ballcoach15 wrote:In reality there is no one else to vote for.
Normally I wouldn't cross post, but just for you...
Why I Am Not Voting For Donald Trump On Super Tuesday
1. I agree with a prominent leader who said that voting for president isn't a vote for "pastor in chief." Furthermore, I believe that there is no "ideal" candidate, one which "checks off every box" you might wish to see in a president. However, the person I choose to vote for must meet certain standards in terms of his or her character. I was raised to be a "gentleman." I expect the president to reflect the same sort of character.
2. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ and am looking for someone who most closely matches my worldview. Being a disciple comes before any political party or other ideology. The implications of being a disciple require active introspection and evaluation of my beliefs, attitudes and actions. One consequence of being a disciple is that I am called to love everyone, especially those who are different than me or with those with whom I disagree. The policy positions of anyone I support must match as closely as possible to those ideals.
3. Only after the first two criteria are established, I then look for a principled conservative, who stands on the conviction of his or her beliefs.
There are a wide range of candidates this year, but perhaps in people's minds a dearth of a single "great" one. I have long considered myself a "republican," indeed, I was elected as a delegate from my home state's 2000 primary. My party affiliation is more serious than most voters, but it does not define me, nor limit for whom I will vote.
I don't know whom I will vote for in November, but while I have more sound options, I cannot in good faith endorse or vote for Donald Trump.
1. He isn't a gentleman and is lacking in basic morality and civility. I can't believe that fellow "evangelicals," who lambasted and called for the impeachment of Bill Clinton, can now be enthusiastically supporting Trump now. It is an absolute disgrace. The hypocrisy is on us!
2. Much of Trump's support comes from his capitalization of fear and unrest. It is easy to "love your neighbor" when the economy is good, but "love" isn't love when it comes only during the good times. I believe that we DO need to "secure the border," but I also believe that we can help others. At the very least, as a nation we need to own up to the fact that WE have encouraged illegal immigration. Republicans, Democrats, Corporations and private citizens have all contributed to the problem. Whatever solutions we look to MUST take into consideration the value and dignity of those who tried to give their families a better life by coming to the greatest nation on earth.
3. Lastly, I know that many do not share my religious and cultural perspective, but from a pragmatic/political standpoint how can anyone honestly say that they trust the man? Every issue and position which he stands firm on to "make America great" he has publicly held the opposite view! He has funded candidates that he will presumably have to campaign against!
On Super Tuesday, voters in many states where I have friends & family will have the opportunity to cast a vote. Many of you, like me, will pull the lever for a "Republican" candidate. There are plenty of (albeit imperfect) candidates to choose from. Please consider voting for someone other than Trump. I could see myself voting for any of them in November.
For a number of reasons, I am voting for Marco Rubio. Although he isn't an "evangelical," I believe that he by and large shares my worldview. He appears to be a good man who would be a good role model for our children. I also believe that he is uniquely situated to help heal the racial divide in our country. Politics aside, the greatest failure of the past eight years is that the country is more divided over race than it was before. We do need someone who is serious about sealing the border, but we also need someone who can unite us as a people. Only then can we really hope to Make America Great Again.