POLITICS IS EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS

There may be a separation between church and state, but that does not mean that Christians should not serve in the public arena for the good of the nation or neighborhood. Whether you choose to participate as a candidate or as an informed citizen, what government needs is more Christians, who by their character and conviction, make decisions for the good of all people.

Vote. The very basic minimum of a citizen's duty is to cast a vote on Election Day. Fewer than half of eligible voters vote in presidential elections. By negligence, indifference, and sheer laziness, we discard a gift and privilege obtained for us at gigantic cost and sacrifice.

Vote intelligently. You must have an understanding of issues and the different points of view regarding them. You must understand how things get done through political action. You need to know what kind of country you want to live in and how these issues will affect the main picture.

Seek information. Insist that your newspaper, radio, and television stations cover issues, present facts, and are accurate in their coverage in order to help you make an informed choice. Take advantage of political debates, and read commentaries on the issues.

Find the facts. Too often the media present the news in 30-second sound bytes which do little to present information other than the spin of the campaign officials or the station or newspaper owner. Don't be satisfied with less than the truth.

Talk about issues. Find people with whom you can discuss and debate the issues. Through discussion you can get fresh light on situations and fresh facts about conditions. And you can get stimulation and challenge from disagreement.

Don't be party-bound.Vote issues and capabilities - rather than political parties - for the best form of government. Seek to understand the points of view of both your party and the opposition.

Pay attention to local politics. In your own community, where the issues are familiar to you, you will be able to judge for yourself what should be done and how it should be accomplished. Meet your representatives and talk with them about the issues. As you learn analysis skills at the local level, you will be able to apply those same skills to regional, state, and national politics.

Don't let fear or disgust keep you from being involved. There is only one way to combat corruption: it is not by eschewing politics, but by developing standards of honor, living up to them, and requiring them of our candidates.

Support the work of your elected officials. Encourage them by your involvement, your letters of encouragement, and your vote.

Understand the stakes. Politics is not something for professionals. It is a medium through which you, as a citizen, can accomplish certain things for your children or your community. It is not necessary for you to run for office. It is necessary to learn to work through men and women who represent you.

Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) was one of the most outstanding women of the twentieth century. Her writings, her words, and her life continue to influence us today.

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