing police officers”, “spur economic growth by reducing taxes and encouraging hard work”, and nominate Supreme Court justices who are somehow going to be better than those Secretary Clinton would nominate. But I see nothing in Mr. Trump’s character that will indicate that the leadership he brings with him will be any better than that of Secretary Clinton.
Ida Coulter
July 26, 2016 at 7:35 amI am going to vote! I feel that Hillary committed murder by allowing our service members go without support. And too many other problems that Hillary is bringing in her entourage.
Jeff
July 26, 2016 at 9:48 amOh – I’m going to vote also, Ida. But not for Trump or Hillary. Hillary is a murderer, no doubt. But I have no faith that Mr Trump would be any better. At the moment, I am leaning toward Gary Johnson. I disagree with about half of his platform, but I believe he actually will stand by his platform – including the half I DO agree with.
That’s not an easy decision, but I think he is a better candidate than Mr Trump or Secretary Clinton.
Judith Turner
July 23, 2016 at 8:28 pmBut not voting leaves the win to Hillary. IF everyone votes there is a slim chance Trump wins and at the very least HE and only he supports our police, our veterans and loves America. A successful capitalist HE and only he will not be taking us down the road of socialism. No vote = vote for Hillary. Her voters will be bused in, paid to vote and even raised from the dead to get her a victory. If that doesn’t convince you, think about the face of Hillary, the “first woman president” with a chapter in future history books and on one of our coins or bills. Horrific thought. Only thing almost as bad is Bill Clinton as “first man” – God have mercy. VOTE TRUMP!!!
Karen
July 25, 2016 at 10:03 amSo you would prefer to see the face of Donald Trump on coins, postage stamps, etc. ??? Oh puleeze!
Judith Turner
July 23, 2016 at 8:49 pmhttp://us2.campaign-archive1.com/?u=6786c04d282f0ac674aa31370&id=6cb19cb9f1
Jen
July 23, 2016 at 10:46 pmThe wake up call for Americans is to look at what happened in the UK regarding Brexit.
Being misled by a candidates claim of doom & gloom could lead to the same result. Trump boasted how great a decision by the Scottish voters to leave the EU. But they DIDN’T LEAVE! It was the UK.
He also said it would be great for his golf course, money maker, that is. So, what happened? The market crashed. Good for Trump, bad for the people. And he should be president?
Neglecting to vote, is a vote, for someone else’s control not yours.
Anita
July 26, 2016 at 4:18 pmHave you not realized the market is coming up again. Crash didn’t last but a couple of days.
Deb Smith
July 21, 2016 at 3:36 pmI so very much agree with you. I will be voting this election and am pushing everyone I know to do the same. The thought of 4 more years of liberal bias added to Hillary Clinton scare the hell out of me. I am even going so far as to cotact my local Republican office and see what I can do to help get people out to vote. We need numbers Iike never before. I honestly don’t know if this once great country will survive a Clinton Presidency. Scary times.
Kevin Seibold
July 21, 2016 at 3:50 pmExcellent words my friend!
Dawn J
July 21, 2016 at 5:06 pmExcellent article. Voting is imperative. I support Gary Johnson. In no other time in history has a 3rd party candidate had the capacity to ‘compete’ on a level playing field than in the digital media age. You are right to be skeptical of a 3rd party efficacy. Please research him now and consider him when he hits the debate stage.
Mo
July 22, 2016 at 1:11 amI am from New Mexico….Mr Johnson cannot win this election. I do believe however that a vote for Johnson is like a vote for Killery. Vote Trump and at least give him a chance…..I don’t think the America we once knew before Obama could survive even 4 years of Hillary Clinton and her “money hungry” husband. They have sold their souls…….
David Gilbert
July 22, 2016 at 11:25 pmNo one’s even heard of Gary Johnson, so how in the world would you expect him to win this late in the game??? I believe at some point we need to consider a third party to return to a more conservative base, but it’s far too late in the game for this. This would require rallying conservatives early in the primary season to build enough momentum to challenge the main parties; also, it is questionable if a three-party system would ever work, as long as the divided party is on the more conservative side thus cutting conservative votes in half. We would probably need a four-party system to work properly…
june
July 23, 2016 at 11:00 pmAll a third party will do is split the republicans and Killer will win. Only if you can split the democrats will that work. That is how Clinton got in, split republicans.
Danielle
July 24, 2016 at 5:30 pmAgree
Lee
July 22, 2016 at 5:30 amVoting third party is a throw away vote! As much as I would LOVE to vote for my choice it is throwing my vote away! Unfortunately you will have to vote for either Hillary (Obama) Clinton or Donald Trump in order for your vote to make a difference! Think about what you are doing! Don’t let this election define the downfall of our country on a negative tone at the very least! Personally I believe this is the most determining election our country has ever faced! So very many reasons for feeling the way I do!
Stella
July 22, 2016 at 11:57 amI will vote for who I believe to be the best candidate or not at all. I would only be “wasting” my vote if I cast it for someone I can’t in good conscience support—and that’s both of the major party candidates.
A presidential election is not a horse race. You don’t get a prize if you voted for the winner. In this election, we’re all going to lose whether Trump or Clinton wins. No, I won’t have be voting for the winner, but at least I won’t have blood on my hands.
Dean
July 22, 2016 at 2:28 pmThat is your right but if Killary gets in office do not complain about the continued destruction of the country, morals, abortion, illegal immigration, sin, etc. because you along with
others are the reason.
Steven Thomas
July 23, 2016 at 7:40 amDean, are your morals really predicated by the Government? Does the Government’s actions really set the bench mark for your morals? If so, then I would offer that the “moral” problem isn’t so much with the Government as it is with the people. Jesus said “Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s and unto God that which is God’s…” The true moral character isn’t that which is public, it is that which a man holds fast to in the dark when no one is watching. Morals isn’t a mantle from God that you wear, it’s what you live. Governments aren’t moral Dean….they are force, plain and simple. Maybe, just maybe the answer isn’t with the Government, who sits on the SC or who resides in the White House…….maybe it lies within the life of each individual and how he “loves” his neighbor.
Stella
July 23, 2016 at 9:33 amBalderdash. My individual vote will not decide this election, and my state’s votes will go to Trump regardless of my ballot.
Pamela
July 22, 2016 at 8:49 pmStella oh Stella, you may not get a prize for who wins the race but you, your children, your grand children get a safer and more secure land in which to live. You see this is much more than just the presidency. This will determan who makes our laws that’s governs our land for years to come for our next president will appoint possibly three Supreme Justices. This is much bigger than just voiting for one man for president This is about how one ungodly man and ungodly woman in our government leadership at this time could do so much harm and destruction to our country. If we as Americans have any love at all for our country and our future generations we must vote! Its our duty. Our obligation! Don’t give up. Don’t loose Hope!
Larry
July 22, 2016 at 11:23 pmAmen Pamela!
Stella
July 23, 2016 at 9:36 amI didn’t say I wasn’t going to vote, though if there weren’t a third-party candidate I wanted to support, I would leave that part of my ballot blank and vote on state and local candidates and issues.
Larry
July 22, 2016 at 11:22 pmStella: This could be the most crucial time in history to vote,do you realize that as many as four Supreme Court justices could be appointed in the next few years and it could affect your life and the lives of your children and grandchildren for the next forty years.They are in there for life.Do you want a liberal or someone who follows the constitution ?
Stella
July 23, 2016 at 11:19 amYou vote for the candidate you prefer and I will do the same. I am not obligated to vote based on your or anyone else’s “musts.”
Jeff
July 24, 2016 at 9:37 amI appreciate your premise, but I see no reason to assume that Mr. Trump’s nominees will “follow the constitution” any more strictly than Secretary Clinton’s.
Stella
July 25, 2016 at 9:57 amI disagree strongly with your contention that just because someone is a conservative he will follow the Constitution, and I could waste hours pointing to countless examples that that’s a laughably false assumption. Furthermore, Supreme Court justices are not simply appointed by the president. They must be vetted, go through hearings, be approved or rejected by committee, and be voted on by the Senate. The premise of the original essay is overly simplistic.
Bennie Bullock
July 23, 2016 at 4:43 pmAmen!!!
Terry
July 23, 2016 at 5:16 pmStella, I agree with you. In fact, there are so many that believe as we believe, Tom Brokaw spoke about people voting for local issues and leaving the Presidential election blank. If Trump doesn’t win, it will be because he didn’t have enough people to believe in his smoke and mirrors. Once you get past them, there is nothing. Same goes for Hillary. I am sick of people telling me my not voting THEIR way is a vote for the other candidate. At least with Hillary, you know what type of evil there is so you know what you will see. With Trump, the evil is lurking and no one, not even Donald, knows what will happen. I don’t like either one of them. I am an Independent and hold no loyalty to a group of people who decide for whom I should support. I will respect the “office” of the President whomever wins, but I do not have to support the “person”.
Doug Ellingsworth
July 22, 2016 at 10:29 amI wish that a third-party candidate was a viable option, but…. A huge part of the problem is most voters are not that well informed on the issues and implications of an election. Most voters aren’t going to research the strengths of the third candidate – even with digital media making it more accessible.. Thanks for your comment. I appreciate you reading my blog.
S Moffett
July 22, 2016 at 11:51 amKillary will not get my vote. She should be in prison not the presidency. Trump may be a big mouth and have issues about his hair style but I firmly believe he is concerned about our country and the ones that rightfully belong here. I also hope he eventually Clem’s house in the Capitol and movers the lifers on to retirement and get some God fearing people so together they can work to return our nation to the God fearing nation that I country was founded upon. In the end I want a president that respects our flags, pledges allegiance to it and to our bible. Those that don’t like the way we do things in these United States needs to leave and go back where they came from. When we get rid of Obama care and handouts as well as all their servants and vacations our economy will have a big increase immediately. Everyone has an opinion and this is mine and I’ll close with only this”MAY GOD BLESS AMERICA ONCE AGAIN”!!!!!
Lori
July 24, 2016 at 8:07 pmWell said….
