Should We Have To Test Before Voting?

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Bill of Rights, Civics, Congress, Foreign Policy, government, Politics, president, senate, voting

Each year American Civic Literacy www.americancivicliteracy.orgdoes a test to see how knowlegable Americans are on Government and Civics.

Well, this year, just as others, proves that not many people are educated in the least when it comes to our Government.

Here were the findings- prepare to be shocked.

• Less than half can name all three branches of the government.
• Only 21% know that the phrase “government of the people, by the people, for the people” comes from Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address.
• Although Congress has voted twice in the last eight years to approve foreign wars, only 53% know that the power to declare war belongs to Congress. Almost 40% incorrectly believe it belongs to the president.
• Only 55% know that Congress shares authority over U.S. foreign policy with the president. Almost a quarter incorrectly believe Congress shares this power with the United Nations.
• Only 27% know the Bill of Rights expressly prohibits establishing an official religion for the United States.
• Less than one in five know that the phrase “a wall of separation” between church and state comes from a letter by Thomas Jefferson. Almost half incorrectly believe it can be found in the Constitution.

Americans from all age groups, income brackets, and political ideologies fail the test of civic literacy.

• Americans age 25 to 34 score an average of 46% on the exam; Americans age 65 and over score 46%.
• Americans earning an annual income between $30,000 and $50,000 score an average of 46%; Americans earning over $100,000 score 55%.
• Liberals score an average of 49%; conservatives score 48%.
• Americans who go to church once a week score an average of 48%; Americans who never go to church score 50%.

So here is my question: Should we have to take and pass a test to be allowed to vote?  Do you think based on this information that people have made good decisions on who to elect and represent us?

Congratulations To President Elect Obama

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Obama, Prayer, president, United States, Voter

Before I start, if you did not vote you do not have permission to leave any comments on this post regarding the results of the election and/or this post.

That said…THANK GOD IT IS OVER!

I do not know about you but I think that was the longest race in history.

Some of us will be happy today and some sad.  Some angry and others exuberant in the change.

I for one am cautious.

Cautious because I do not criticise a new leaders actions until he actually has some.  The next few weeks will be interesting to say the least with appointments, staff hiring and how President Obama deals with the media.  It will be interesting to see when the hype wears off a little and the media begins to turn as they always do and how that will be handled.  It will be interesting to watch how the current state of our government changes for good or bad, and how it might impact us for years to come.

No matter how you voted, I hope you pray for our new leadership.  Pray that they are safe, led to do what is best for all of the people and will reflect well within the world.  Pray that boundaries, political parties and governments can be crossed to work together.  Pray that once again the United States is looked at as a beacon of hope and prosperity throughout the world and that our wonderful country is once again recognized as the most generous country on the planet.

My question to you:  What do you look forward to with our new leaders?  What concerns you?  If you were the new President of the US, what would you change first?

Vote Or Shut Up

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America, McCain, Obama, president, voting

Well, Big Tuesday is upon us.

Millions will hit the polls and voice their opinion on who should lead us the next 4 years.

With the vote comes the turning of the page and the beginning of what I call “the slamming” of the new President.

Be it Obama or McCain, neither will get off easy.

The economy is a focal point, although I cannot see where it is crippling America like the media puts it.  The war is still going on.  Foreign relations are a struggle at best.  Welfare is on a rise and more and more people feel entitled to “free” money as a way to survive.

I in no way will predict the election because I think the polls are a joke.  I think we will know the winner when the states finish voting.

Here is what I will predict however….no matter who wins, there will be a bunch of yahoos out there that will whine and moan about who won and who lost.  Ironically, these will be the same morons who do not vote.

Here is my message to you….if you do not vote, your opinion does not count.  VOTE OR SHUT UP.

I am all about a debate on policy, politics and who did what on Capital Hill.  I will never argue with someone who did not take the time to cast a ballot.  Why?  Because you did not take one of the biggest freedoms we have as Americans seriously and if you cannot take that seriously, you argument is obviously not that serious either.

My question for you today.  Did you vote or are you voting?  If not, why?  If so, do you find it a special thing to be able to do so? 

(No candidate endorsements pro or con….not the place)

Political Pulpit vs. Church Pulpit

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church, election, family values, healthcare, pastor, president, pulpit, republican, state, taxes, voting

The Presidential Pulpit is where we learn a lot about war, fiscal policy, scandal and the first animals.  It is also the place where there can be laughter, fear and serious discussion.

The Church Pulpit is where we learn about Christ, serving, glorifying our saviour and take a deep look into our everyday lives.  It is also a place where there can be laughter, sadness and serious discussion.

At times these two can cross when Pastors tell us who their following and beliefs on who should be President.   Now, I am super lucky in that I have never attended a church that does this, but it happens all over….Why?

Maybe I am off in my own little world when I say, both main political parties and their followers are right on the issues.  ALL of the issues.   WHAT!  HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND!  Oh, yeah, I can hear you saying this through my screen, but let me explain.

Everyone is at a different place in their own lives.  Some are rich, some poor.  Some have amazing health care while others cannot get it.  Some view the educational system as fine the way it is and others extremely flawed.  Some people think that certain things are given rights while others think they should be earned.  And this is all just in your congregation.

So with this how can anyone say they are right, without question?  My wife and I have amazing health care so I find it difficult to understand some of the arguments for universal healthcare…not that I don’t necessarily see it as beneficial but I just don’t see it as a priority in my life.  I am much more concerned about tax laws with small business which you might care less about.

Now, before the hate emails start pouring in, I understand the basis for why some Pastors lean to one side.  Simply put, a core family values statement and basic ideology.

At the same time however I thought a fundamental piece of the U.S. is Separation of Church and State????

So I ask you…Is it good for Pastors to share their political stance or do you believe it is strictly up to the congregation to educate themselves?  How much value to you place in a Pastor’s support of a candidate?