Letter to the Editor: Not so blissfully ignorant
Posted by The Skyliner on October 1st, 2008By: Charlie Dib
As we approach what is shaping into possibly the most controversial and significant election in U.S. history, I have become increasingly worried about a trend I see among my peers.
For many of us, this is our first presidential election as eligible voters, but for some reason the majority of college students I talk to are not taking it seriously. The standard response to “who are you planning to vote for?” is usually “I’m not really sure; I don’t know that much about the candidates, but I’m thinking about voting for….” I find it incredible that the future leaders, parents, workers and citizens of America have such little interest in the future of their country.
Apparently, the trend among Christian teens is to distance themselves from politics. Those of us who care enough to get involved are labeled “radical right-wing conspirators” or are told, “You are just trying to force your morality on the rest of America.”
As young Christian Americans, we should be out there getting the facts, analyzing the speeches and comparing major beliefs. Instead, I hear phrases like: “I do not want to know the facts; it is all just political rhetoric anyway,” or “well, I do not really like either candidate, so I think I just will not vote” or “vote Obama; the first black president!”
However, all of these are horribly irresponsible ways of thinking. If it is wrong to not vote for someone based solely on their skin color, then it is equally wrong to vote for them based solely on their skin color. What we should be asking is, “Does this man or woman running for office have the ethics and experience to lead my country well?” To know this, we must think critically.
Secondly, many young American Christians have bought into the lie that their personal beliefs should not influence their voting stance and that support for candidates with morals is just an attempt to force your ideas on the rest of America. I challenge you to fight this abuse of your God-given American freedom. You better believe the non-Christians are going to be voting based on their personal beliefs and trying to influence the laws of this country to reflect those beliefs whether they represent a majority of citizens or not. Why should your voice matter less than theirs?
So, if you have not been able to force yourself to turn off SportsCenter and watch the news, or listen to some political radio, or log out of Facebook and start reading articles online, then perhaps it’s time to start.
God has provided us the ability to vote and make a difference in America. Christians in many other countries don’t have that honor. To not get involved and not vote responsibly is just throwing that gift back in God’s face.
Part of our witness to the world and to our society is to stand up for what we believe, not just on the mission field, but also in politics back home. America depends on you.
Sincerly,
Charley Dib
Tags: Fall 2008, Vol. 107 - Issue 4