Everyone knows that voting is the duty and privilege of every American citizen. However, “duty” and “privilege” do not conger up connotations strong enough to express the responsibility associated with this right. This is because external action is a manifestation of the heart; our acts reveal the inner beliefs and principles that we hold and how strongly we hold them. Although the act of voting itself appears trivial – leaving no more than a small check on a piece of paper as evidence – voting is a loaded action. One small check contains within it our consent to a particular way of viewing social issues, international and domestic foreign policy and the economy.
The act of voting must be considered with gravity, particularly when it involves electing the executive power of the United States. The point is not merely to “Get Out the Vote” or “Rock the Vote;” voting just because we have the right to do so is ridiculous. We must vote because it is the means of expressing and implementing fundamental morals and values in society. This message is reiterated time after time throughout this issue.
Our cover story reveals the tendency on the part of liberals to see the entire electoral process as a game rather than as a means to achieving order and harmony in society. Heather O’Connell and another writer articulately compare Sen. Kerry and President Bush’s stances on human life issues, and Deacon Timothy Yanta calls us to consider faith and morals as the antecedent to our decision to vote.
While Al Heavens quips that Sen. Kerry’s plan for Social Security might benefit tadpoles far more than human beings, his subtle humor drives home a serious message: Voting for an individual who lacks moral integrity, courage and respect for human life would be a fundamental misuse of the right. Ultimately, as voters, we all share responsibility for the character and probity of our leaders.
I hope you enjoy this first issue of the year, and, as always, please let us know what you think by writing to us.
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