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:

  1. Me too -- sending out resounding Applause!

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  2. 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.

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  3. 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.

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  4. 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.

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

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  6. 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.

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  7. Sir Glynn,

    Thank you for this.

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

    Blessings.

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  8. There will be no presidential elections in Heaven.

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

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  10. 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

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