07/03/2024
Here is an editorial that I offered to the Sisseton Courier:
Voting is a Sacred Responsibility
The late U.S. Representative John Lewis made the following statement, “I have said this before, and I will say it again. The vote is precious. It is almost sacred. It is the most powerful non-violent tool we have in a democracy.”
Political experts will agree that the average citizen has only one way to influence policy in our governments, and that is through our vote. Most people in America will also agree that we are spiritual beings, and that we have a sacred responsibility to protect and care for our children and the disadvantaged.
In our large societies we elect representatives to legislative councils, and governors and the U.S. President, to make decisions on our behalf. We are placing this sacred responsibility in their hands.
When considering which candidate to vote for I ask myself: Would I want my beloved daughter or son to marry this person? Would their principles contribute to our sacred, united family, or would they be self-serving, divisive and abusive?
Just as the impact of a bad marriage can be life-long, especially to our children, so can the impacts of an unfit or corrupt legislator, governor or president be on our community, our state and our country.
Qualities that I look for in a candidate include: a record of selfless service to their community, a well-trained mind, fairness in all their dealings, a willingness to really listen and seek truth, integrity, honesty, respect for all others, and a sincere concern for the poor and down-trodden.
We tend to vote by what is in our heart. We vote for candidates who represent our personal desires and attitudes rather that their past voting record, their personal standards and history, and the needs of our community. If our heart is pure and concerned about the welfare of our neighbor, then our vote is sacred.
Unfortunately Americans have a strong tendency to be fans of the rich and famous, or those who appear successful, or hold respectable positions, like ministers, CEOs, and political incumbents. This clouds our thinking.
People naturally tend to trust others who are like themselves. Unfortunately we sometimes get into 'groupthink'. We really need to seek the truth and listen carefully to those who think differently from ourselves. Beware of willful blindness. “This Day the deceitful of eye, and all that men’s breasts conceal, are made known and laid bare…How very strange that they discern not between the trustworthy and the treacherous!” (-Bahá’u’lláh)
When voting or communicating to the elected, we need to consider the needs of all people, not just ourselves, or people who think like us. We need to consider the needs of those who are discriminated against, or hesitant to speak up or vote, because the confident, privileged majority will always speak up and vote.
-Richard DeLoughery
