Election time has made it's way around again, and through all of the debates, and all of the mudslinging, it's hard to tell fact from fiction.
From what I see the big major influences in determining our candidates, aside from the Democrats and Republicans, are the liberals, the independents, the African American political party's and I have to wonder why Pagans haven't started a political party of our own. I mean, we are big enough in ranks now to really make a change in the candidacy. So why not?
Because most of us do not exercise our right to vote! That is the number one reason, and so far we haven't had much to vote for. You haven't heard a candidate yet that has spoken about religious rights, or anything remotely promoting Paganism. Although they don't have a problem with bringing their Christian Affiliation into the picture. Which is fine with me as long as it doesn't influence their ability's to lead a country. Even if they keep their religious affiliation out of their campaigning, we would be stupid to think that it wouldn't effect the decisions they will make as a leader of this country.
My point is, do we really want to have someone in office that is under the mentality that our souls are going to hell so what is it going to matter if I do anything for them or not? I don't. I don't want a POW who follows the Pagan faith to be stuck in some camp somewhere because our president figures that he or she is going to hell anyway, whether I make an effort to get them out of there or not. And as much as we tell ourselves that doesn't happen it COULD. And it does, they pray about going to war, they seek spiritual guidance, from their GOD or priest, before invading any country. Which is the way it should be, but if we as pagan's don't follow their faith, and we are "lost souls" are they going to fight harder for us or figure we're better off burning in hell for the redemption of our sins?
This bothers me, and I do vote, but I'll tell you that between Bush and Kerry, I'd prefer Bush, just because the man can stand up for his beliefs and his actions. Kerry refuses to even claim his faith! How can a man that won't even defend his personal beliefs or claim his own deity run anything? At least we know where we stand with Bush. But to be honest, I think we need more options.
Gypsy SilentRain