TracyaR
July 26, 2016 at 9:40 am“the ones that belong here” Wouldn’t that be the American indians?
Amy Carpenter
July 22, 2016 at 10:44 amDawn J – I understand your reasoning that you are voting for who you consider to be the best person, which makes sense. However, he has zero chance of winning. It would be more productive to vote conservative vs. liberal because one of those philosophies will win. The numbers are in the favor of the liberal because of big money and voter fraud, if nothing else. Voting for Gary Johnson is a vote against conservatives because they are the underdog and need every vote they can get. If you want at least four more years of liberal government, you’re making the move to help that happen.
Sondra
July 22, 2016 at 2:01 pmI will vote for Gary Johnson to!
Dean
July 22, 2016 at 2:27 pmThat is your right but if Killary gets in office do not complain about the continued destruction of the country, morals, abortion, illegal immigration, sin, etc. because you along with others are the reason.
Virginia Hames
July 22, 2016 at 2:53 pmThis is what Gary Johnson has said he stands for:
Don’t require insurers to provide birth control. (May 2012)
No federal funding for stem cell research. (Jan 2012)
Women’s right to choose until fetal viability. (Jun 2011)
Right to choose up until viability of the fetus. (May 2011)
Leave the decision up to the woman. (Jan 2001)
Supports separation of religion and state. (Aug 2011)
Prostitution is safer when legal and regulated. (Jun 2011)
I support gay unions; government out of marriage business. (Apr 2011)
Support principles embodied in the Equal Rights Amendment. (Feb 2001)
Overturn CA Prop. 8: Let gays marry. (Apr 2013)
Why do we tell adults what they can put in their bodies? (Jan 2016)
People 95% positive on legalizing; incumbents 100% negative. (Aug 2012)
Marijuana is safer than alcohol. (Aug 2012)
Kat Burgess
July 22, 2016 at 6:59 pmI hope more people see this info about Gary Johnson,Virginia Hames-he is absolutely not who we need to vote for,if these statements are true! I had decided to sit the vote out,but not now. I will do whatever it takes to keep Mrs. Clinton OUT! Thank you for your article,Doug!
David Gilbert
July 22, 2016 at 11:26 pmNo one’s even heard of Gary Johnson, so how in the world would you expect him to win this late in the game??? I believe at some point we need to consider a third party to return to a more conservative base, but it’s far too late in the game for this. This would require rallying conservatives early in the primary season to build enough momentum to challenge the main parties; also, it is questionable if a three-party system would ever work, as long as the divided party is on the more conservative side thus cutting conservative votes in half. We would probably need a four-party system to work properly…
Julie
July 23, 2016 at 5:36 amDawn you might as well go ahead and vote for Hillary…that’s the result! Proof is Clinton vrs Bush (Perot spoiler 3rd candidate)= Clinton win
Obama vrs Romney = Obama win……PLEASE don’t do that! Please don’t hand over the election to Hillary! Please vote for Trump where we have a chance to change things around for the better!
cara
July 23, 2016 at 1:27 pmWas too late in the game to add another name for the win! Your vote for Gary or whoever he is ,is a vote for Hillary!! Please reconsider and really think about this.
Judith Turner
July 23, 2016 at 8:33 pmSad, but a wasted vote just the same. No way 3rd party candidate can do anything but draw votes away from Trump and not voting leaves the win to Hillary. As I posted as s reply to another #NeverTrump voter, if everyone votes there is only a slim chance Trump wins so useless voting for 3rd party candidate hurts America. At the very least HE and only he supports our police, our veterans and loves America. A successful capitalist HE and only he will not be taking us down the road of socialism. No vote = vote for Hillary. Her voters will be bused in, paid to vote and even raised from the dead to get her a victory. If that doesn’t convince you, think about the face of Hillary, the “first woman president” with a chapter in future history books and on one of our coins or bills. Horrific thought. Only thing almost as bad is Bill Clinton as “first man” – God have mercy. VOTE TRUMP!!!
Dee
July 21, 2016 at 6:38 pmThe only answer in this election is Donald Trump
Jammian
July 22, 2016 at 3:53 amNO !!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME.
Arnie
July 23, 2016 at 6:36 pmI agree
Arnie
July 23, 2016 at 6:37 pmTrump is my pick!
Dawn Spann
July 21, 2016 at 7:00 pmWell said brother!
Gloria Sanders
July 21, 2016 at 8:54 pmYou know if you can’t afford a Cadilac do you walk everywhere you go because you don like Ford or GM?
Kerry
July 22, 2016 at 6:15 amDo you mind if I repost this? It succinctly hits the nail on the head.
Doug Ellingsworth
July 22, 2016 at 10:09 amFeel free! Thanks for reading.
JH B
July 22, 2016 at 1:35 pmCadillacs are GM
Jason
July 22, 2016 at 2:27 pmThis comment is excellent.
Howard McBride
July 21, 2016 at 9:24 pmI agree with every word of your commentary. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us. May God richly bless you and your family, and the USA.
Doug Ellingsworth
July 21, 2016 at 10:55 pmThanks for reading! Blessings to your family.
Dave Hansche
July 21, 2016 at 11:53 pmThere is a meme that fits this election perfectly. It is basically asking “Should we microwave this baby, or put it in a blender” The stunned answer is “What?! Neither” “Well, don’t just throw your vote away” That is really what we face in this election. Do you really think Clinton or Trump won’t bring in bureaucrats who match their worldview? Who won’t support them in whatever deceitful backdoor dealings they get involved in? You think Clinton won’t appoint liberal progressives and that Trump won’t appoint hate-filled, greedy, evil men who are only interested in money and power? Of course they will. The leaders they appoint will be a reflection of them and their policies.
On the other hand, while voting 3rd party may not stop one of them from getting into office, if everyone who is disgusted by the choices we have votes independent and third party in every election, from President all the way down to the local level, maybe we can scare the Dems and Reps into actually listening to the voters. Imagine if the election is decided 37% to 25% with the other 38% spread across independents and third parties. Imagine if 20 or 30 new independent or third party candidates join congress next year. The current establishment in both parties would be shaking in their boots because they would see that we aren’t going to put up with their garbage anymore. The new president, whoever it is, would have to seriously tone down their plans and cooperate or end up a one term president, if they aren’t impeached first.
That is really the only way to make a vote count for anything in this election. Boycott the Democrats and Republicans until they give us decent candidates again.
Keith
July 22, 2016 at 12:50 pmIf all the people who insist that a 3rd party candidate is the better option would actually VOTE for that 3rd party candidate, instead of listening to the rhetoric that only one of the two great evils can possibly win, then a 3rd party candidate COULD actually win. Look at the polls of who likes either of the two main candidates. Both of them have a higher dislike rating than a favorable rating. That means that the vast majority of Americans disapprove of BOTH of them. If you don’t like EITHER of them, then vote for a 3rd party candidate, ESPECIALLY if you have decided NOT to vote at all. This could actually be the year that we could break out of the two party vote, and elect a 3rd party president. This has a better chance than ever before, and would send a message loud and clear to both of the main parties; We are tired of being ignored! I would highly recommend that EVERYONE vote 3rd party this year. I would rather vote 3rd party and vote for who I would actually rather be the president, instead of either abstaining or picking the one I dislike the least of the two. It’s the rhetoric that it’s impossible for anyone other than someone from the two primary parties can be president that is keeping it from happening. People hear that and get scared, so they go against their better judgement, and help someone into office that does not deserve it. If we can start a movement to vote for the candidate that you like, no matter what the party affiliation, then we can start getting better people into office.
Richard Webb
July 22, 2016 at 12:59 pmBoycott? You must be getting paid by George Soros!
Only a FOOL would take your advice
Judith Turner
July 23, 2016 at 8:44 pmIf the Democrats win this election, thanks to voters who stay home or vote but write-in a name of their choosing, you can take it to the bank that no Republican, nor 3rd party candidate, will ever see victory in an election ever again. The Democrats will fix election laws – no voter ID, Felon’s get to vote, illegals get to vote, and it will be lawful for dead people to vote ( 😉 – oh, I forgot, it already is! Well, maybe not legal, but it happens!) THEY are telling you that this will happen, that they will deny 2nd Amendment rights, nominate far left liberal progressives to the Supreme Court to assure THEIR liberal-progressive policies prevail and usher in millions more illegal Mexicans (voters) and Muslim “refugees” (voters & most likely jihadist murderers among them). Live your pipe dream, hate on Trump and say goodbye to America.
Lori
July 24, 2016 at 8:16 pmAll in for TRUMP….
Jaime
July 24, 2016 at 12:39 amYes, Dave Hansche! So much yes!!!! Trump off a lying, greedy, adulterous, ethnocentric, xenophobic, racist, misogynist, opportunistic jerk! All these people who claim they can’t stand Trump or Clinton but that a third party vote is throwing it away, what if instead each of us actually voted according to our conscience? Not only would a third party have a chance to make a good showing and force the system to change and actually listen to the people, but a third party would even have a shot at winning!
Please check out Russell Moore’s blog post about the misconception of voting for the “lesser of two evils.” Mr. Moore is head of the ELRC of the Southern Baptist Convention.
Also, to those saying you will vote for Trump and who are also believers, please think long and hard about that vote! This is a man who unapologetically cheated on his wives, who has joked about inciting violence against those opposed to him at his rallies, who has mocked people with disabilities, who made misleading or outright FALSE claims on over half of his in his speech at the RNC, who is not respected by other nations (this is from personal travels in Africa, Asia, and New Zealand), who basically called Mexicans rapists, and I could go on and on and on… Do you really think voting for a man like that is honoring to God? Don’t fall prey to the game of politics! Vote for who YOU like and want to vote for, the person you think is best for the job, don’t cast your vote for someone you don’t like just because you don’t want the other person to win! Voting is all about making your voice heard. You don’t like them, so, DON’T vote for them! Make your voice heard and your vote count for something more than just, “Well, I don’t want that other one to win so I guess I HAVE to vote for this one…”
Prayers and love from a sister in Christ!
