Politics

I don't follow politics. It's not that I don't care. It's not that I don't feel they're important. And I don't begrudge those that do follow politics. So why don't I? Frankly, I have enough going on in my life that, in order for me to invest in politics (or much else), I'd really have to cut something out. What do I cut? God? Family? Work? Friends? Art? Sleep? No thanks. What I've got going on has a much bigger effect on my life (and the lives of my family members) than who happens to be in an elected office. Don't get me wrong. When election day rolls around, I'll have carefully and prayerfully evaluated the candidates. I'll vote. And I'll do so proudly. I really feel voting is not only my duty but a great privilege and I'm genuinely thankful to have that opportunity. But I'm not going to let the process overtake my life.

So that's the short answer. Since this is likely to be my one and only political post, it seems like I should take advantage of it and provide the longer answer(s) regarding my political beliefs. Some notes:

1. First and foremost, my hope for the future comes from God and not from those in office. God's track record is far, far better than any political party's.
   
2. Regardless of who happens to be our President, Governor, Mayor, or HOA President, I will give them the respect due to them both as people and as our elected leaders. They will be in my prayers.
3. Second to trusting God, I trust in myself. And, no, I really don't think it's an ego thing. Am I better off now than I was four years ago? Yes. Eight years ago? Yes. Does this have anything to do with the who was in office? Probably not . I'm better off because I work hard and God has blessed me far more than I ever deserve.
   
4. I have low expectations from government. Let me explain. I dislike the general feeling that the government can/will fix our lives. I don't expect the government to provide for my retirement (I'd gladly opt out of Social Security if I could). I don't expect the government to provide health care for my family. I don't expect the government to cover my mortgage. I am charged with those things and I will be responsible for them. I don't share the feelings of entitlement that seems to have flooded our world.
   
5. Likewise, I don't expect any one administration to solve the problems that took decades to create. Terrorism. Gas prices. Poor hurricane safeguards. Foreclosures. All building for years.
   
6. The government is a reflection of the people and I don't buy into the notion that the government should do that which we choose not to do. Can we demand health care for all if we look the other way when we see a sick person? Can we demand care for the poor if we ignore the homeless? Should the government balance its budget if 43% of Americans spend more than they make and the average American has thousands in credit card debt? Perhaps we should first raise our expectations of ourselves.
7. I find the political hate tiresome. You want to put a pro-anything sticker on your car, fine. But, when you put a hateful, anti-candidate message out there, I stop valuing anything you have to say. If your political statement fits on a bumper sticker...well, maybe you didn't have much to say.

All in all, life is going to go on regardless of how the elections go. The decisions I make aren't related to any office. I'm still going work hard to provide for my family. I'm still going to be debt free and live on less than I make. I'm still going to develop a loving, God-centered home, raising my kids to know the Lord.

Business as usual.