Has it always been this bad?

I am quite young (mostly knowledge-wise) compared to some of you in this forum, and somewhat new to the politics thing. Now, I have always been somewhat interested, and my dad has always been very outspoken about his conservative beliefs. I missed voting in the 2000 Gore/Bush election by 4 months (I didn't turn 18 until March 2001), I voted for Bush in the 2004 election (mainly because I knew we needed to stay in Iraq, Gore was an idiot, and I'm pro-choice and pro-2nd Ammendment, etc), and have voted in other smaller elections. It has not been until the last year that I have finally begun to really understand it all, and honestly, it's become an obsession. A sickness really. I read drudge report daily, I try to make it to these forums daily when I can (though I read more than I respond), I have started buying Ann Coulter books, Angela McGlowan's Bamboozled, and some other books that I have thoroughly enjoyed, and have begun blogging on blogger and myspace mostly about politics, and have even started looking into owning a handgun and getting my CHL.

All of that to say this: I am so scared of what may happen to this country if a democrat is voted into office. Especially Obama or Clinton...or any of them really..and honestly, a few of the "republican" candidates. I remember feeling the same during the 2004 election, though I was not as aware during the primaries (Are those always this big, too??).

So, my question: Is it always this bad or am I just new to the whole thing? Is there always this urgent and stressful feeling that we must get the right President in office? Is there always this much at stake? The border issue, the war? If so, I fear I may slowly go crazy every 4 years, and by the time my sanity begins to return, I'll lose it again during the process of the next election. I fear my passion for politics has begun to take over me, but I feel it is so important, as many of you obviously do!

And, when you get those scared, worried, angry feelings, what do you do? I feel so helpless in all of this!

Any answers and advice are greatly appreciated as I am very eager to learn what I can do for my country.

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To Operetta girl,

The best place to begin is to study the history of our nation. Don't just look at dates, events, and outcomes. Try and understand the mindset of the people involved. Look how people responded to the issues and decisions. In today's world one must be carefull to avoid chasing shawdows for there is both fact and fiction in the news. Be watchful of today's events and above all listen and investigate. Guard yourself with the gospel of Jesus Christ and with the help of the Holy Spirit you will be able to know what is true and best for the nation.

You're feelings are quite normal, and I have to say this is really nothing new this election.  Every election I can remember even before I could vote has had SOME issue that many considered "the" issue.  Let's take over the world...let's become isolationists; let's go into Korea...let's get out of Korea; let's stay in Vietnam...let's get out of Vietnam; let's raise taxes...let's lower taxes; let's fight the war on terror....let's just treat terrorism as a law enforcement issue; let's fight....let's kowtow; let's send in troops....let's sit and chat about it.  You name it.  There is always something. 

As for what you can do for your country, well, as the song says, "Stand beside her, and guide her, through the night with the light from Above."  Besides that, well, that kind of depends on what you feel more comfortable with.  Are you comfortable getting actively involved in a campaign...or donating money...or volunteering?  Are you comfortable joining the military...or "adopting" a soldier and writing to him/her and sending care packages?  Are you comfortable doing some sort of community work...volunteering in a poor neighborhood, in a nursing home, in a school, in a literacy project, etc.  There are a multitude of things that can be done.  Follow your heart...it won't let you down. 

As for when things scare me or upset me...depends on the issue.  I can get my "Irish" up and write letters/emails/faxes/phone calls like no ones business.  I sit and talk with others...friends, family, message boards and feel not so all alone.  Again, what do YOU feel comfortable doing?

BTW, feeling helpless in all this is pretty normal.  It's not just you.  Some events really make us realize just how puney and insignificant we really are.  Others, make us realize the power that people united weild. 

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I believe we are living in very anxious times, and it can be very nerve-wracking and scary if you dwell on it.  I don't know if this will help you, but it's helped me a lot...

2 Timothy 1:7 -- For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.

It's hard to have hope for the future without the peace that comes in knowing that God is ultimately in control.  We should do our part, but we also find comfort in that He will never forsake us, and that He can make even bad situations work out for the best for those that love Him.

I don't know if that's what you were looking for, but I hope it helps.  It certainly helps me.