Gr
July 22, 2016 at 8:18 amOur votes don’t elect the president, or Vice President. The electoral college does. We don’t elect Supreme Court justices either. The president chooses them, then the senate votes on them. So this article is null. If you want to make a difference, vote on the little guys, the congress and the senate. They are the ones we elect to make these choices for us!
Doug Ellingsworth
July 22, 2016 at 10:08 amThe popular vote determines whose slate of Electors will make up the Electoral College: those chosen by the Democrats or those nominated by the Republicans. So, the popular vote will determine who the Electoral College casts their votes for. My article also makes it clear that the President appoints the Supreme Court Justices. For the last eight years, Congress (the members of the House of Representative and the US Senators combined) has done little else but the President’s bidding.
Keith
July 22, 2016 at 12:57 pmIn a large number of states, the Electoral College is not required to vote according to the popular vote. In those cases, it is truly up to the EC to determine who they will vote for. In one of these states in the fairly recent past, a vote was cast for the Vice Presidential candidate, and not the Presidential candidate. In that case, the vote did not go for EITHER of the Presidential candidates, but rather, for the VP candidate, who, with only one vote,
did not get enough votes to become president.
Richard Webb
July 22, 2016 at 1:06 pmYou get an A in civics; an F in Wisdom.
Richard Webb
July 22, 2016 at 1:21 pmNot sure my comments got associated with the comments to whom they were directed. Doug is correct.
George Soros is known to be paying thousands of bloggers who cast doubt on Wisdom just as satan did, and does (some truth mixed with a little lie)
Those bloggers get an A in civics, but an F in Wisdom.
Tom
July 22, 2016 at 5:28 pmDead on point!
Pamela
July 22, 2016 at 10:34 amTired of hearing how Trump is “our only choice”. Like he is not good enough to be where he is. “You only have two to choose from.” Well I can see why you might say that with a lying cheating theaf like Hillary. To my knowledge Donald Trump has not stood before the United States and lied under oath more than once….oh did I say more than once…..I’m not gonads get into all she has done. You already know..If you can sleep with it!
J. D Langford
July 22, 2016 at 10:46 amA masterpiece Doug! YOU need to pray about getting involved in Tenn. then national- we need people like you who can stand for what is right and articulate clearly . Blessing to you today
Doug Ellingsworth
July 22, 2016 at 11:13 amThanks! Blessings to you all!
Laura Gant
July 22, 2016 at 12:47 pmThanks for that, I myself have thought and even said that I will not vote this yr. Until someone told me that ” a no vote for trump is a vote for Clinton. So i got to thinking about that. Starting reading up on both of them. I seriously can’t imagine what our beautiful country will be like with the same as we have now. I will be voting this yr. As a proud American because that my right. Thanks for sharing.
Stella
July 22, 2016 at 1:41 pm“Until someone told me that ‘a no vote for trump is a vote for Clinton.'” That someone’s illogical statement is hogwash. An abstention is *not* a vote for either candidate—by definition.
Sylvia Watts
July 23, 2016 at 2:06 amI keep losing my comments before I can post them! I will TRY again! I read about WRITING IN CRUZ. I would do that as I have been for Cruz all along, but I am afraid that would be a “throw-away-vote” at this point, wouldn’t it?
Doug Ellingsworth
July 23, 2016 at 11:35 amHistory has shown that voting for a third person only serves to drain votes from the party candidate most aligned with him. In this case, the more conservative voters who split their votes among various candidates, make it easier for the more liberal candidate to win the popular vote. That’s what people mean when they say that a third-party vote is a vote for Hillary.
Wanda
July 22, 2016 at 11:21 amJust an observation……….Paris Hilton and Ivanka Trump were both born the same year into billionaire families. Last night as I watched Ivanka give her speech, I realized what a difference there is between the two women. The Donald has been an excellent father! He has made his share of mistakes, but you can’t fake good kids, and they love their father!!
Lori
July 24, 2016 at 8:23 pmTotally agree….
Lois
July 22, 2016 at 11:23 amI Will Vote! It Is A Scary Thing To Think About Hillary Being In The White House!!Great Read Thanks!!
Lori
July 24, 2016 at 8:24 pmAgree
Sonja Fassbender
July 22, 2016 at 11:39 amWhether you agree with Trump or not, he is not a politician, but he is a manager of people and that is what we need. He is surrounding himself with some of the best people in the world and I believe they will be the ones he listens too. I’m thankful that Jeff Sessions from Alabama will be one and that Carson, West and Clark will be also, we need good men that believe in America and these four do. We need to rid our government of Muslims as they do not believe in democracy or the American way of life. We don’t need 8 more years of Obama which you will get if Clinton get in. She is a selfish woman with no car for anyone but herself, she does not know how real people live and could care less about whites or blacks, all she is looking for is power and money that she can funnel through her charity from Muslim Countries. She has sold her sole for money and will take us down the drain unless Trump wins. You may not agree with everything he says, but he says it and all she does is lie and kill Americans. Tired of the Clintons and Bushes, give an intelligent man that knows how to run a business a try, see how he does, there is always another election in 4 years.
Kay
July 23, 2016 at 10:18 amSo well said and explained! Now, people – pray that God will give you eyes to see the truth and ears to recognize the truth. We must put the country first and not just “what’s in this for ME!” . VOTE! Remember, it’s time for us to do for our country – not sit home and expect our country to do for us! Our country owes us safety, freedom, and the right to persue happiness. All that starts with each of us – WE are the country! We must stand up, WORK, and contribute – not sit and take and feel entitled! No way can I vote for Killary. I’m not pleased with the 3rd party’s rep. Leaves Trump. I’ll give him a chance – and pray for him that God will give him vision. The Bible says, “Without vision, the people will perish”.
Lori
July 24, 2016 at 8:27 pmWe can’t take another 4 year’s… Keep Clinton out. TRUMP TRULY CARES.
Will
July 22, 2016 at 11:54 amI could not have said it better myself. Everyone has an opinion and can express it because of the freedoms that we have fought for, and our families have died for. I unlike some will cast my vote. I cannot in good conscience tell my grandkids that I didn’t care enough not to try and shape the world that they eventually will inherit.
Debra
July 22, 2016 at 12:29 pmWith the overwhelming majority against both Trump & Clinton, if those people all wrote in Cruz, he would win. Cruz is eligible for write in in 43 states.
Candy Speakmon
July 22, 2016 at 12:41 pmGood article, FYI, Trump has 5 children.
Pamela
July 22, 2016 at 5:05 pmMost people know this! 3 with first, 1 with second and third. Your point is?
Stan Stinson
July 22, 2016 at 12:44 pmVery well said Doug. The vote this year is about the next 30-40 years not just the next 4, making my choice simple. There is no perfect candidate, ever, but as Mike Pence said, “Hillary Clinton must never become President of the Unites States of America.” and I will cast my vote to try and make sure that statement is fulfilled.
virginia Boyd
July 22, 2016 at 2:38 pmI am not voting for either one. I am voting against one. Trump absolutely scares me to death. He won’t help any of our allies if they get attacked which includes Isreal.if you have ever read the bible you should know Jesus expects us to always have their back.
Karen
July 24, 2016 at 2:19 amVirginia, did you even listen to Trump’s acceptance speech? He never said he wouldn’t help our allies, and he most certainly DID say that as president, he will stand with Israel. Where are you getting your information from?
Margarett Parker Lunzmann
July 22, 2016 at 2:52 pmI understand and I will vote… I don’t have to plaster or wall paper the house with my opinions. I want our constitution as the first most important thing to be kept sacred in that it is where my grandkids and nieces and nephews and other children will live and learn and have joy or sorrow. I personally would like nothing more than to sweep the streets clean and start over BUT we cannot do that. We must be a valid sane thinking human and restore to this Country an honest way of life.
Eva Chase
July 22, 2016 at 3:19 pmExcellent and AMEN!!
Richard
July 22, 2016 at 5:11 pmAnd one of those candidates is the anti-Christ, she will destroy this country her counterpart has tried, (disclaimer) this is merely My opinion, I am entitled to that still.
thomas
July 22, 2016 at 5:39 pmLook to vote for Gary Johnson and Weld on ballot in all 50 states. Both former Republican Governors who will put more conservative justices in supreme court… johnsonweld.com
Mike Shipley
July 22, 2016 at 6:25 pmThere are more than two choices ….. The Libertarian Party is most compatible with my spiritual values and maybe yours too!! Check them out: LP.org.
Larry Jenkins
July 22, 2016 at 6:45 pmYou make a couple of assumptions that aren’t true. First you say,” As a matter of fact, there will probably be more of you sitting at home than there will be those of us who will actually decide the future direction of our country by voting. If you think you are deciding the direction of our country by voting you are sadly mistaken. Elections are already decided before anyone goes to the ballot box. Dead people vote, illegal aliens vote, votes are misapplied etc. The voting system has been corrupted for a very long time. Second you say,”Whoever gets the most votes in November is moving to Washington D.C. in January.” The popular vote doesn’t decide the winner the Electoral College does. More than once the person with the most votes has lost. Placing your faith in this corrupt system is faith misapplied.
Rebecca
July 22, 2016 at 7:02 pmWell written article….very thought-provoking! Though I’m not pleased with the candidates we have to choose from, yet I value my God-given resposibility & privilege to vote & make my voice heard on the issues that matter to me! And then….to pray!
Annie
July 22, 2016 at 7:18 pmI have my vote! I was born with NF and I have been a patient at MD Anderson since I was three years old! Since Obama has become president I have lost my insurance every year forced to find one that will accept me.. even though he promised pre exciting conditions would not be effected by his new plan it most definitely was.. just this year I was informed that December was my last month of coverage once again. I will once agian try to find a plan that will allow me to receive the treatment I need.. I refuse to vote for someone who will let this crap continue fore and so many others!
Monti Hillis
July 22, 2016 at 7:35 pmWhile I think Hillary is nothing short of a murderer, You are making a rather generous assumption that Trump will follow Republican/ Conservative values. I don’t trust him as far as I could throw him! At this point, I cannot look my grandchildren in the eye and tell them I voted for either of them.
