Letter to the Editor: Weigh the impact of your vote

With elections just around the corner, I would like for everyone to think about the significance of every single vote and its impact on the future of our county, state and country. Today, more than ever before, we are pressed to look beyond “party loyalty,” the “good ole boy” system, retaliation, or complacency, when voting. Whether local, state or federal, the consequences are often the same – a bad political landscape with poor policy making. Some also tend to think that the candidate with the most political experience, and ties, is the most qualified for office. However, statistics show essentially no difference in the fulfillment of campaign promises between the seasoned politician and the political newcomer. Neither do well at keeping campaign promises to the people.

    With these things in mind, I would urge every voter, first and foremost, to exercise their right to vote. I pray, also, that voters take some time to evaluate the candidates; their priorities; principles; and where their allegiance lies. Are they committed to the principles and goals that best serve the majority (regardless of socioeconomic status)? Do they share your basic principles and goals? The answers can often be found with a little time and research. Voting records and policy backing on many issues are available on the Internet for most incumbent state and federal representatives. Fiscal court minutes (at the local clerk’s office) are an invaluable resource for finding local incumbent candidate’s position and voting record on issues and policy. You can also “google” a candidate’s name and frequently get a litany of write-ups on that person (please utilize good judgment before placing all your faith into some postings that are not fact-based or backed by legislative record, etc.). Regardless of the manner of research, it is well worth the time invested.

    Our county, state and country today are at a tipping point. In recent decades, we have managed through legislation, the courts, and personal inaction, to eliminate God, trivialize our forefathers’ intentions, and destroy the Godly morals and foundation that gave America our freedoms, prosperity, and respect for law and others. These were the things that made America great. Can we afford to continue this path to utter destruction by electing any candidate to office who does not share in our core values and beliefs? Would you have voted for a taxpayer-backed health care reform bill that allows for unbridled abortion (no less than 18 separate times in bill), or that increasingly eliminates/reduces over next four years critically needed services to the elderly or disabled under Medicare when many recipients have paid into Medicare for years, while expanding Medicaid services to capable adults, many of whom have never paid a penny into either system?

Unfortunately, a majority of elected representatives did, and the bill is now law. Our freedoms were granted by God, yet are being removed by man or woman. Our elected officials, at every level, are the people’s spokesperson. Can our county and nation afford to elect anyone who does not value our creator, our community, our country, our children, our future, and our voice? Short of a nationwide heartfelt prayer for God’s grace and forgiveness, our hope for any future lies in the people we choose to be our voice. Political party, race, gender, economic status, etc. hold no weight on my ballot. Their core beliefs, values, and willingness to stand for them and for the people, are the only prerequisites on my ballot.

Vicki Von Bokern 

Owenton