3rd Party or "lesser of two evils" again?

I think anytime you vote straight party line you risk voting for the "lesser of two evils". Even a third party like the Constitution Party, which I have been a member of for seven years, has candidates who I wouldn't be comfortable voting for. As Christian voters we need to learn that blind party loyalty is bad, even with 3rd parties. We need to support only principled candidates, regardless of their party affiliation or their chance of winning the election. As John Quincy Adams said, "Duty is ours, the results are Gods."

"...a Christian's decision should never be based upon the potential outcome of his decision, but upon the rightness of his decision."

—Chuck Baldwin​

 

This is most reasonable.

I do believe the congregation should be made very aware of the political positions of candidates and issues, and that the pastor and/or elders put forth these positions as they pertain to Christianity. For instance a voter should be aware of a candidate's position on abortion, and should not be considered if for it. We've had many "uninformed" Democrats in our church, that were thankful for learning the truth about their party. Most switch to independent, as do many Republicans.

 

Vote Libertarian!

The same people own both major parties so nothing major will change unless our owners want it.

 

Your premise would be correct if the two major parties put up credible candidates. Think about the last 4 or 5 Presidential elections and the quality of the nominees. Time has shown what they were and are.

Now, look at the three leading candidates for each major party announced so far for 2008: McCain, Romney, Guliani, Clinton, Obama, and Edwards. Which of those do you consider credible?

No doubt there are some third party candidates not worth voting for, however, in the atmosphere that exists today within the two major parties, AF guy is correct. There is a much greater chance of a leader from a third party who cares about the American people instead of the established self serving power and money that drives the two party system.

 

Did you miss the part where I said I have been a member of the Constitution Party for seven years?

You're preaching to the choir about the two major parties!

 

Constitution Party

The majority of the people know the two party system no longer serve their interest. I think there is alot of people tired of wasting their vote on them and are now seriously looking at a third party. I did. I joined the Constitution Party last year. And so have a lot of others. It is growing exponentially. If you think our constitution was modeled after christian beliefs and principles as I do then I encourage you to take a serious look at them. Their web address is www.constitutionparty.com.

I disagree with that little quote about not voting your principles. A man needs christian principles to guide him. A man without christian principles is no christian.
But a man without any principles has no guide.

God bless you all and may God bless America once again.

 

Unfortunately, I believe you misspoke slightly here.

I think you really meant to say the "evil of two lessers." :tear:

Ed

 

I've voted 3d party before, and would possibly do so again if I felt it were necessary.

My question is:

Suppose none of the candidates running for a particular office (esp., in state or local races) are worth voting for?

With these new-fangled electronic voting machines that they now have [at least here in my part of TN], they won't let you not vote for any candidate for a particular office (i.e., you have to vote for someone).

So what's one to do if he/she believes that not one of the candidates for a particular office are any good?

 

Sorry about that. If we all thought like you, the two major parties would cease to exist.

 

This is my question to you. Name one nominee of the two major political parties for President of the United States since 1988 that has merited one Christian vote.

 

SALT CITY BAPTIST --

That may be easy for you to say, but when it comes to offices such as governor, state senator, mayor,sheriff or city council, I have neither the experience, education, political and financial backing nor time to devote to being a successful candidate for such offices.

SATURNNEPTUNE --

I no where implied that there were any candidates for President from either of the two major parties from 1988 onward that especially deserved a Christian's wholehearted and total support.

My question had more to do with deciding who to support and/or vote for for various state and local offices (such as governor, mayor, city council, state senators and representatives).

 

I was a member of the Libertarian party for a while when I got fed up with Republicrats and Democans. But I just couldnt square myself with their stand on social issues such as abortion, legalization of marijuana and other recreational drugs, pornography etc.

I dont know how many of you listen to Rush,probably not many, (and please this is not a Rush post) but the other day when he had Arnold Swarzenegger on, he asked him about compromising his core beliefs to please liberals. In a nutshell, Arnold said his first priority was to the people, not his core beliefs and compromise is necessary in order to get things done.

This leads me to another question. If a politician is elected, and has certain core beliefs, should he go against his beliefs if the majority of his constituents do not agree with them and want something that will go against his personal convictions? Putting the issue of pulling out of Iraq aside, most of the policies we would like to see implemented put us in a minority.

 

Voting

PS104_33, this has been a delemma throughout history for those who have actually voted for /against their conscience. I don't think that happens much anymore because in politics money talks. But in the rare cases that it does (God bless 'em) they need to have a good dialogue with their constituents. There are almost always circumstances too where our political leaders vote against their conscience or against the will of the people they represent because of what is known as piggybacked bills. I for one am totally against this type of bill presentation because it deliberately forces our representatives to compromise their principles. I am also against this deal where the president can add certain points to a bill when he signs it so he can amend it whenever he feels. Bush does this on every bill. In fact he has done it more than all the presidents in history put together.

Paper ballots is the only reliable way to cast a vote and get it counted.

Vote Constitution Party and get these immoral atrocities banned.

 

Question:

Does (or will) God hold us as Christians accountable for all of our votes in all the elections in which we voted since we were saved?

If so, what should our response(s) be the next time that we vote for, say, our state governor if no candidate on the ballot has a platform with which you as a Christian could in good conscience support?

 

Yes we are held accountable. Every thought is accountable, so this surely is. That is why the mindset that has infected our history that says "voting for a third party is a wasted vote to help the greater of the two evils get elected" is flawed thinking to be nice about it.

Your point about lesser offices is well taken. I am sure there are good people who at that level from the two parties mean well at least at the start. I have voted for democrats and republicans for Congress, sheriff and governor.

It is a shame that the lack of leadership always is reflected by those who seek the highest office in the land.

 

There is no doubt about it. He should follow his core beliefs. If they dont match the voters, then that is part of the price of standing up for what you believe in.

Now, I have a question for you. If a person running for President and is honest, how could he get elected if he made him or her self clear about the vision and morals and leadership they have for the country? There should be no surprises. If a person is honest and the people dont like him, he wont be elected in the first place.

 

lesser of all evils

But are we not forgiven of our sins as promised by the Lord? God knows our hearts in these matters. He knows the state of the world too. He knows that we we will be deceived even though we earnestly try to elect good leaders. I don't think its a sin when we are deceived. It is our responsibility to know the times. We may very well continue to try to elect responsible leaders but regardless it is Gods will that will be done. All things will be done according to Him. In your relationship with God, when you pray you should be asking for forgiveness for any sins you may have committed. He will forgive us.