H
July 22, 2016 at 7:37 pmIf we lose to Hitlery this November, I will credit Christians for causing it. I believe there are enough of us to put it over the top if everyone will stick together on this….and PRAY!
Sadly, we are not a conservative country anymore. If you want a conservative in the Oval Office, get out there and win souls for Christ! In the meantime, Trump is still better than the other option. Not voting for him is voting for her! This is THE most important election we have ever seen. PLEASE, people! Stick together!
Tim
July 22, 2016 at 8:37 pmSo you are saying the Bible says vote Republican, a Christian shouldn’t vote 3rd party even if it is closer to their values because their vote would be thrown away, same-sex marriage is a greater sin than racism, and we could go on and on. As Christians we are a part of the kingdom of God and are called to be salt and light. Putting our confidence in a man or party to uphold our beliefs goes against everything the Bible teaches us. It our job as the church to live our convictions and Jesus tells us we will be persecuted for it. Politicians can’t change that for us. I also have yet to find a scripture that says not voting is a sin.
Doug Ellingsworth
July 22, 2016 at 8:57 pmNo, I am saying exactly what the article said and it said none of what you’re accusing.
Danielle
July 24, 2016 at 5:11 pmNo, just saying that voting third party is a wasted vote. Maybe…maybe someday there will be a viable third party. But for now, there is not. You will simply be voting for Clinton.
Res
July 22, 2016 at 9:37 pm“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” George Washington
There has, perhaps, never been a time in our nation’s history when these prescient words by our first president rang truer.
This year, America’s political parties have given us:
• A candidate who, judging from his own statements, has likely never read the U.S. Constitution, versus a candidate who, judging from her own statements, holds it in contempt;
• A candidate whose history shows him to be someone who vacillates between liberalism and conservatism depending on what will advance his own cause, versus a candidate who has shown herself to be an enemy of conservative principles and values;
• A candidate whose very public life has shown him to be concerned only with personal expediency, sacrificing moral imperatives to moral relativism, versus a candidate whose very public life has shown her to be concerned only with personal expediency, sacrificing moral imperatives to moral relativism;
• A candidate whose public statements show him to be utterly lacking in biblical wisdom, despite his alleged success in business matters, versus a candidate who considers biblical wisdom to be antiquated and even perverse;
• A candidate who believes he has no reason to fear God, versus a candidate who seems to believe there is no God to fear;
• A candidate whose public statements suggest a penchant for fascism, versus a candidate whose public statements suggest a penchant for fascism;
• A candidate who is evil, versus a candidate who is less evil
There is no choice. Both major-party candidates promise us the same thing — a nation further divided, a country at war, a time of great sorrow.
I mourn for our nation.
But I will not vote for either of the two major-party candidates. I will not stand before God and try to explain why I chose evil in 2016.
I will pray. I will put my faith in God, not in the political constructs of man. I will humble myself and turn from my own wicked ways and encourage fellow Christians to do the same. I will love my neighbor, and I will love God. And then I will wait for God — not Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton — to heal this land.
That is what I am called to do as a follower of Christ.
Sue
July 22, 2016 at 10:41 pmIt’s upsetting to me how everybody says “it’s either Trump or Clinton”. Like Cruz said: “Vote your conscience!” He’s a smart guy! If for once people would be open minded enough to consider something different, like voting for someone who’s neither Republican nor Democrat, we might actually have a chance to make this world a better place. We DO have a choice. Time we took advantage of it. If you want a conservative Christian in the White House, vote for the one who’s willing to take the job. His name is Darrell Castle! Spread the word. If a 3rd party candidate ever has a chance, this would be the year, with so many people unhappy with the two main candidates.
Richard
July 23, 2016 at 4:39 amWe must keep Hillary from gaining acess to our White House, you may not like Trump, but by not voting Hillary wins, by casting a vote for Mike Mouse, Hillary wins, anything besides Trump,, Hellary will win.. Here’s the choice,
Liar, Cheat, Sleazy Politician: Clinton
Liar, Cheat, Successful Businessman: Trump, I’ll take my chances with the businessman, Politicians have screwed up this country enough.
Rebecca
July 23, 2016 at 7:15 amWhat if it isn’t ultimately about our safety and squeezing this largely postmodern nonChristian nation into our Christian mold.
Christine
July 23, 2016 at 7:59 amPopular vote does not elect a president. In the past, the popular vote winner did not win the electoral college so our vote does not elect the president.
Lora
July 23, 2016 at 9:54 amMust vote I will
Vote Trump not a drinker, smoker. Hillary lies and had done so about Benghazi and on and on cannot trust anything she says. Gary Johnson a marijuana user. Supreme Court at stake or country will take generations to fix if ever we cannot let the USA go more to the left. Is Trump perfect was Obama or Bush Or Clinton been long time we have had a really good President
Joni
July 23, 2016 at 11:34 amI will vote, but our culture is broken down. Trump can’t stop that. Hillary won’t stop that. Our Republic was made for a moral and religious people. Until we turn back to the Lord in repentance, I have no expectation that any politician will be able to secure our safety and/or liberties. Because of the way our government is set up, I believe it would be wrong to shirk our responsibility of voting, but it’s frustrating to me when I hear so many Christians talking about what’s at stake if we don’t vote as if our salvation will come from who is in office. Until we get it right at home with our families and with our God, a politician can make decisions that may slow down the attack on our liberties, but I think we put too much of our hope in fallen men sometimes. I have worked heavily in conservative politics for 10 years, and so maybe I’m a little jaded as so many politicians know how to talk the talk to get votes, but then do whatever they want once elected. Our choices for President this cycle are very disheartening to me. Christianity thrives when there is severe persecution. Maybe we’ll be seeing a separation of the wheat from the tares here soon in our country. In my humanity, I’d rather be comfortable and have my kids comfortable, and all of us safe and our liberties secured, but I’m thankful that no matter what happens, the Lord is in control, and even if that means temporary persecution and trials, well then, I agree with the Apostle Paul in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Doug Ellingsworth
July 23, 2016 at 11:39 amYou said it well. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Dana
July 23, 2016 at 11:58 amSomeone said “my individual vote will not decide this election.” What they fail to comprehend is what if hundreds, thousands, and even millions feel the same way and decide not to vote? Do you not think collectively that makes a difference in who will win the election? That statement and belief makes no sense to me at a time when this country needs true leadership and not more of the same or worse if Hillary wins. Trump may not be the best choice as an opposing candidate, but he has to be better than Hillary and I had increased hope instilled in me when I heard Pence’s speech.
Chris Jackson
July 23, 2016 at 1:11 pmSaying I need to vote for one of these two morally reprobate individuals because of possible side effects ( and I say “possible” because no one knows what either will do or be allowed to do ) is like presenting me with a choice of adultery vs. incest and saying I should choose adultery because incest might create a child with birth defects!
I’ll just abstain. That doesn’t mean I’ll just lay down and take what’s coming – no matter which one gets in.
In the mean time I can still choose Congressional candidates that will stand against the insanity. I can vote for local leaders with commitment and integrity. I can continue to disciple Christians to be Grace and Spirit lead. I’ll feed the hungry around me and care for widows and orphans God sends my way.
The only changes that will help now are not a change in government leadership, but a pervasive change of heart in the Church. This nightmare hasn’t been imposed on us as Christians, but created (at least in part) by us as we seek entertainment over genuine relationship, comfort over sacrificial calling, and Law over true Grace.
Doug Ellingsworth
July 23, 2016 at 2:16 pmWhile I disagree with most of the the first paragraph, your summary is spot on. Thanks for reading.
Donna Stam
July 23, 2016 at 4:35 pmI totally get your point. And I totally agree with your analogy. Where do you stand now since the republican party has now stood on the podium of their convention and put their arms around LBGT group. As a Christian it breaks my heart to see the enemy (satan), with so much bondage in this world. I was leaning toward the republican party only to keep out the Democratic party and four more years of the past eight years we have had. If Mr. Trump has a group of Evangelistic advisors about him he certainly is not listening to them or they are not advising him via GOD’s word. As a Christian seeing the prophecies of the Bible coming forth does bring a joy knowing JESUS is coming soon. As I agree with your reasons for voting I have to honestly say I am still undecided. It is obvious the world is becoming as Sodom and Gomorrah and GOD listened earnestly to Abraham’s pleas and GOD could not even find 10 righteous to safe the population. I also stand on the word of GOD that he has used many ungodly people through out his word even the jaw of an ass. So keeping this in mind keeps me seeking his face for direction.
Carolyn Hayes
July 23, 2016 at 4:43 pmI believe it was Winston Churchill that said “All it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing”.
Karen
July 24, 2016 at 2:27 amBingo
Bennie Bullock
July 23, 2016 at 4:50 pmDo the right thing and let God take care of the fallout. God never requires anyone to choose evil in order to do the right thing. A vote for a third party candidate or not voting at all tells the Republicans and the Democrats to give us a better choice next time. Voting for the lesser of two evils tells them to keep on giving us evil candidates and they will probably get more and more evil. If you like evil candidates then by all means vote for one.
Moriah
July 24, 2016 at 2:52 pmMay I quote you in a blog post I’m writing?
BrienOToole
July 23, 2016 at 5:29 pmW/ all due respect, I see his capacity to endanger peace and the institutions of goverment as vastly greater than hers. His comments degrading our commitment to our NATO ally, Estonia recklessly emboldens Russian aggression.
Joye
July 23, 2016 at 6:08 pmFirst, I would like to say this. I keep hearing far too many people saying, if you vote for anyone other than Clinton or Trump, you are throwing away your vote. The problem is, the more that people believe that, the more you will continue to have a choice between two candidates that you neither like, nor support. What results, is a fear of wasting your vote, and the lesser of the two bad choices getting elected.
Look at the candidates that are running for third parties before you rule them out. Seriously, take a look at them. You might be surprised. If enough people have the courage to vote for the candidate they REALLY support, rather than voting for the lesser of the two bad choices, you will see things change.
Have the courage to vote for the choice you feel is best for America, rather than choosing the lesser of the two evils, just because you want to avoid the bad candidate getting elected or think another candidate has no chance.
