Let’s talk election ‘08

Today I want to share a little with you about why I, as a Christian, support Ron Paul.

Starting with the basics, I believe in freedom. I believe it is a successful strategy for a society to utilize, as opposed to tyranny. Here’s why I think this: by the grace of God, freedom gives the church the ability to step up and act.

In all honesty, I think our children’s children will be fighting for freedom against the empire we’re creating, not against terrorism. The federal government is at it’s largest and seems to be trending larger for the years to come. Personal liberties (which were at the forefront of the minds of our founders) are being compromised for fear of bombs and bullets. Social inequalities are being “fixed” by welfare programs. Folks, there is no government that is going to fix our problems. But that seems to be where we’ve landed and the church has been predominantly stagnant on these issues. But I see light on the horizon…

With a minimal federal government, the states will be given power to regulate as the people there see fit. Why should we want the FED telling us what our interest rates should be? Why not let the local banks determine what they’ll give to consumers? Dr. Paul’s economic strategies make too much sense. If you haven’t read his stance on the issues near and dear to your heart, check them out for yourself. All of this to say, what the Constitution does not speak of, let the states decide… I believe that was the original intention, right?

I don’t have statistics on the American church’s lack of motivation, but I witness it first hand and am a product of its complacency. Until lately. The light on the horizon is the potential liberties we would have under his administration. We could actually be the ones giving health care to the sick, feeding the hungry, and housing the homeless if we didn’t rely on federal programs like Medicaid, food stamps, and Section 8 housing (US Housing Act of 1937).

Now to the war. Oh, the war…

When are we supposed to go to war? I’m not sure on that one, but I’m leaning towards when we’re acting in defense and not when pre-emptively spreading “democracy” and ousting political leaders. I think going after Bin-Laden is legit but protecting our economic oil interests is not. Sure, Hussein was a bad, bad, man and probably killed millions of people. But why was it the responsibility of the US to step in and overthrow his regime? Last time I read Matthew 5:42-45, it still looked like this:

42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Love Your Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

And now why do we keep our troops over there and occupy their land? Well, we’ve been doing that for decades in Germany, Korea, Japan, and all across the world by way of over 700 military bases in more than 50 countries. I heard Huckabee in one of the debates keep talking about staying over there and “keeping our honor.” What? I missed that. What’s honorable about building an empire that stretches beyond our country’s borders and sacrificing the lives of thousands? Right. Let’s bring them home in honor, how about that?

Friends and family, we must realize that America does not have it figured out. But maybe there’s a glimmer of hope in a passionate candidate. I believe his message is resonating in the hearts of the young and old alike. He is a valid candidate and is bridging many of the societal barriers – like race, religion, and political party – that this country has been divided by for centuries.

Watch this and click on the many links. Since he’s not getting the same air time on the main news outlets as the “top tier” candidates, we have to be informed this way. They are writing him off as a lunatic and are knocking his “electability.” (Don’t get me started on Fox’s joke of a debate in SC… that’s a whole new post.)

I get chill bumps thinking of the opportunities that lie ahead of us as a country, and most importantly, as the church.

~ by Clay on January 17, 2008.