Today's the day...

Election Day in the United States. Some words of wisdom from our past presidents...

"That government is best which governs the least,
because its people discipline themselves."
-Thomas Jefferson

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort."
-FDR

"I know in my heart that man is good.
That what is right will always eventually triumph.
And there's purpose and worth to each and every life."
-Ronald Reagan

This has, no doubt, been one of the most fiery election experiences in recent history. Our presidential candidates could not be more different - and my hope and prayer is that voters base their votes on studying the issues, not just falling into the trendy camp. (This Howard Stern show clip does NOT comfort me, though it makes an excellent point to my fear of this happening!)

On the flip side, there's a great piece by black pianist and Christian Huntley Brown (for which I have linked to Snopes, lest you think it's one of email's famous hoaxes) which lays out his reasoning for not voting for Obama. His additional comments at the end are definitely worth reading!

It is no secret that I am voting for McCain/Palin in this year's presidential election. Though McCain has his flaws, it is my belief that he/they will serve our country best as our leaders. Why?

• First and foremost, as an "unwanted child" (read: unplanned pregnancy) who was adopted at birth, my birthmom had every chance to abort me. But she didn't. She gave me life, sacrificing nine months of hers in order that I may live. (And yes, I have a MUCH bigger appreciation for her sacrifice, now that I'm seven months pregnant myself!) The fundamental right to life is the most basic of human rights, for without it, there is no need for anything else.
  
  Sen. Obama's promise to sign the Freedom of Choice Act as one of his first acts in office terrifies me. Many people haven't even heard of the FOCA, but it's crucial to understand given that it would rid the United States of abortion restrictions entirely, usurping all state laws that have been passed since Roe v. Wade. LifeSiteNews has an excellent summary of it.
  
  Sen. McCain has not only talked the talk, but walked the walk: as evidenced by his family's decision to adopt a child from Bangladesh, in one of Mother Teresa's orphanages. In a world where the Angelina Jolies and Madonnas get a significant amount of media exposure, I'm amazed that many people do not know of their story. When I bought the People magazine on the McCains at Costco, I had to clarify to the gal who was bagging up my items that "no, McCain does not have an illegitimate child, and no, he's not using her for the black vote." All because she saw the cover and made an assumption.
  
• After the initial life issue, the majority of my voting decision stems from the remaining four non-negotiables that the Catholic Church has set forth. Priests For Life has an excellent summation here of five non-negotiables.
  
• From the standpoint of the economy, I believe that we, as Americans, are a capitalist nation. Nowhere else in the world can you make something of yourself from nothing. I look back at the family of 8 Vietnamese immigrants that my parents took in when they fled Viet Nam when I was in high school. Each one of them now is thriving, owning their own businesses, homes, and contributing to society because of the opportunities that America afforded them. They arrived with only the clothes on their back, but have made their lives here. And yes, it was our local Catholic Church that helped get them started, especially through the St. Vincent de Paul Society, who gives a "hand up" instead of a "hand out".
  
  Sen. Obama's comments about "spreading the wealth" amount to nothing more than socialism and Marxism. I remember my experience in Slovenia with the Relay For Life (which had been a socialist nation as recently as 10 years earlier) and the distinct challenges in trying to teach these Relayers about team competition. The concept of challenging others to grow their funds raised for a non-profit almost seemed too difficult to grasp. Why compete to raise funds when the government will do it for you? That scared me.
  
  There's an excellent basic example of Obama socialism/income redistribution that I love:
  
  AN UNHAPPY WAITER BECOMES PART
  OF THE REDISTRIBUTION OF (HIS) WEALTH
  In a local restaurant my server had on a “Obama 08″ tie, again I laughed as he had given away his political preference–just imagine the coincidence.
  
  When the bill came I decided not to tip the server and explained to him that I was exploring the Obama redistribution of wealth concept. He stood there in disbelief while I told him that I was going to redistribute his tip to someone who I deemed more in need–the homeless guy outside. The server angrily stormed from my sight.
  
  I went outside, gave the homeless guy $10 and told him to thank the server inside as I’ve decided he could use the money more. The homeless guy was grateful.
  
  At the end of my rather unscientific redistribution experiment I realized the homeless guy was grateful for the money he did not earn, but the waiter was pretty angry that I gave away the money he did earn even though the actual recipient needed the money more.
  
  I guess redistribution of wealth is an easier thing to swallow in concept than in practical application.
  
  When it's all said and done, I believe that our nation will rise from the current challenges of the economy and be stronger for it. Stronger because of our own initiative to be more responsible with lending, borrowing, financing, and investing in our future.
  
• A few last thoughts...I am thrilled at the possibility of a female vice president. Especially one who has taken on the oil industry, corruption in government, and has withstood the media's attacks over the past few months. She has a strong faith and great ideals, and I love that.

Whatever happens tonight, the future presidential team will have my ongoing prayers for his (and hopefully her) leadership of our great nation.

Please get out and vote today if you haven't done so already. And let's continue to pray together for the future of our nation.