Terrance
July 23, 2016 at 9:55 pmPeople are saying we will not survive a Clinton presidency, but if memory serves me right we already survived a Clinton presidency. And aside from the personal issues, the country had some pretty good years.
d
July 23, 2016 at 10:34 pmI’m only going to say this…if Hillary Clinton becomes president you won’t have to worry if we will survive another Clinton presidency, because America as you know it will not survive. Hillary wants Canada and mexico and the united states of America to be one country with one dollar, which takes away all our sovereigncy and independence. Please consult a veteran before you vote. They will tell you the truth. I could go into detail about the coven in California that she visits every year, or the many horrible secrets she has kept for yrs but I won’t. I only ask that you consult a veteran. Several veterans.
Stand United for Trump
July 24, 2016 at 1:47 amI KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT d, I’VE HAD DAUGHTERS IN THE MILITARY, I HAVE GRANDCHILDREN IN THE MILITARY, I DON’T THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE HAVE DONE ENOUGH RESEARCH TO KNOW EXACTLY WHAT’S AT STAKE. I WATCHED TRUMP ON OPRAH 30 YEARS AGO, SAY THAT HE WASN’T REALLY INTERESTED IN RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT,BUT IF IT GOT REALLY, REALLY BAD HE WOULD CONSIDER RUNNING. WELL THAT TIME HAS COME AND I HAVE SPENT THE LAST SEVEN MONTHS RESEARCHING WHAT IS GOING ON AND THE THINGS I HAVE FOUND SCARE THE HELL OUT OF ME. I’VE NEVER BEEN MORE AFRAID FOR OUR COUNTRY THAN I AM RIGHT NOW!! TRUMP DOESN’T HAVE TO DO THIS, HE’S PUTTING HIS BUSINESSES ASIDE TO TRY AND SAVE THIS COUNTRY, HE’S BEEN ALL OVER THE WORLD HE KNOWS MORE ABOUT WHAT’S GOING ON THAN ALL THE OTHER CANDIDATES HE WAS RUNNING AGAINST. HE’S NOT SUGAR COATING ANYTHING, HE’S TELLING IT LIKE IT IS, AND HE’S GOTTEN ALMOST 14 MILLION VOTES IN THE PRIMARY, MORE THAN ANY REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE IN HISTORY. IF THAT DOESN’T CONVINCE YOU THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE DOING THEIR HOMEWORK, THAN I DON’T KNOW WHAT WILL!! THE MAIN ISSUES HE TALKED ABOUT, OUR BORDERS, MILITARY, HEALTHCARE, JOBS, AND GETTING RID OF COMMON CORE ( I CALL THAT ONE THE DUMBING DOWN OF AMERICA) THESE ARE THE IMPORTANT THINGS ON THE MINDS OF MANY AMERICANS. HE’S SAYS HE’S WORKING FOR US,WHEN HAVE YOU HEARD A POLITICIAN SAY THAT (NEVER). HE’S SAYS HE WANTS TO BE OUR VOICE, I THINK HE WILL FIND A WAY TO HEAR WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY!! I TRUST THIS MAN, BECAUSE HE LOVES AMERICA AND ALL THE GOOD PEOPLE IN IT!! HE WILL PUT GOOD PEOPLE IN HIS CABINET AND SUPREME COURT, WE STILL HAVE SOME GOOD POLITICIANS IN OFFICE AND TRUMP KNOWS WHO THEY ARE. FOR THE SAKE OF OUR CHILDREN ,GRANDCHILDREN AND FUTURE GENERATIONS PLEASE DO SOME HOMEWORK AND LIKE d SUGGESTED TALK TO SOME VETERANS. PRAY FOR THE U.S.A. I KNOW THOUSANDS ARE PRAYING FOR DONALD TRUMPS SAFETY!! EVEN IF YOU DON’T LIKE HIM, REMEMBER THIS, HE’S NOT A CROOKED POLITICIAN, AND HE DOESN’T NEED THE MONEY!!
Moriah
July 24, 2016 at 2:49 pm1. You do not need Trump to be your voice. You can be your own voice.
2. The idea that Trump is running for purely altruistic motives is a poor assumption.
3. Trump does not “say it like it is.” Apparently, he says it like you see it, but how do you know your perception of reality accurate? There are many things he’s said that have not held up to be true.
4. You don’t need all capital letters to communicate your message or to have a strong voice.
Terrance Young
July 25, 2016 at 8:45 pmI’m a veteran does talking to myself count as consulting a veteran?
Pastor Rich Zawadzki
July 23, 2016 at 10:16 pmMany so-called “evangelical Christians” are also angry, and stirred and motivated by their anger, Scriptural principles have taken a back seat as they have aligned themselves with the angered masses without regard to shared beliefs. They simply share anger at the last 8 years, and consequently have bought “hook line and sinker” the “Make America Great Again” and the “Anti-Establishment” lines.
However, in their angry zeal to not elect the grossly immoral (Mrs Clinton), they are willing to elect the (albeit lesser) immoral (Mr. Trump) and seek to apply a secular solution to a spiritual problem.
It is true that we are not electing a Pastor; but we are electing a leader (Cf. II Sam. 23:3) of the greatest nation on the face of the Earth; and the fact that one is less moral does not make the other more moral. It is a false equivalency.
Who you vote for is ultimately your business. However, the Scriptures still say in Proverbs 14:34, that “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”
Voting for the obviously and overtly unrighteous (no matter the party) will certainly not induce God to exalt this nation or “Make America Great Again”.
d
July 23, 2016 at 10:53 pmGod can use anyone He choses whether Christian or non Christian. It happens all the time. Our country is being laughed at by other countries now. We have lost the respect as a great nation. we no longer own our own nation because our government has prostituted us to the world and called it Trade. The world owns us. If you don’t make your mortgage payments the bank will then own your home. We owe the world so much that our own country is about to no longer be our own country. I will be voting for Mr Trump for one main reason. Someone has to change the way we handle our finances or we will no longer have a country to discuss.
Moriah
July 24, 2016 at 2:42 pmMay I quote you? I will give you credit.
BeccaZ
July 28, 2016 at 4:57 pmDear Pastor Zawadzki, you may be right on some of these points, but many evangelical Christians are NOT angry, unfortunately, I will include myself in this, our voting choices are driven by fear. Scared of Trump personality or Clinton’s scandal and policies. What are we thinking? God is in control. I will pray for His will as I vote for Hillary (or perhaps for Johnson because my state is blue anyway.)
Garry F. Owen, Trooper
July 23, 2016 at 10:27 pmI wouldn’t be as nice as you have been in describing Killary’s shortcomings, but I’m equally afraid of the people Mr. Trump would bring to DC. The last president with an R beside his name took several steps to take away civil liberties from ordinary citizens under the guise of “making America safe again.” I think it was Franklin who said, “Those who would trade a little liberty for safety will get neither, and lose both.” Our times are in the LORD’S hands, and the heart of the king is like water in His hands.
Come November 8th, I will probably vote 3rd party or write in a candidate I can support. It will not be a meaningless vote because it will reflect my conscience. I will do as I have seen politicians do before: knowing that my state will be carried by one or the other of the two major party candidates, I will be free of the obligation to hold my nose and vote Trump. I will exercise whatever rightful liberty I can in the time that remains.
Doug Ellingsworth
July 23, 2016 at 10:35 pmYou are a good writer. If you don’t write, you should. Thanks for reading mine!
Robert Woodyard
July 24, 2016 at 9:56 pmDoug,
Thank you for your kind words. I have aspired to become a writer, but haven’t pursued it. I’m an ordained minister, so I communicate with groups on a regular basis. I’ve been thinking about blogging as a way to communicate with people who wouldn’t come to the church I pastor. Your words have given me something to think about.
d
July 23, 2016 at 10:39 pmPlease, Please consult a veteran before you vote. This isn’t about you having a clear conscience. This is about loosing what few rights we have left. Please consult several veterans. They will tell you the truth.
Myra
July 23, 2016 at 11:14 pmI’m with you, Garry, and I have expressed my belief on FB and websites every chance I get. Unfortunately, many Americans seem to have forgotten, if they ever knew, that integrity is important. My conscience will be clear when I write in the candidate of my choice.
TruthStillMatters
July 23, 2016 at 11:10 pmIt’s a tough year and the choices I wanted are not on the ballot, but we ruled out the other contenders in our primaries. My choice now is which party’s platform is worth supporting. I vote for the party platform that most closely aligns with my personal beliefs about the sanctity of life for starters, and then about the importance of marriage for not only ethical reasons, but also for economic, followed by other issues. I “wish” I could snap my fingers and every child would be safe and in a stable and loving home; I “wish” neighbors would get along regardless of differences of any kind; I “wish” everyone was treated fairly all the time; I “wish” liars’ noses grew and plastic surgeons refused to interfere (okay, a little humor but we have a hard time remembering lies when we get to the voting booth); I “wish” veterans were cared for promptly and respected and could return to jobs with dignity; I “wish” dozens of things,…. BUT there reality is we aren’t in heaven yet. While I am on earth as a grateful US citizen, I vote party platform from top to bottom. You and I can influence our party’s platform at various times in our area’s election process. It’s extremely easy to get in on that — simply by asking where to sign up to help with platform or other aspects of your party’s business when you vote. When we are willing to do the “grassroots” work of writing platform planks, etc., it is “our” government and when we vote, it is “our” government. I may end up having to tolerate people in the White House but I can do my letter-writing/editor-writing, etc., best to hold their feet to the platform planks. For me, I could not look any young person in the eye and vote for Democratic candidates even if they were friends because of the party’s platform. I may not have the exact stats, but in the last election, I think it was 5 million votes that “won” the presidency and millions upon millions of eligible voters stayed home. I watch the decisions by courts and I know I do not want judges and justices who “rewrite” or “reinterpret” the Constitution to make it favor a drifting to the left, etc. Okay… off my soapbox, but yes, I will vote platform top to bottom. If a candidate wants my vote, she or he needs to be with my party.
