God, America, Mid-Term Elections, a Small Town, and Doing My Job

One of the advantages to living in a small town for over two decades is that folks know me. Or recognize me, at any rate.

I went to City Hall this afternoon, waited for a parking spot to open up - there was a fair amount of traffic - and discovered a slightly new arrangement. People, tables and paperwork involved with voting had spilled into the basement hallway, by the door to the council chamber where we vote.

I slowed down and was reading the signs about voter registration, when someone waved me through: telling me that registered voters start in there.

Like I said, there are advantages to living in a small town for over two decades.


Another election, another sticker. November 2, 2010.

As usual, I had my three by five card with a list of candidates that my wife had prepared. As I explained, back in the primary elections:

"...We're on the same page in most things. Music is an exception: she's more country, I'm more rock and classical. But on who to vote for, I'm quite willing to let her do the research and give me the results...."
(August 9, 2010)

Over the years, I've read about voter enthusiasm. I can't say that I was very enthusiastic about this election, or the candidates. (Apathetic Lemming of the North (November 2, 2010))

My understanding is that 'voter enthusiasm' correlates with how many folks show up at the polls. They're probably right about that. Me? I don't have to be enthused to vote. Or, for that matter, to wash dishes or clean the toilet. Things that need doing, need to get done.

So, where's the gooey spirituality? This isn't that kind of 'religious' blog, and I'm not that kind of 'religious' man. And that's another topic.

Obsessed With Abortion?

I've gotten the impression that Catholics are supposed to be overly-concerned about 'women's reproductive right' or 'women's health issues,' or whatever we're supposed to call a boyfriend's right to have his sex machine fixed.

It's true, sort of: Catholics who pay attention to what our Church teaches give a rip about human life. Even if the particular human life in question doesn't belong to a celebrity - or at least someone who looks good.

There's more to Catholicism, though. For one thing, we're also picky about who we're supposed to marry. Specifically, it has to be a member of our species, but someone of the opposite sex. There are other criteria involved, but that'll do for now.

As you can see, we're terribly restrictive when it comes to marriage. Anyone who wants to marry a goat has stepped outside our rules. As for pillows? I wish I was joking about this sort of thing. (June 23, 2010, August 7, 2010)

It Ain't Over Til It's Over

Right now, the 'Dewey Defeats Truman' set are projecting an outcome for this midterm election that's not as bad as it could be, from my point of view. But those 'experts' have been wrong before.

Besides, after the all-too-recent debacles in Florida and Minnesota, I've sometimes felt that the election results won't be final until some judge decides how they should have come out - if the 'right' ballots had been counted the 'right' way, according to the judge's preferences.

Is it any wonder that I don't 'trust my feelings' about exercising my right to vote? Or compare the privilege to cleaning the toilet?

I've decided that there's a point to voting. This country has a pretty good track record for - eventually - doing the right thing. Including cleaning up disgusting election practices. Yet another topic.

Finally, Some 'Spiritual' Stuff

I've voted. I've prayed. There isn't much else I can do now, but wait to see if we've gotten past hanging chads and dubious recounts.

Whatever happens, I have to assume that God is large and in charge - and that my job is doing my job.

During these last few months, part of that job was getting informed on the issues and candidates, and voting intelligently.

Also praying.

Related posts:

• "American Midterm Elections, Reuters, the AP, and Me"
  Apathetic Lemming of the North (November 2, 2010)
• "Primary Elections, Voting, and Being Catholic"
  (August 10, 2010)
• "Minnesota Primary Elections: My Wife Told Me How to Vote"
  (August 9, 2010)
• "I Prayed, I Voted: Now We See What Happens"
  (November 4, 2008)
• "Conservative? Liberal? Democrat? Republican? No, I'm Catholic"
  (November 3, 2008)
• "Elections, Abortion, Voting, Conscience, and Other Troublesome Topics"
  (November 1, 2008)