Who are our choices for President?
- Barack Obama (Democrat)
- Mitt Romney (Republican)
I have heard from a couple people who have reservations
about both candidates, and so they say that they will be voting for Ron Paul or
some other third party candidate. While
I respect these people’s passion, the fact of the matter is that either Obama
or Romney will win. No candidate will be
perfect, but these are our two options so responsible voters will look at the
two options and decide which of the two will be better for our country.
Thankfully we have one candidate that is pro-life, pro-marriage, and who respects
our religious freedom. As a bonus,
Romney also has a great plan for improving our economy, which would be much
better for the poor than government handouts.
So we have a choice: Obama or Romney?
What are the most important issues people of faith should
consider when voting?
The USCCB has released a voter guide for the 2012 election. While I understand why Catholic Bishops would
not publicly endorse candidates, it is their job as our spiritual leaders to
help form our consciences. The document, called "Forming
Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," lists seven major themes that should
be on the minds of Catholics and all Christians when deciding on how we should
vote. The most important issues as
follows:
- · Respect for Life
- · Respect for Family and Marriage
- · Respect for Religious Liberty
- · Concern for the Poor
- · Immigration Reform
- · Terrorism and War
Other issues are also important; the debt, the economy, healthcare, etc. It is important to note the difference between issues that
are intrinsic evils, things that are always wrong no matter the circumstance,
and those issues which require prudential judgment. Although I’m sure it is not the intention of
the USCCB, sometimes I believe that they talk about so many issues that the faithful
can become confused as to which issues are of the utmost importance. Also, it is not always made clear that there
can be disagreement about how to solve certain problems such as how to best
serve the poor. It is unquestionable
that Christians are called to help the poor, but does that mean Christians must
support a big and ever expanding government in the midst of a debt crisis? Absolutely not! However, abortion is an intrinsic evil that
can never be justified. Candidates who
actively and enthusiastically support abortion should never be rewarded with
our vote. Thankfully, some individual
bishops have spoken up and made this distinction. Philadelphia
Archbishop Chaput is one of those Bishops.
President Obama is not only supportive of abortion and the largest
abortion provider Planned Parenthood, but as a senator he went so far as
supporting the killing of a baby born alive after a failed abortion. Sickening!
It is inconceivable to me that any person of faith could vote for a man
with those values. Connected closely to
the right to life is the right of religious freedom. As we have seen from President Obama, he has
infringed upon our religious freedom with the HHS mandate. Interestingly, he is quick to condemn anyone
who criticizes Islam, but I never once hear him defend the rights of
Christians. One other major contradiction I would like to point out is Obama's message regarding Fatherhood. If you think fatherhood is so important Mr. President, why do you no longer support marriage? Obama is now "enlightened" and believes in and supports "gay marriage," which will confuse kids, diminish the role of fathers, and hurt families. You would like to think that someone
who professes to be Christian would act more Christian.
I encourage you to read the document released by our
American Catholic Bishops regarding faithful citizenship. No candidate or political party perfectly
aligns with the teachings of Jesus Christ and his Church. Let that not discourage us, but rather
motivate us to make our voices heard. While
we have a clear choice this election, we must continue to promote Christian
values regardless of who wins this election.
My hope and prayer is that Romney will be our next President. Let’s make this happen! God bless you and God bless America!
Your comments are welcome and encouraged. Who are you voting for and why?
