Four years ago, we were promised “Hope and Change.” Many are now saying, “We must have change if there is to be any hope.” Others still want four more disappointing years just like the past four.
What are people saying as we come to decision time? Some are convinced dirty politics will be involved. I have heard that the dead will vote again. My good friend, Calvin, told about a man who voted six different times on Election Day. Other votes could be bought with a two-dollar bill or a bottle of moonshine whiskey.
Did one president promise that if he could not accomplish certain things in three years he would be a one-term president? Did he keep his promise? Of course not.
I regularly pray for our president, his wife and beautiful daughters. I wish them well and all our elected leaders. St. Paul taught, “First of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence” (I Timothy 2:1-2).
I have not met President Obama, but I have met Mitt and Ann Romney. I’m convinced he is a caring man of integrity, concern, knowledge, wisdom and deep spiritual faith. Kitty and I were in a group of 25 evangelical leaders involved in radio, television and writing. We met the Romneys and spent more time with Mitt and Ann after their presentations.
I recall his saying, “I believe everything you believe, even though we may interpret it a little different.” If we had five religious “anythings” under the same label in a group, they would still differ in some things. Governor Romney then added, “I am not running to be national pastor, but president.
I was asked, “What do you want in a president?” There is a choice to be made in spite of any uncertainties our citizens may have, real or imagined. We do know far more about Mitt Romney on the eve of the election than we did Barack Obama before he was elected or even know about him now. His philosophy and plans for America are basically unknown. Was he ever carefully vetted for his powerful position? No, not then and not now.
It has been my privilege to meet many presidents, vice presidents and numerous members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
We were guests for dinner at The White House by the invitation of President Jimmy and Roselyn Carter. One pleasure of the evening was talking with the president’s mother, “Miss Lillian”, one of the most unusual persons I have ever met.
I thank God for the blessing of knowing many governors, Republicans and Democrats, mayors, judges and numerous public servants during my brief time on planet earth.
The time to choose has come again. If it is to be a landslide vote for any candidate, even “Dog catcher in a one-dog-town”, then there must be a landslide voter response for that favorite candidate.
My friend, Billy Graham, says, “I strongly urge you to vote for candidates who support the biblical definition of marriage between a man and a woman, protect the sanctity of life and defend our religious freedom.” Voter guides indicate Barack Obama believes just the opposite. I cannot imagine anybody voting for any person who believes in same sex marriage and abortion.
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Dr. William “Bill” Ellis of Scott Depot is a weekly syndicated columnist who writes on a wide variety of subjects. Ellis has spent 25 years as a radio and television broadcaster and as a guest speaker and teacher on college campuses.
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