Political Clarity:

Don't ever be "one of those" who say, "it doesn't matter if I vote, I'm only one person." I don't care what your views are, whether you're a card-carrying communist or a member of "dogs in the senate." If you don't like a candidate listed, write one in! I know it might seem like tired rhetoric to hash it all out again, but we live in a country where, if we don't like what's going on and who's running things, we don't have to sit back and take it. Get out, campaign for your chosen candidate, express your views, and VOTE!

My older kids and I had a great political discussion last night, a proud moment for a mom who's preached active democracy since they were old enough to pronounce it. We didn't discuss political views and opinions as much as we defined each party and what their core belief system is--their foundation. It really, really irritates me that I had to explain the true definition of a Republican. Now let me set a disclaimer before I continue: I am NOT expressing my own opinions when I state that the Republican Party wasn't built upon the Christian Right Rock. Nope. A Republican is traditionally an individual who believes in moderate government...more freedom, less control. He or she doesn't like the idea of government funding for a lot of social causes, believing instead that such programs should be handled at the state level or through private sectors. A Republican traditionally wants a governmental body that oversees but doesn't implement. That is a very simplistic overview. It's easy to see why the Christian Right maintains a strong Republican presence...freedom to worship, freedom to educate children as they see fit, freedom from governmental interference or having to answer to the government when public funds are used--important issues for many. Does that mean, however, that only pro-life Christians are Republican? NO. I never considered it until speaking with my teenagers, but that's what the Republican Party has seemed to be all about to them! It's what they've interpreted from the time they were able to comprehend the "political machine" that runs our country.

I am a practicing Christian who's bothered by this religious connotation placed around political parties.It's possible to be a Christian who's a democrat. It's possible to be a Jewish Republican. It's even possible to be a pro choice Republican! Neither major political party is based on ONE issue or sector of our population, which is why it's vitally important to do your research about CANDIDATES. I personally think they should do away with that "straight party ticket" box on voting ballets. You don't know who you might be putting into office if you blithely think every person in your party believes what you do...it's SO not true!Democrats are those who believe in a strong central government with many social programs for "the greater good." Traditionally (I like that word), they like to pour federal money into education, welfare, and any worthy cause designed to promote the "betterment of society." They are NOT just about "pro choice" or a party created for those in the Entertainment Industry .

Personally I don't belong to a political party, because I decided I wasn't going to let a certain party tell me what I should believe or who I should vote for. I'm too much of a rebel. I'm also too "middle of the road" for either party platform to really appeal to me...that's right. If you're curious, every political party in our country has a "platform," a basic statement about what they stand for. Utilize the Web if you want to discover what you "stand for" when you vote straight ticket!

I'll never forget one of the best sermons I ever heard: Pastor Doug Russell told his congregation that he embraces the separation of church and state wholeheartedly. In his own religion, Christianity, free will is at the core. Christ NEVER wants someone to be forced to worship Him. True belief can only happen when every human being has the right to choose his or her own life path, when we have the freedom and the RIGHT to be whatever we want--Christian, Muslim, athiest, Democrat, Republican. Never stop voicing your opinions, beliefs, and ideals, even if it's only every first Tuesday of every November. It's your RIGHT.