Monday, November 5, 2012

How I Will Vote


I do not watch political ads on television. I have seen them before, and I was afflicted by them while trying to watch special coverage of Hurricane Sandy last week. I am not swayed by negative ads. I am appalled by them. All of them.

Data point for voting: A candidate is only as honorable as his or her worst political attack ad, no matter who funds it.

I have caller ID. I don’t answer the phone during political season. My voting intentions are my business. I don’t respond to polling surveys.

I do not respond to the barrage of political letters and solicitations that bury my mailbox. I mourn the loss of the trees that had to be slaughtered. I do recycle without reading.

Data point for voting: I consider an incumbent’s entire voting record. I am not impressed if an incumbent’s voting pattern changes to accommodate the coming election.

I do not make decisions on referendums, initiatives and propositions without understanding the motives and identities of the sponsors.

Data point for voting: Newspaper editorial writers are no better informed on candidates and issues than the rest of us. I do not make voting decisions based on newspaper endorsements.

Notice to political profilers: Just because I subscribe to a particular magazine doesn’t mean mailings from a particular political party or candidate will appeal to me. My subscription to Poetry Magazine does not mean I am a Democrat.

I do read, and I read across the political spectrum. I value a well-reasoned, well-supported argument. I have spent my entire career in public relations, so I know what is positioning, what is spin, and what is staging. I know when I’m being messaged. I know when I’m hearing talking points. I know when legitimate questions are ignored. All of that tells me a lot about political handlers, but it also tells me about candidates. And none of that is good.

I am not a Republican.

I am not a Democrat.

I am not an independent.

I am not a conservative.

I am not a liberal.

I am not a moderate.

I am not a Boomer, Gen-X, millennial or any other nice demographic category. And I don’t like being labeled.

You might think I’m generally conservative until the discussion turns to the death penalty and gun control.

But I do vote. And you can’t take my vote for granted.

There is one thing you need to know about me, and it is the most important thing.

I am a child of God.

Photograph by Petr Kratochvil via Public Domain Pictures. Used with permission.

14 comments:

Sandra Heska King said...

Applause!

Louise Gallagher said...

Me too -- sending out resounding Applause!

Marcus Goodyear said...

You, sir, are a brave man. I hold my nose and try not to let anyone know that I voted out of concern that it will turn into a conversation about voting.

Anonymous said...

I am a child of God and a citizen of His kingdom before I am a citizen of the United States. Everything I do, I hope to be influenced by Him and His Words...I pray that I do the same this Election.

Diana said...

Now if only the people who pour millions of dollars into those wasted ads/flyer/phone calls would read and heed this good word. Almost over - thank goodness.

Karen Kyle Ericson said...

Amen!

David Rupert said...

They have certainly blown a lot of money. And really, does any of it do any good? Does it sway anyone?

jim schmotzer said...

Glynn, this is great. I appreciate your wisdom and insights. I've got a lot to learn and hopefully will keep listening to quality voices, like yours.

SimplyDarlene said...

Sir Glynn,

Thank you for this.

I'm ever so glad to be in the same family as you.

Blessings.

S. Etole said...

Well done ... very well done.

Anonymous said...

There will be no presidential elections in Heaven.

Jody Lee Collins said...

not just applauding, standing on my chair and cheering. Amen.

H. Gillham said...

And HE is sovereign.

Wise Hearted said...

Glad the day is finally here that will not only tell us who will be our new president but will end all the political hype.

Glad I know no matter who wins God is still in control and someday as someone said on this post, I will be in a place where there will never more be an election. Amen