Issue 44.16
Is voting a choice, a right, a responsibility or a duty? The answer is YES to all these. But is voting without informing yourself or without thought and preparation a wise or good thing? I would say no.
More than at any time in my memory, people are discouraged and disheartened at the options presented to them. There are significant and worrisome things about all the major party candidates for US President and most of the independent and third party candidates as well. We find that those we believe at first to be strong supporters of the concepts or policies we feel are important are also flawed in significant ways. Either they are found to be wanting in actually supporting the things they say they believe, or they are found to be fundamentally disappointing and perhaps even criminal in their personal or professional activities. This makes it very difficult for people of conscience to support or vote for them. Voter’s remorse is defined as having to say honestly three months or three years down the road, “I am ashamed to admit I voted for that person.” If you feel that may very well happen, you may want to rethink who you plan to vote for.
That said, is the Presidential race the only one you should put thought and prayer into? I believe that EVERY office- mayor, city council, County office, State legislator, Governor, Auditor, US Representative and Senator- deserves every bit of scrutiny we can bring to bear before voting. Our federal and state congress-people especially deserve our attention as they are the ones who actually create the laws we live with, and they are responsible for stopping over-reaches and abuses of power by Presidents, bureaucrats and government departments. I also believe that everyone should study the voter information booklet’s evaluation of judges and vote to not retain those who act like tyrants in the courtroom or rule without regard to law and the Constitution. Personally, I usually vote to NOT retain. Judgeship is a solemn responsibility and not a right. I want them to know that we are watching. Bonds, amendments and other ballot items also deserve to be researched in advance by reading or listening to advocates and opposition (these are also usually included in the voter information booklet). By and large the rule of thumb with these other ballot items is: “Will this take away or restore private freedoms and uphold the US Constitution?”
I will share with you a couple of quotes that may be of interest and some websites that will help with your research.
“In questions of power then, let no more be heard of confidence in man but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the Constitution.” – Thomas Jefferson
“This principle of allegiance to the Constitution is basic to our freedom. It is one of the great principles that distinguishes this ‘land of liberty’ from other countries.” – J Reuben Clark, Jr.
“… to vote for wicked men (or women), it would be sin,” said Hyrum Smith, brother of Joseph Smith
“The First Presidency… gave us the guideline a few years ago of supporting political candidates ‘who are truly dedicated to the Constitution in the tradition of our Founding Fathers.’” – Ezra Taft Benson
http://www.freedomfirstsociety.org/scorecard/ (terrible voting scores for all 4 representatives and Hatch)
http://verniedemille.com/2016/10/16/your-candidate-is-not-mine/
https://neverhillarytrump.wordpress.com/2016/10/02/darrell-castle-vs-evan-mcmullin/
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210586007144328&set=gm.1726941600730624&type=3&theater
Please – Do Your Homework Before You Vote. Don’t suffer from voter’s remorse.
Lynn West is a thinker, a teacher and a patriot. You can reach him through email at forgingthefuture2021@gmail.com or through this newspaper. Liberty is a state of being which must be continually created. These articles can help all of us discover the ways we can contribute to that outcome.