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Who chooses who wins?

Here in Canada, our next federal election is scheduled to take place this fall; on or before Oct. 21, to be exact. In the U.S., elections will be held, in some states, on Nov. 5.

Here in Canada, our next federal election is scheduled to take place this fall; on or before Oct. 21, to be exact. In the U.S., elections will be held, in some states, on Nov. 5.

In both our nations the heat will be on to choose the person who will have the privilege and heavy responsibility of leading each country and that’s no small challenge. For someone who once followed politics avidly (and for several years I even had the tremendous privilege of representing our federal Member of Parliament here), I now find myself dreading the next few months.

No, I’ve not lost the deep-seated joy of knowing what a privilege we have to live in a free country and yes, I plan to be out to vote but it’s the other stuff that’s become such a source of disappointment and even disgust.

First of all, here’s what I’ve always enjoyed and still do – at least in its purest form: first, the presentation of each candidate’s list of proposed actions; next, a general idea, and preferably, some specifics of how that action would be implemented and; in some detail at least, the means by which these changes would be financed. Simplistic, I know, but when I cast my ballot, those are things that affect my choice.

What I can’t stand about election campaigning is the ugliness to which too many go to undermine their opponents. Know what I mean?

Here’s what the Apostle Paul wrote to Christians who were at odds with each other:

“Instead, be kind to each other, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God has forgiven you because you belong to Christ.“ Ephesians 4:32 Living Bible (TLB)

Whether at home, in the community, in church or in discussing politics, I believe Paul’s letter to the Christians is applicable.