My good friend Nathan Walker has penned an eloquent warning against voting for Obama.
I think it deserves a wider reading, and with his blessing I am posting it here.
Hi XXXXX,
I have followed some of the political dialog back and forth between you and several friends, and have decided, until now, to stay out of the political discussion. (I had intended to write an article called something like “The Top 5 Reasons I WON’T Be Voting for Obama,” but I ran out of time.)
I have been concerned, surprised, and disappointed with the rancor of some of the posts–on both sides. Such things ought not to be. Feeling passionately about something usually means one can advocate and defend a position on principles, not simply spew forth bitter diatribes against those with whom he or she disagrees.
When you and I awake tomorrow, we will have opportunity, if not already taken, to vote. I feel I have a moral obligation, as a matter of both citizenry and religion, to vote for those who will oppose Socialism in any form, and oppose the denigration and destruction of the family, the advocacy of gay marriage, the removal of religion from public life, and the taking of life by abortion. All other issues are secondary. All foreign policy disputes, financial crises, and energy disputes can be resolved by an understanding of, and return to, the principles clearly delineated in the inspired Constitution, and other explanatory supporting documents.
To vote for ANY candidate as a punishment for the real or perceived crimes of his predecessor is naive in the extreme. Those who sow the seeds of “voting against” may reap the bitter harvest of “stuck with.”
I have spoken several times over the past few weeks with members of my faith who say they think socialism is a viable, even preferable system to our current social and economic systems. However, this denotes a lack of understanding. Wise leaders and prophets, especially throughout the past century, have warned strongly and repeatedly about the grave dangers of socialism in any form. Recent warnings have been stronger and more frequent. All who profess to follow a prophet have an obligation to be familiar with their words as they pertain to this issue.
I urge you to watch the two video clips by Ezra Taft Benson you’ll find linked from this page: http://www.conservativefront.com/2008/11/02/ezra-taft-benson-on-socialism/. There may be information there that you have not yet considered.
Any candidate who says he or she will “make things all better,” whether through universal health care, “redistribution of wealth,” social programs for the poor, or any “fairness doctrine,” are singing the same tune sung by another, eons ago, when he said; “… I will redeem all mankind, that one soul shall not be lost, and surely I will do it; wherefore give me thine honor.” (Moses 4:1). True equality is agency–the power to choose freely. The enemy of equal opportunity is egalitarianism–equality of outcome. Beware any who set this heresy forth as the American Dream.
It is not.
I admire your conviction and loyalty. I am not thrilled with either of the two major candidates. One of them, however, has consistently and openly declared his support for, and determination to enact, policies in opposition to truth and liberty; policies which reinforce socialism, abortion, gay marriage, removal of religion from public life, intrusive and coercive environmental policies, and redistribution of wealth. I cannot, in good conscience, support such a candidate.
I urge you, and all who read this post, to consider carefully, without bitterness for the mistakes of past leaders, and without the naivete that assumes any change is for the better. Then choose. You are, after all, free. Choose the person most likely to help keep you so.
Your faithful friend,
Nathan
Personally, I believe that voting for Obama because “he’s better than Bush” is a fool’s errand. Nathan says it much better than I would.
