Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Our Voice


There are some things that I can sit the fence on, that I really don't care about either way. Who I want to be the next President of the United States is not one of those things. So far I have chosen to be fairly conservative in my opinion on this blog, as to not offend anyone, but to rather encourage everyone to find their own voice, issues and subsequent candidate to support. And because I feel so passionately about our obligation and responsibility in this choice I welcome any informed differences and enjoy hearing what my friends and family feel and think. I often feel bothered by the media and political analysts that try to make up our minds for us, but feel confident that you and I can do our part to sort through the rubble and see the whole picture.

"1 WE believe that governments were instituted of God for the benefit of man; and that he holds men accountable for their acts in relation to them, both in making laws and administering them, for the good and safety of society.
2 We believe that no government can exist in peace, except such laws are framed and held inviolate as will secure to each individual the free exercise of conscience, the right and control of property, and the protection of life.
3 We believe that all governments necessarily require civil officers and magistrates to enforce the laws of the same; and that such as will administer the law in equity and justice should be sought for and upheld by the VOICE OF THE PEOPLE..." Doctrine and Covenants 134:1-3

So here is my voice: How can so many people be falling for the fronts. To me, I hear and see so much that seems fake, for votes, for jokes, for gaining on the other candidates, that I wonder how people can not see past it. I am disappointed in any personal attacks on anyone and wish that the issues could always be forefront. I do not trust all I hear or see as I know much of it can be edited by liberal media crews on their own agenda. I am a full Mitt Romeny supporter and feel confident in what I have learned about his record, capabilities, word, and vision for our future. I was disappointed tonight at coming in second in Florida, especially because I know how much the momentum of the media will carry the candidates into super Tuesday. I am also disappointed in the fact that Huckabee is staying in the race, in my opinion with the motivation of becoming the Vice Presidential candidate with McCain, of course spliting the conservative evangelical voters with Romney - putting McCain at an advantage. But I still feel great hope that Romney will be able to reach people as I have been reached. I anticipate hearing the voice of the people and hope that others are making their decisions based on their own research and feelings.

And more of my voice: How is the system fair? I live in the United States where we believe that "all men are created equal" and each has a voice that should be heard, and yet we have primaries that emphasize party rules, early states and delegate numbers. Where each individual person's vote only goes into a delegate pool that can either be split or winner takes all, as chosen by the "party". How does that make each individual voice equal? How can the nominee be decided before I even get the chance to vote in my state of Texas? How can the democrats of Florida have their voices go unheard simply because their "delegates" decided to move their primary date up...so their vote doesn't count because of the poor judgment of their leaders? Am I the only one that finds this method pre-historic and in desperate need of refinement in order to meet the standards of our Constitutional Rights? The closest thing I can compare it to is the BCS. There are too many people involved and used to it just being the way "it has always been done" to think outside the box and challenge it.

To me that has been one of the greatest miracles we have been given in our lives, Our Voice. Our chance to not only have the agency to choose but to have that choice heard. That is what our country's freedom is based on. The voice and belief of the people and their rights to choose as they will. And quite frankly, it is our God given responsibility to have a voice and share it. (Especially those of you whose voices can be heard on Feb. 5th)

6 comments:

rachel said...

S. Lake for President!!!
I'm voting for YOU! °Ü°

You are so good with words. Thanks for this post. I need to be way more involved and care alot more about all this. I've just never really paid much attention to the system and how it works (or doesn't work), I guess feeling like even if I understood it all, little ol me wouldn't be able to do anything about it anyway, ya know? Thanks for the gentle kick.

You amaze me.

Clean Cut said...

Without using our voice to speak out nothing great would have ever happened in our country's history. Think of the Sons of Liberty using their "voices" to rally the colonists to join in and begin the American Revolution. Think of Martin Luther King Jr. It would have been very easy to stay silent if by speaking out you put your life in jeopardy. Yet the Civil Rights Movement made America greater. There are a lot of loud voices out there that I can stand and don't agree with. I think it was Voltaire that said: "I do not agree with what you have to say, but I'll defend to the death your right to say it." That's one reason why I love this country. Too bad more people don't take advantage of their right to use their voice to make a difference, even if at first it seems like you're trying to swim up a tidal wave or hiking a Mt. Everest. Just by beginning to raise awareness and starting a conversation about something can make a big difference, whether its changing the way we elect our leaders or the way our leaders use our tax dollars--there's a lot that can and should be improved/changed.

The Dutkiewicz Family said...

Mitt Romney has lost Iowa, New Hampshire and Florida by less than 124,000 votes, combined.

Think about that for a moment. The power of the vote. Those 124,000 people may have decided the fate of the country, indirectly.

Go Mitt!

JAMIE said...

Here here here! I think you need a new blog for the voting...i need more pics of my neices yet need to hear your thoughts on presidential campaignaing as well

JAMIE said...

i am posting on my own blog about this

Kelli W. said...

Great post Sara! I enjoyed reading the link to Elder Oaks talk. Don't you wish he could be our next president? *sigh*....if only to love and trust our president of the U.S.A as we do our church leaders. Something to look forward to in the millinium :)