April
July 23, 2016 at 11:31 pmAfter carefully reading over this article, I have to say that I respectfully disagree.
Am I voting this election cycle? To be honest, right now, I don’t know. But if I do, it won’t be for Hillary or Trump. And I won’t make my decision based on the idea that “I don’t care” as this author infers. I care greatly about this nation, our families, and economy. I care about the future Supreme Court justices and the cabinet members.
So why would I possibly decide not to vote? Because, from what I have seen, Hillary and Trump’s values are the same. Neither would further our nation even one step closer to morality. Neither would care to preserve the family, Christian liberty, or the free market. Both would choose socialist cabinet members and downright evil Supreme Court justices. Both would support Planned Parenthood and the homosexual agenda.
How can I decide between these choices? It is as though one is pointing a gun at my eye and the other is pointing at my nose. Are either good for America? No… not in the least bit.
However, I do believe this to be true: Trump will hurt America’s morality more than Hillary. The conservatives will bow to their Great Leader, abandoning their morals in the name of the “One” who can keep America “Safe” while making it “Great” on “His Own”. Conservatives will not turn to Jesus Christ for their safety, but toward a man.
So, that’s my opinion. If I vote, it will be for the Constitutionalist party’s candidate, Darrell Castle. But I am not ready to make that decision yet as I have not researched enough about him at this time. Will he win? Probably not. But it doesn’t change the fact that I can’t vote for Hillary or the Republican version of her, Donald Trump.
In the end, I urge everyone to pray and hold fast to your morals. It may prove hard to do if Trump wins, but once he (or Hillary) is done with the office, there won’t be anything but the LORD to hold onto.
And if we continue to spread the word of the LORD, no matter if we vote or not, we will be able to do exactly what this author says needs to happen: We will be able to say that we did “what we could to keep the most evil influences out of positions of authority”
ML
July 24, 2016 at 11:13 amWell written and I agree with you.
A Trooper, wrote much the same and it’s posted a bit above yours, so I’ll thank you both and move on.
Preston
July 24, 2016 at 12:22 amYou make good points, but you haven’t convinced me that I need to vote for Donald or Hillary. I’m voting, but I can’t in good conscience vote for either of the popular candidates. Tell me I’m “throwing my vote away,” I don’t care. I have too much integrity to help either of those into office. Ill play my part as an American and Christian and vote for who I believe will be the best President for this country, and if someone else gets elected then I will be forced to trust in God’s agenda.
Chris
July 24, 2016 at 8:54 amEven though the writer of this piece is probably right about a third party not having a chance, it is this line of thinking that has allowed the two parties to get a stranglehold on our government to do what they please with. If enough people got fed up and voted 3rd party, the (R)s and (D)s might get a hint something needs to change. And instead of everyone voting for the lesser of two evils, which I can’t tell you how many people have said to me they were going to do this go around, they chose the candidate they liked the most out of All the candidates, a third party could just win one day.
Doug Ellingsworth
July 24, 2016 at 12:05 pmIF folks proposing a third party would all get behind one third party candidate, you are right. But as you can see by simply reading these comments, that’s not likely to happen. For a third party to work, that candidate would need to cast a compelling vision early enough for him to develop a strong following. Waiting until the conventions is too late.
Chuck
July 24, 2016 at 8:55 amNah…point not proven. Our problems go far beyond these two candidates. The culture war, which you continue to perpetuate here, is as much of a cause of our dysfunctional government and our extreme polarization as a society. When you resort to terms like “the most evil influences”, you’ve made a conscious decision not to be helpful, but to be complicit in a lie. I have no problem with your choice to vote for Trump. In my view, the one possible justification for so doing is the Supreme Court seats…but, even then, you’re just trusting a wing and a prayer…because Trump has never been a man of his word. So, you’re as likely as not buying a pig-in-a-poke. I don’t blame those who choose to vote for either of the two. Some feel obligated to do so…largely because this has been positioned as purely a binary choice. Sure, one of the two will win. But to use my voice in supporting a third party because I believe we don’t need another election where there ARE only two potentially-competitive options…or to write in someone I believe to be a candidate of character? Those are NOT wasted votes. Either you believe in character, or you don’t. I could just as legitimately argue that YOU are the one in error here…by A) perpetuating the same lie in which conservative Christians have engaged since the early days of Reagan, where we were told to trust that God would honor our slavish devotion to partisan politics…and B) where painting the opposition as corrupt and evil and un-American at every turn. The simple fact is this: neither of the two sides has a corner on the truth…and THIS IS POLITICS. It’s NEVER been about one side getting and holding onto all the power. Wanna talk about a lie from the pit of hell? There ’tis! We ONLY have the option of taking a stand for our own core values, but ALWAYS with the recognition that we will have to compromise in some places with the goals of the opposition in order to move the ball down the field. This tension between multiple viewpoints is a necessary part of living in a free society. We don’t get things all our way ’til heaven…and, even then, they’ll be all God’s way, not ours. It’s time to get off our high horses and to re-engage in the culture and in the world of politics to the extent necessary. Stop with the demagoguery. Stop with the platitudes. Admit our own shortcomings. Acknowledge that there is common ground on which we can be making progress. Admit that we can do better. Affirm that the problems that plague our country are AMERICAN problems, and that strictly partisan approaches won’t get us from Point A to Point B. And…for Christ-followers…remember our true citizenship…that we are aliens here. Hold to our earthly lives and our “rights” loosely. Trust God for our defense. Remember that people are a way, way, WAY higher priority to God (and, by extension, to us) than politics or partisanship. And, keep in mind that, by perpetuating the culture war…we do GREAT DAMAGE to the reputation of the gospel and God. Jesus died for ALL of us. Stop with the good v. evil crap. It’s beneath us, as believers.
MJ Kaine
July 24, 2016 at 12:12 pmThe simple fact that you keep saying “either” or make references to the exclusive two-party system is what is wrong with our system. Whether Libertarian, Green or Martian, until we break the Republicans and Democrats stranglehold, nothing significant will change no matter how much Trump and Hilary lie about it!
Dawn
July 24, 2016 at 12:58 pmI have never seen so much hypocrisy in my entire life. I do not say that lightly because I have seen a lot of vile things. The twisting and turning of the “Christian” right to keep Clinton from winning the presidency would be laughable if it weren’t so sad. I would recommend to all of you that you go back to the question that was so popular in the 1990s: What Would Jesus Do?
Christians like to believe that you are being persecuted for your beliefs. You are not.
You are being laughed at for abandoning what you claim to believe in order to keep a particular candidate out of the most powerful position in the world. If you truly pray for God’s guidance in your vote, can any of you honestly say that you believe God will guide you to vote for Donald Trump? He is the antithesis of everything you claim to believe.
I’m not recommending that you vote for Clinton, but I am definitely saying that you should not vote for Trump if you are claiming to be voting the way God wants you to vote.
Danielle
July 24, 2016 at 5:19 pmThen you vote for Clinton. Up to you. Biblically, there have been leaders given to the people when they asked for them. In 1-2 Samuel, the people asked God for a king instead of a judge to rule them because they wanted to be like other nations. So. God gave the people what they wanted. We have already gotten what we wanted. We sat by and did nothing for so long that I believe this is where we have been left. Then, God appointed Saul. And do you know that the Bible says that God regretted having made him king? We don’t always get where we are supposed to be just because God allows it. This is an oportunity to start to regain the ground we have lost so I suggest you get on your face before God for our country, as I will also do. Maybe if we ask God will continue to lead with our leaders, but if we lose this opportunity for ground gaining. We lose all together. That’s what I think.
G. L. Douglas
July 24, 2016 at 1:46 pmFirst, I’m not voting for either. I’m voting my conscience and writing-in Ted Cruz. Trump voters have chosen a man who violates most of the principles they claimed to have, and they don’t even know it. Ted Cruz was the greatest opportunity we have had since Reagan, and maybe since Lincoln. I believe that God has always given a pathway to deliverance before he sends judgment. But in order to take that path, the people must be willing to abandon their wrong. They knew that was the path Cruz would take and they really don’t want it.
How canTrump, who has no political education, experience, training or understanding of politics step in and take charge when he’s never run a township, community, county, municipality, city, or state, much less a country in crisis? He doesn’t seem to realize that, when dealing with other countries and their leaders, he’ll be up against bigger, “badder” bullies than himself. His tactics may work in the private business arena, but he’s in for a real shock when dealing with foreign heads.
Has he told us how he will handle natural disasters in America? Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, disease quarantines, or terrorism? Those things happen without warning or pre-planning and sidetrack everything else. Oh, woe to America with Trump or Hillary in charge.
God’s prophecy will be fulfilled at His own orchestration no matter what “man” decides. If God has guided some not to vote for Trump, they should honor God. Man cannot form or mold the future, God will use each one to ensure the future is unfolding exactly as needed to fulfill His prophecy. I rest in peace that God’s Will will be done. Clearly the battle of the principalities is in full swing…darkness vs light, good vs evil as prophecy moves toward fulfillment.
I’m waiting for God to have the last word after Trump declared, “I’m the ONLY ONE who can fix our problems.”
Moriah
July 24, 2016 at 2:32 pmThere’s a problem with your reasoning. There isn’t just two choices. There are more.
What is our ethical responsibility? Yes, vote. But do we have an ethical responsibility in who we vote for? I believe we do.
We aren’t personally responsible for the outcome of the election. But we are responsible for our own vote. I can’t cast a vote for Clinton; she has too much of a corruption shadow. I can’t cast a vote for Trump; he has multiple character issues. That leaves either writing in someone or supporting a third party candidate. Even if it doesn’t make a difference, if Clinton lands in office or Trump lands in office, I won’t be morally responsible for helping that result. The ones morally responsible are the ones who supported them. I will have done the right thing by casting a conscience vote.
Imagine three years from now, two parallel realities. In one, Clinton is president. She has fought the Republican Congress and managed to push some unsavory regulation through that restricts religious liberty. In the other reality, Trump is president. He has the tepid support of congress to pass any legislation he pushes. But free speech has taken a hit. Newspapers are afraid to publish anything critical of the presidency, because Trump would use the power of the government against them. A year later, democrats push back and take back the presidency. With the office of the presidency so much expanded, and free speech so damaged, that it is quite easy to restrict religious liberty.
