Election day

Ok, so in truth, I didn't.
I feel a bit bad about that.  It's the first time I haven't voted in probably 20+ years.  I love voting.  I drag my kids with me.  It's an Event, participating in the privilege of democracy.

But, this year, I'm not in the same country and barely on the same continent. 
We moved from the address where I have been registered to vote for the past 7 years.
Our current mailing address isn't even a residence. 
So, this year, I'm one of the slackers that won't be able to complain for the next two year election cycle. 

Over the last few months, honestly, I haven't missed politics a bit.
Haven't missed campaign ads with doomsday voices telling of the what the other candidate did, or didn't, do.
Haven't missed a mailbox full of glossy flyers. 
(I do miss mail...  just not THAT mail...)
Haven't missed answering the phone only to hear recordings with a candidate acting as if he's my best buddy.
Haven't missed door to door visits.
Haven't missed being solicited to sign petitions for this measure or that recall.

Haven't missed Election Day. 
When I checked here and here, and saw the cool interactive maps. 
I do love a good map...
If only politics were always as clean as filling in a map on election night...

My Country, My President

As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, we are not enemies but friends. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection.
Barak Obama, Victory Speech, Chicago, IL, November 4, 2008

I wish Godspeed to the man who was my former opponent and will be my president. And I call on all Americans, as I have often in this campaign, to not despair of our present difficulties, but to believe, always, in the promise and greatness of America, because nothing is inevitable here.
John McCain, Concession Speech, Phoenix, AZ, November 4, 2008

Bipartisan offenders

Last night, among the five telemarketing calls we received, the only one to leave a message was Lee Terry, US Representative for the 2nd District of Nebraska, who told me, (I am NOT making this up...) "I was just calling seniors in the District tonight to talk about Social Security..."

Seniors? Social security? Sure, the grays are coming out, but SENIOR?

A few minutes ago, a few folks, in their "Vote November 4th" t-shirts, toting Obama signs, looking quite perky and ready to sway the 'hood, parked in front of my house, stood on my freshly repaved sidewalk, looked at their sheaf of papers, looked at my door, and then... split to walk in different directions.

Don'tcha want to talk to ME? Tell ME to vote? Tell ME about change we can believe in?

But, that's ok. I already voted. We're off to seek free donuts and coffee...

"because we've never had a savior on Capitol Hill"

"We don't live for politics. We don't base our confidence about the future on whoever gets elected." John Piper, on Election 2008

I recently heard this song by Derek Webb in concert. It's, perhaps, a little bit more cynical than I really am. I do believe that it's important to vote. I do believe that it's important to be informed and know what your stand on the issues are, and I do believe that it is important to vote those prinicples.

But, I do agree with Piper and with Webb, no elected official is going to be the solution to all of our problems. I'm holding onto the promise of eternity for that.

Here's the lyrics in case you don't catch them and you really want to know...

The Bottom Line

Thanks to Palm Tree Pundit for this link. I found it to be a worthwhile and issue clarifying read. Randy Alcorn highlights the thoughts that I have been ruminating over for a while. For me, this is the bottom line in determining how I will make my choice at the poll next month.

Mind Your Manners

And in the spirit of voting and campaigns and all that...
I love this commentary on proper election season behavior!
(Credit to Rocks in My Dryer)