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Commander and Liberty - Thank you for your responses. It is so wonderful to have people here openly talking about God and the Bible. I was just reading in Genesis about God going to Abraham, telling him he was going to destroy all of Sodom and Gamorrah and Abraham asked him to spare the righteous. I do believe that God has a plan for this country, and he will guide it in the direction he wishes, but I also believe, as in the example of Sodom, that we can change that direction. I do my best to find comfort in the fact that God is in control. We just need this country to realize and remember that.

Patsy - I'm so glad I'm not alone! But what frustration with the constant struggle! Unfortunately money is something I struggle with at the moment as I am desperately trying to pay student loans and get rid of quite a bit of credit card debt. I have never done the emailing or faxing or calling, but have thought of it often. I just don't feel that I am much of a writer. What would I say? My boss just asking me to email someone about a seminar has me nearly terrified. I always think they might not listen to someone who's letter sounds "immature" or "ignorant," etc. A little silly perhaps, and maybe a sorry, rotten excuse as well. I know my dad often sends letters and emails and he gave me a way to search for the people to contact but I never found it. Ah, another excuse. I need to get off my ass and do something.

My boyfriend and my dad and I have had many poiltical talks. We all have the same views and I learn so much from them and it just fires up my passion even more. I find it very helpful to call and vent to my dad, I just don't find it helpful for anyone but me.

Thanks again.

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Not to worry, Operetta.  Just about any issue under the sun has a website for people interested in that issue.  The majority of them, if letters or emails need to be written or faxes, supply a sample letter.  Others, like www.numbersusa.com for the illegal immigration issue, supplies FREE faxes.  Virtually all you have to do is select what kind of sign-off you want, and add a few words of your own as a PS if you want to.  Don't get discouraged.  Not everything takes money...a LOT does take money, but not everything.    

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Operettagirl,

I'm going to go a little further than one of the other contributors said. Go back an study what our founding fathers did and why they did it. Study what they said and why they said it, then look at our country today and you will have a clearer understanding as to why we are where we are today.

The other way to answer your question is with a simple, yes. The disturbing thing is that is going to get worse. The problem with this country is that we have been trying to exist without God for too long. Think about it. We have asked God to get out of our homes, schools, government and country, and God, being the gentleman that He is, has obliged. Go back and study what has happened to our country since we have started doing things our way instead of God's way, as our forefathers wanted. I think you'll get the picture.

God was the originator of this country whethere we want to believe it or not. When the original pilgrims came here they came here to make this into a Christian nation and on their knees asked God to bless it for His glory. We have walked away from our Creator and He has allowed us to go our way and this is where we are.

There is only one way that things are going to get better- if we, as a Christian people and Christian nation return to God as our Lord. The problem is that too many people in huigh places are too arrogant, selfish and power hungry to realize that they are leading this country into self destruction. We call ourselves a Chritian nation, yet our actions betray us.

God says to us in II Chroniles 7: 14, "...and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

It starts with every single individual like you, me and every sinlge person who is as concerned for the well-being of this country.

Love in Christ,

 Philip Covone 

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Personally I think that as long as there are opposing views, especially in today's world, there is going to be attempted meddling guised as political correctness into our elected officials positions and duties. As impolitic as that is, "it's a fact Jack." But, who asked me? "Yeah! Who asked you?" " I would." "And who asked you?" "I DID."............ To answer your question, yes!, ever since the Fall.

Operettagirl said:

And, when you get those scared, worried, angry feelings, what do you do? I feel so helpless in all of this!

Any answers and advice are greatly appreciated as I am very eager to learn what I can do for my country.

 

Psssst! Has it always been? Yes, and the truth is for the most part of mankind's history it has been much, much worse. Our awareness was not always as universal as today but this thing called humanity has been a royal screw up for the greatest part of 5,000 plus years.

The good news (and that's exactly what the Gospel of Christ crucified, dead, buried, resurrected, and ascended is ) is that it will continue to wax and wane for better and worse until its final day. Until then, I'd encourage you to think on the words of the following Christian hymn which has been sung in houses of worship for well over one hundred years. Its inspiration and truth, if accepted and understood, is actually more than enough to see you through the fog and fear. I know it has proven itself capable of doing it for me, and still is and I trust always will.

htpp://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/t/i/tismyfw.htm

Now, I humbly and respectfully add:

May God bless and keep you. May God lift up His countenance upon you and make His face to shine upon you. May God be gracious unto you. May God grant to you His peace in Christ Jesus, the only Begotten of the Father and the sender of The Holy Spirit. And may His peace which surpasses all human understanding and comprehension keep your heart and mind focused always on Christ's meritorious Righteousness in Holiness as imputed to you individually (solely by grace, solely through faith) for your personal right standing before and with God, now and throughout all eternity.

