My thoughts on the US election today

It's voting day in the US for a new president. I generally try to stay away from politics as it can be divisive, and I certainly don't mean to offend and take sides. But as a Canadian outsider, I feel the need to post some 'life and liveliness' things I've though this time around. 

I was really confused by this one. Seems like an attack on 'socialism' and against democrats, but is all about fear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnX7TNFIELg&feature=plcp

I've seen many people supporting the Republican side on solely a faith based issue of 'pro life' which is fascinating that to many this is the issue to drive the day for many. Yet surely there are other values that are important, isn't there? I believe values are important, don't get me wrong, and I believe human life is precious. Yet why is this one value above and beyond any other?

As with all ethical things a myriad of other issues play in. Is it driven by some kind of 'sin value scale'? I don't think God has a scale that runs from little white lies up to abortion. Maybe the biggest challenge is thinking through all the issues, and here's a couple interesting links that surprised me this election which are values to consider.

Here's a committed republican's position on loosing the fear of universal heath care, which runs straight into other key issues surrounding the abortion debate. The thesis is if America had universal health coverage there would be less abortion: http://www.patheos.com/blogs/permissiontolive/2012/07/how-i-lost-my-fear-of-universal-health-care.html

Surely Christ saw all people equally, how can anyone justify denying a vote? Doesn't that show a profound lack of valuing others? http://www.southernstudies.org/2011/09/should-the-poor-be-allowed-to-vote.html

Sticky ethical issues can't have black and white solutions. If we close quarters on our specific ideas of 'what I define as right' (worse yet in God's name) we are doing the same things as those that want to enforce strict shari'ah law on others. We start a fight that takes away life and liveliness.

Adding life and liveliness is all about transparently including people, and supporting their needs in a sacrificial way. It helps no one to divide up into corners of 'my' values and throw rocks. It makes a difference to care and see the world through eyes of equality and understanding.

If I was voting, it would be for equality and understanding.