In both these scenarios, religious liberty – something everyone should care about – is damaged. Both of these candidates can do terrible harm to America. If you vote for Clinton, do you not have a hand in the damage she does? If you vote for Trump, do you not have a hand in the damage he does? Yet, if you vote another way, for a third party candidate like Darrell Castle of the Constitution party … and he loses and one of the major candidates gets in — you have no hand in that. You did not support it; you stood against it. The other candidate (either Trump or Hillary) won because other people supported them.
This election is not a Hobson’s choice. We aren’t obligated to vote for either Trump or Hillary. We should vote, of course. But we should vote ethically, and we should vote our conscience.
(Look at an extreme example of this: if it were Hitler running against Stalin, would you tell everyone to vote for Stalin to keep Hitler from getting in? Or would you say ‘no’ to both and be clean of moral culpability?)
LSUMOM
July 24, 2016 at 6:13 pmMariah, you are sadly mistaken about the erroneous and sometimes cruel comments about Donald Trump. It’s sad there are people like you who will allow a proven liar and criminal to be the POTUS. There’s far too much at stake, especially appointments to the Supreme Court which will damage our country for decades. If you stay home, you’re giving Hillary a vote. Shameful!
Jim Bob
July 27, 2016 at 3:48 pmMoriah said nothing about staying home. What Moriah said is that no one is morally or ethically obligated to vote for Trump or Clinton, and that she is going to vote for neither. What she is saying is that you will personally be held responsible by God for who you do vote for and that there is no guarantee that a Trump presidency will do less harm to Christianity or any other religion than a Clinton presidency will.
Elizabeth
July 24, 2016 at 2:39 pmGood article but comments below it are chilling. Not voting is voting. Sorry, but inaction is action and consequences come to the living and the dead. Yes, the dead! DON’T BE A DEADHEAD!! VOTE!!!
Donald rudnik
July 24, 2016 at 3:10 pmHillary has been dirty far before letting brave Americans die in Benghazi and having private e mails against the law and hiding emails
Whitewater savings and loan was a mess that should have had them jailed. Resolution trust was muzzled after taking it over. Brides from Charlie tri missing irs files on her enemies magically found years later
Ask yourself before you vote or don’t ( because you disagree with 20 per cent of platformi
If a republican had that resume(or lack of one like the socialist in charge) your moral indignation
Will be death(taxed to) of your grand children like mine
Brenda Norrell
July 24, 2016 at 4:45 pmOMG are you people still arguing about bathrooms? This is why I don’t want to vote. Both sides are revolting and for God’s sake you all know that your vote does not count. You as voters have no control over who is elected to be POTUS.
John Honey
July 24, 2016 at 5:25 pmThere is another option though! (Several actually, but one that’s viable.) That’s Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate. He’s been a successful governor in New Mexico. He’s been rising steadily in the polls. He has a great record of fiscal responsibility, and cutting back government. He’s steady. He’s the adult in the room. And more importantly, if he wins at least one state (which I suspect he will win several), then the Electoral College will not have a majority for any one candidate, throwing the election to the House of Representatives. The House MUST pick from the top three vote getters. That’s in the Constitution. That will be Clinton, Trump, and Johnson. House Republicans LOATHE Donald Trump. Can’t stand him. And obviously they won’t pick Clinton. That leaves Johnson.
We can do this. We have to pull this off. Clinton or Trump simply cannot be President. We can and will pull the greatest political feat of the Republic off this year. Come on board! #GaryJohnson #JohnsonWeld2016
Debbie
July 24, 2016 at 6:47 pmI will vote for the person I believe will do the best job… for the nation. I am done voting for the lessor of 2 evils… if that is our choice both are evil… no more… people need to vote not for the winner but for the best person for the job…not for the party … but for the best person for the job… and the major party candidates . all I can say none of the above …. neither belong in the oval office.
Joe
July 24, 2016 at 9:39 pmAmen!
George
July 24, 2016 at 7:48 pmNot voting is still voting.
Doug
July 24, 2016 at 8:18 pmGod has given each one of us a Talent/Vote. Are you going to bury yours? Read and see how that is going to work out for “you”. Matthew 25 NIV refers to it as bag of gold. 2 Chronicles 7:14 a must read !!!
Ryan
July 24, 2016 at 10:07 pmThis article is so misguided it’s sad.
Tim
July 24, 2016 at 10:59 pmYes, it is about more than just Donald and Hillary. It’s about principle – which is why I will be casting a write-in vote. The final outcome is not up to me. All that is up to me is my one vote, and I will cast it for the person I believe most fit for the office.
As John Quincy Adams stated, “Duty is ours; results are God’s.”
Dean Anglea
July 24, 2016 at 11:04 pmWhat stupid logic! A new poll was just releases showing up to 80% of voters don’t like the choices the 2 parties ha e given them.There is a good chance a 3rd party candidate could win. If half of them voted 3rd party, it could spell the end of the 2 party system. I am leaving the Republicans as they have left me long ago. This is the perfect time to flip the system on its head. Trump is no Republican. You can keep trying to convince he is better than Hillbilly, but he has all the makings of a good dictator and could be worse than Hillary. I won’t take that risk. Neither should anyone else!
Ann
July 24, 2016 at 11:56 pmI’m voting for Darrell Castle, Constitution Party. castle2016.com
Don
July 25, 2016 at 6:17 amDoes God need our help to elect the president? The far left and far right, politically speaking, will not be swayed from their positions. This leaves those in the middle who can be persuaded to vote one way or another. The Bible calls them “shifting sand”. Politicians are compelled to appeal to the shifting sand voters in order to win an election. Do we stand on our principles regardless? Or are we willing to compromise when the outcome appears unfavorable? Saul compromised in 1 Samuel 13 when he lost faith and trust. How much faith and trust do we have in God to do what we know is right, even if it costs? God doesn’t need our help to produce a favorable outcome, He needs our obedience.
John
July 25, 2016 at 9:38 amAwesome, more guilting people into voting for someone their conscience struggles to support. I am so sick of seeing this from fellow Christians. There are MANY people who cannot bring themselves to cast a ballot for Trump due to his long history of being, well, Donald Trump. Throwing a guilt trip on them and asking them to go against their conscience is horribly disrespectful and, unfortunately, largely indicative of how many Christians heavily invested in politics act.
And please, stop it with the “not voting is a vote for Hillary” or “voting third-party is a vote for Hillary” crap, whether said directly or implied. A vote for Hillary is a vote for Hillary. That’s it.
In November, I will be voting for the person I feel is best suited for the job. It won’t be Trump or Clinton, and my vote will not be wasted.
Elizabeth
July 25, 2016 at 11:08 amThat, of course, would depend upon your definition of “wasted.”
Judy
July 25, 2016 at 10:49 amThis post is a perfect illustration of why the Republican party and conservatism has no future. This is short sighted and rooted in fear. This analysis does not see past this election and doesn’t take any other factors into account other than what you think these two candidates will do in office. And you aren’t willing to admit that we can’t predict what Trump will do in office. He’s basically said whatever he thinks people want to get him elected, and once he actually gets power he will be very dangerous. I’m not sure why you trust him.
And if a presidency is going to be a disaster, I’d much rather it be a Clinton presidency and not a “Republican” one. Because they’ll both be disasters. Be honest.
Elizabeth
July 25, 2016 at 12:32 pmPredictability is certainly one thing we have with Hillary. Socialism and more lying. Elitism and no protection.
Judy
July 25, 2016 at 1:48 pmI agree, though it does not refute my point if that’s what you were trying to do.
Elizabeth
July 25, 2016 at 3:19 pm“To argue with a person who has renounced the use of reason is like administering medicine to the dead.” –Thomas Paine
Judy
July 28, 2016 at 12:54 pmReason must be used properly, Elizabeth. You still haven’t refuted anything I said.
barb
July 25, 2016 at 7:23 pmHillary is a centrist war-monger and corporate elitist, following the policies of George W Bush.
Earl Johnson
July 25, 2016 at 11:51 am–– “A wise man’s heart directs him toward the right, but the foolish man’s heart directs him toward the left” (Eccl. 10:2) … Regardless, and I don’t necessarily disagree with your appraisal, but do understand that the politics are all perfunctory; for, “… there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God” (Rom. 13:1). … We’ll see … Lord Bless
Dick
July 25, 2016 at 12:29 pmI’m tired of “Christians” spewing all this hate about gays & transgender bathroom use. You’re all fine & dandy as long as everyone looks like you, lives like you, hates like you, prays like you, etc. You’ve all lost the concept of “love” somewhere along the way. It’s sad because I’m sure most of you are good people; you’re just being lead to believe wrongly.
Jeff
July 25, 2016 at 2:01 pmThere’s an awful lot of comments here, and I’ve probably missed some of them. Where is “all this hate about gays”?
Rick
July 25, 2016 at 2:39 pmA comment about this line: “Like you, I wish we had better choices, but this is the bottom line: on January 20, 2017, barring some tragic catastrophe, either Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump will put his hand on the Bible and swear to uphold the Constitution as our next President. ”
A turn of events that results in neither Hillary Clinton nor Donald Trump being elected would not be a tragic catastrophe. It would be the blessing America needs. What people need to realize is you don’t have to vote for either of them. No one does! I’ll be voting for Gary Johnson this fall. I encourage you to find the 3rd party candidate who best represents your views.
C Hawk
July 25, 2016 at 4:58 pmIt is unfortunate that my first message was not posted in the comments section. I will attempt to try again. I have a question for those who call themselves Christians….Whatever happened to CIVILITY? 99% of the posts I have read on this site consists of name calling. It makes no difference what your personal thoughts are of the individuals that are running for president. You should show respect to all and stop the name calling. It shows how infantile you really are. If Jesus were to come back today, would you allow the name calling and disgusting comments on this site keep you out of heaven? Just remember, everyone that speaks of HEAVEN will not go with the mind set that is displayed on this site. Shame on all of you who relegate yourselves to such reprehensible comments. Perhaps before you post, you should pray and keep your name calling to yourselves. Let me suggest that the name callers..(you know who you are) read Matthew 25 in it’s entirely. Afterwards, lets see if you are really the Christians that Christ is speaking of!