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OperettaGirl, you are too young to be obssessed with politics to the extent that you are.  There will always be good and bad politicians on all sides of the political spectrum.  You should enjoy life with your friends and family, especially while you are young.  You will grow old soon enough and there is more than enough time to worry about politics.  In the end, no matter who is in the White House, you will have a daily routine that will not change no matter where you are in the United States.  If you are in school, then you will go to class.  If you work, then you will go to work.  On the weekends, there are movies to watch and books to read, family and/or friends to be with.  You should enjoy life and not get too involved in politics.  Politics can make you cynical and bitter.  No matter what anybody else tells you, in the end, make the decision for yourself.  It's your life, you have free will.  Whatever happens, good or bad, God has had a hand in it.

If/when you get married, learn to live on ONE income.  Do not let yourself fall victim to the Two Income Trap!  Even though you may be in debt now, try to set aside at least some money every month and do not touch it.  If I could go back and do things over, these are the two things that I would try my hardest to do.

 

Operettagirl

Yes, it has always been this way. The stress has increased because there are so many more of us and we are constantly bombarded by agruments from every possible position; we have access to a nearly unlimited sources and most rely on the most sensational to sell their view.

Our politicians have always engaged in the same methods used today. If you haven't done so, go back and read about the political turmoil just prior to, and during, the Civil War. I would reccommend "Reveille in Washington" by Margaret Leech.

Don't let it get you down. Stay actively engaged and understand that your actions do make a difference. And take a break from it all once and a while. I drop out of it all for a few days or a week and watch old Warner Brothers cartoons. I find the characters in the films more believeable than most of our elected officials.

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marijam - the only problem is, I get so frustrated by so many people my age who are apathetic to the whole thing. Or, they are so passionately liberal, but only because it's what everyone else here tells them to believe! And when you try to discuss it, they say they don't want to discuss it - because they have no idea what to say! I am in Austin, Texas, and while Austin is a speck of blue in a SEA of red, I am unfortunately the minority here in Austin, and it is extremely frustrating with the views and ideals of the BLUE are forced on me daily.

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bww, Thanks for adding that Glorious fact too! Without which I would not want to imagine just how much more f'd the world would have become.

OprettaGirl, you have a God-given right to believe what you will.  It is hard, I know what you are talking about, having lived in Kansas (red state) and Washington (blue state).  Under no circumstances, talk about politics at work.  At school, you have to learn the instructor in order to make good grades, that's just the way it is.  With family and friends, you should be free to be yourself.  I was a Democrat for 44 years, now I'm an Independent because I was willing to listen to other points of view.  Now, I don't trust either side.  I believe in America as a melting pot, not as a salad bowl and I am part of the stew.   I have "blue" ideas and "red" ideas.  I choose whom and when to share them with.  To be involved in politics, and believe something strongly, you have to develop a VERY THICK skin.  It can be very hurtful.  That is why I have advised you to enjoy being young.  There is time enough to worry about all of this later.  That's not to say, "don't vote".  Just don't make politics your entire life.  It is addictive.  Fight it.  You are too young to be addicted to anything except life and living.

Welcome Operettagirl from another Austinite.

There is a lot of wisdom on this site and in this thread.  Marijam's post were particularly insightful IMHO.  So was Commander's post.

Every generation faces challenges and without the perspective of history and a faith in God, it is easy to become convinced the end of the world is at hand.  But things change.  That is one of the few constants in life.  When you fume and stress over politics today, take a breath and listen to your Ipod, enjoy a good meal or beverage, watch TV or catch a movie or concert, come in out of the heat (or cold), go for a ride or a walk, or take a trip somewhere fun, go shopping, or just hang out on this forum and vent and realize that in other times and places, you could not do these things.  When life seems hard, think what it must have been like to live through a Revolution during the inquisition or during WWI or WWII or the War Between the States or as a pioneer on the American frontier or during the Great Depression.

