VOTE.....VOTE......VOTE

If I'm honest,  my own voting patterns for over 55 years have included a wide range of motivations.

Most times voting has been a "duty", an obligation, a bit of a pain in the behind--not particularly enjoyable.

In fact, there were many times when I voted for "the lesser of two evils".  The binary choice of an ELEPHANT or a DONKEY didn't seem to be much of a choice. Most politicians were advocating policies which would maintain the status quo, more of the same.

Nearly all of my passionate votes have been in primary elections, for idealistic visionaries who didn't make in to the general election in November. 

THIS ONE IS DIFFERENT BECAUSE THE CHOICE WE MAKE IS SO STARK, SO CLEAR, SO CONSEQUENTIAL.

In Michigan and in many other states, our vote will determine whether or not the Congress will assert its proper role as a co-equal branch of government.

Our vote will determine whether or not  corruption, cruelty and  criminal activity will continue unchecked at the highest levels of the executive branch of government.

Will we cast our ballot out of fear.....or hope?

Will my state succumb to blatant phobia of the "other?"

 My friend , David Werner prepared a wonderful reflection on how Faith informs our voting based upon a reading of Scripture, Micah 6:8

    "What does the Lord require of you? to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God"

and Matthew 25:35-40

      "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.  I was a stranger and you invited me in...... Whatever you did for the least of the brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me."

David makes the point that voting is a time when all of us can exercise a share of power.  We can effect change;  we can act to help others  by supporting policies that "DO JUSTICE."

So, vote.  Tell your friends to vote.  Exercise your power. Be hopeful.