Joe
July 26, 2016 at 3:45 pmSo true! That’s why I am voting for Hilary Clinton! Just FYI, despite this authors snide comment, she is and has been religiously devote for her entire life… Something I am guessing Donald ‘2 Corinthians’ Trump can’t back up. http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/06/hillary-clinton-trump-christian/488186/
reality check
July 25, 2016 at 6:09 pmVoting in this election is like trying to stop a tidal wave. This isn’t about your choice of candidates its about the state of the American population as a whole. Whether or not you vote has no influence on who will be president or how it cascades from there into any other branch of government.
There are some very compelling questions asked by Doug but the reality is my vote wont be enough to change the course of the masses. Even if every Christian voted it would do nothing to stem the collective masses. The fact that despite everything these are the two candidates we ended up with is testament to this.
Lets be honest … any good person who votes is completely and utterly wasting their vote. Until this country experiences something so catastrophically wonderful that it resets our collective reasoning my advice is rather than voting your time is better spent preparing your food storage.
me
July 25, 2016 at 10:13 pmHe doesn’t even go to Church
Tom
July 26, 2016 at 12:55 amYou have already given in to evil. Vote for Thomas Hoefling Selfgovernment.us
Melissa Jones
July 26, 2016 at 2:09 amStop saying a 3rd party could never win. A huge percentage doesn’t want to vote for Trump or Hillary. If they vote 3rd party, it is possible that we won’t end up with Trump or Hillary. This is the age of twitter, instagram, facebook, etc. Everyone can learn about all the candidates, no matter how much or little money those candidates have for advertising, then everyone can pull together to become a force for change. If the two party system gives us two candidates we don’t want, it needs to change. How will it ever change if everyone keeps saying you can’t vote another party?
The Other Doug
July 26, 2016 at 11:16 amThe SCOTUS argument sounds good, but it’s fallacious: every decision that’s a stench to conservatives was handed down by a majority of Republican POTUS nominated justices. What else might you be wrong about?
John
July 26, 2016 at 1:28 pmGeez, the amount of space wasted on some of these utterly pointless and childish comments is astonishing. Bathrooms? The author is right; come November 9th, either Trump or Hillary will be in the Whitehouse. Period. There will be no third outcome. So put on your big-boy (or girl) pants and make up your mind. The author is also correct that the Supreme Court trumps (couldn’t resist) everything else. Presidents come and go, but Justices are appointed for life, and make decisions that will affect your children and grandchildren. Everyone thinks they shouldn’t have to choose between the lesser of two evils” – they want to have a perfect candidate – but they don’t exist. Like it or not, politics is nearly ALWAYS a choice between the lesser of two evils. So grow up. Let’s not repeat 2012, when Obama got fewer votes than he did in 2008, but got reelected because 2 million people like the ones commenting here threw a hissy-fit and stayed home. Now tell me with a straight face that the country wouldn’t have been in better shape had Mitt Romney been president. So grow up, vote for Trump, and put the country ahead of your personal feelings.
The Other Doug
July 26, 2016 at 3:12 pmAs far as SCOTUS is concerned, read my comment directly before yours. The argument is invalid.
Michelle
July 26, 2016 at 2:03 pmIf we continue to vote for the “lesser” of two evils, we are basically saying “It doesn’t matter who you pick. I will support the candidate” and as such, we will continue to get people that are more and more evil as our nominee. THIS NEEDS TO STOP! And the only way of breaking the cycle of evilness is to say “NO! I am not voting for your evil nominee”. I agree that either Trump or Hillary is going to win this cycle, but for the sake of future cycles, I am not going to vote for either. This is a perfect time too with so many people hating Trump. Yeah, we aren’t going to win, but let’s make a statement. The bigger the better! And, instead of thinking “I can’t let Hillary win”, think “I’m voting for America’s future and trusting God to get us through this current wickedness”
TDS
July 26, 2016 at 3:13 pmYou all do realize that Donald Trump is a Democrat right? He is just pandering to you. A vote for Donald or Hillary puts a Democrat in office period. I can’t believe that anyone believes a word he says.
Beth Williams
July 28, 2016 at 10:14 pmI don’t believe what Donald says, but I trust Hillary even less than him! At least he has worked hard to get where he is and understands a good work ethic. He is not part of the establishment!!
Alana Morgan
July 26, 2016 at 5:44 pmExcellent article. I believe though in paragraph you meant to say “I want to make sure YOU know what not I know”….grammar freak that’s me!
Alana Morgan
July 26, 2016 at 5:45 pmLOL, look at me leaving out a word….paragraph 4.
ScottL
July 27, 2016 at 4:37 amGary Johnson, Libertarian, is nearly neck and neck with HRC and Trump. The Libertarians believe in free agency, so long as your exercise thereof does not keep others from the same equal exercise thereof. This misconception about elections stems from having candidates like Romney, Bush, or Obama on the ballot. Hillary and Trump have lowered the bar so low, that you could easily trip over it.
Voting you values, and NOT compromising yet again is the way for moral, ethical voters to proceed. Not the other way around.
Samuel Weber
July 27, 2016 at 11:11 amThere are three fallacies that stand out to me in Doug’s post. These fallacies plague Christian thinking in many other ethical issues as well, so I think they are worth pointing out. First there is the fallacy that the end justifies the means. He is essentially saying that since the end result (a supposedly less-destructive in the white house) is better than its alternative, it justifies us voting for someone (putting him in power) who we would not want our children watching on T.V. But the Bible never teaches that the ends justify the means. This is a secular ethics concept, not a Biblical one. Jesus says, “Be perfect therefore, as your heavenly father is perfect”. And God says repeatedly, “Be holy as I am holy”. These statements make it clear that there is never a time in which a follower of Christ should intentionally take an action that is distasteful to their conscience. Martin Luther said at the diet of worms, “To go against conscience is neither right nor safe”.
The second fallacy that stands out to me is similar, though slightly different. I’ll call it the “lesser of two evils” fallacy. This is where we set up a scenario for ourselves in which we think that we HAVE to choose a lesser of two evils. But the Bible clearly teaches that when we are presented with options A and B, and find that both are not right, pure, and holy, then there WILL ALWAYS BE and option C, whether or not it is immediately apparent to us. One of the many verses that clearly teaches this concept is 1 Cor. 10:13.
The third fallacy that Doug uses is what I’ll call the “if this, then that” fallacy, or the box fallacy. It assumes outcomes that have not yet been determined. As unlikely as it may be that a third-party candidate win the election, it is no more unlikely than it was a year ago for Trump to win the Rep. nomination. And if you don’t agree with that, then at least consider that many far less likely things have happened in human history. To assume 100% that it could not happen demonstrates a sad lack of faith-filled imagination – with is a key element in any in creative change. If Christians in the West live their lives assuming that miracles do not happen, then its no wonder they don’t see many of them. But I live my life assuming that they do, and see them all the time. Voting is about far more than causing a new leader to rise to power. Its a form of human expression. To vote for a person who does not represent you, is like intentionally painting a painting you do not like, or composing a song you would never want to sing. Not only does it go against some of the most basic principles of democracy, but it also begs the question: “Why would you want to?”
Melissa Jones
July 27, 2016 at 4:53 pmNow THAT needs to be shared everywhere. Respectful, logical, well-written.
BeccaZ
July 28, 2016 at 4:47 pmCompletely agree with Samuel Weber. Well, maybe I would feel more obligated to vote Hillary if I lived in a swing state. I really hope Gary Johnson makes it into the debates. No matter who wins, we need to be praying!
d. taylor
August 3, 2016 at 8:19 amI believe in miracles. That’s how abraham Lincoln got the presidency. He was the new 3rd party The republican. I believe history repeats itself and yes prophecy also has done the same. What ever happens God is still in control
Melissa Jones
July 27, 2016 at 4:55 pmI was referring to Samuel Weber. (After it posted I realized that wasn’t apparent.)
Beth Williams
July 28, 2016 at 10:18 pmDoug,
I totally agree! If you don’t vote then you can’t complain about who is in office, or the way the country is being run. Men and women fought to give us the right to vote democratically. You are basically saying I don’t care about this country. In the pre-election I voted for Ben Carson. He was the only one on stage telling the others to stop arguing, yelling at each other and get down to the real topics/questions.
Polly Purebread
July 29, 2016 at 4:48 pmHis or HER!
k small
July 29, 2016 at 6:16 pmToo many comments to read so I may be repeating someone’s. If you are a Christians that thinks they can’t vote for either of them because they aren’t “Christian” enough, the first thing you need to remember is that we are not electing a Pastor in Chief. The second thing and maybe I have them out of order but God raises up kings and puts down kings.
Jackie Wilkerson
July 30, 2016 at 7:37 amVery good article. Wish folk could truly see what is at stake
Jeff
August 1, 2016 at 8:25 amIt’s not that I don’t understand the stakes. I’ve just been given no reason to assume Mr. Trump will be less corrupt or more conservative than Secretary Clinton. My hesitation to vote Republican in this election is not some half-considered hissy fit because I didn’t get my way in the primary. It is a strong belief that both the Republican and the Democrat candidates will be equally bad for the country. It is a concession that neither option will fulfill the positives Mr. Ellingsworth hopes for in the article.
Brendt Wayne Waters
August 1, 2016 at 11:58 pmThe idea that a Trump presidency would make us more safe (epic) fails to recognize his incessant rash and unthinking reactions to every perceived slight.
The idea that a Trump presidency would make us more friendly is hilarious. Nuff said.
The idea that a Trump presidency would make us more pro-Jesus is an odd thing to say about a racist, misogynist strip club owner who sees no reason to ever ask for forgiveness.
I believe you’ve confused Christianity for the Republican party.