But never forget, that liberty and the wonders of this country must be preserved and require our continued vigilance as a citizenry or we will revert back to the way things have been for most of history.  America is an exception and a freak of history.  We say it is natural for everybody to have rights and freedoms, but history would argue otherwise.

Today, besides all of the challenges we face as a nation, we are living in a time where technology has greatly changed our lives.  People are less concerned about survival and more concerned about quality of life.  We used to rarely if ever have direct contact with people outside of our neighborhood or community.  Now with TV, cellphones, internet, jet travel, interstate highways and other technology, most of us have the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.  We are drowning in information and it is difficult to separate the wheat from the chaff.  And the best tools for helping sort through the information are the victims of political correctness and a highly mobile society.  It is harder to find peace and quiet than in other times.  But it is also easier to find and meet friends than in other times as well.

The only other advice I would offer is to protect your integrity at all costs.  It is something you can lose, but it is also one thing nobody can take from you.

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Operettagirl, you must realize that you are already smarter than 95% of those around you. The other people don`t want to discuss todays topics because they are all about themselves and care nothing about the world around them, they just want somebody else to fix things and to leave them alone. You on the other hand have an understanding of the truth (God), you think about what is going on around you and you are seeking answers to your questions. That makes you a very smart girl and you will be so much smarter than those around you all of your life... get used to it.

A good book I found that tells the true history of how we got to where we are today is " The creature from Jeckell Island" by G Edward Griffin. And of course The Bible.

God Bless

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All really good advice.  The anxiety in the Primary this year is because for the first time in Decades there is not an incumbent on the ticket from either party in the race for the White House.  In 2004, there was no GOP challenger to W, so all of the primary season was focused on the Democrats bid for the nomination.

There is stress this year because we have access to so much more information than we did only 7 years ago during the 2000 campaign.  I did not even own a computer then, and could barely withdraw money from an ATM.

It seems to me the media has decided who our nominees will be and that is scary because most people will not take time to investigate all of the other candidates.  If everyone thinks like the posters on this board the media is going to have a lot of egg on their face when the primaries begin.  I take heart in that because we have members from across the nation here, it is not just a small community like where I live.

I have posted on other threads these two websites where you can answer a series of questions and it will match you up with the candidate who most closely represents your views.

 

 

http://tinyurl.com/2azrbm(does not have the unannounced candidates) and

http://www.selectsmart.com/president/

 

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Ms Bobbie has (and all posters) have given much sound advice, and may I reiterate that many of us have just really begun to scratch the surface of what is going on here.  I was a Democrat for 40+ years, but finally saw the (Divide to Conquer) theme.  I turned to the Republican Party and then found I'd been DUPED by BOTH PARTIES! 

However, being young in such a mess can frustrate anyone!  Anyone whom LOVES GOD, Their Family and Country that is.  But you see, there's one thing we all need to be aware of.  There's lying, cheating and deceiving going on with many of our elected (selected) officials.  And now that the culprits are hip to their cover being blown-activism is more important, now-than ever before.

My suggestion is that you be selective when you fax, call or write your elected officials.  Think about your priorities, with the passion that stems from that list-look for other web-sites that furnish you with viable information regarding those issues.  Being informed is being forewarned.  There's a great website www.Congress.org.  which keeps you up to date about your elected officials records regarding their votes. 

My priorities are protecting unborn children (the reason I broke from the Dems.) illegal immigration, (which is how I stumbled upon this site), SAVING AMERICA from the ELITES, and abolishing the ACLU, which has ruined our great nation!  But you know something?  Seems all these topics are linked.  They all seem to have one goal in mind-to abolish AMERICA as we know her.  And that's what we have to STOP!                              Yes, you're young, yes, you have a life that makes you happy.  Just remember that you've got a whole lotta people who are working WITH YOU!  Just know that there was never a more important time in our destiny as right now!         God Bless You!!!

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I voted in the last presidental elections but havnt never realized how screwed up everything is, until i started doing some research. I feel we are at a tipping point it could go either way. One way america can get back to greatness where are libertys an freedoms are protected, or they will continue to be gutted by laws like the patriot act.

I feel a sense of urgency that i didnt feel the last time, the last time i really wasnt well informed. I think the more you know about what going on the more nerve racking the elections become.

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