Troy Dooly - Beachside CEO

Can you be a Christian and vote Democrat or specifically for Obama? This is a question that I hear over and over.

Well, this last week my daughter came to me and asked me to read a post over on a Facebook profile of a sweet young lady from church who was voting for Obama.

My daughter is just now focusing on current affairs and she knows who I am voting for and why. So when she saw someone who she respects and likes voting differently than I was, when she knows we share the same basic values she started asking some great questions.

So I decided to use this post to share the Facebook post, and my response. Within my response you will be able to see how I answered my daughter’s questions.

My response is below the following post.

“Why I am voting for Obama
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 8:33pm
Disclaimers:

- Yes, I like to keep it simple. I’m not the expert on the economy or war or health care, but someone fought for me vote so I’m gonna.

- I don’t go into much detail here because 1. I don’t have time, and 2. The details are on each candidate’s website, debate transcripts, ….

- I think there is a lot of misinformation and fear. I firmly believe there is not a “right” or “wrong” way to vote. As a Christian, I have usually felt better about a conservative viewpoint (less government, lower taxes for all, pro-life belief), but the Republican party is just different these days. We’re not all Christians and it is possible to be too far right!

- I just want to say I think it’s okay for Christians to vote for Obama!!

Why I am voting for Obama:

- I think we need big changes economically. Experts will argue both sides, but McCain has usually sided with Bush and I want to try something different. Obama’s plan sounds reasonable to me.

- Obama wants to end the war in Iraq and focus more in Afghanistan. I think he has the ability to do this responsibly. He has plenty of advisors and he knows that many Americans want out as well.

- Although he is pro-choice, he believes abortion is altogether a bad thing. I don’t think either candidate would be able to overturn Roe V Wade at this point, so I think Obama is correct in wanting to prevent unintended pregnancies.

- I like his plans for health care and do not believe they are socialistic. He wants you to keep your plan if you like it, and he wants all children to be covered. And prevention is such an underrated factor. We are way out of control in the way we treat our bodies.

- Colin Powell endorses him. (Republican, former Secretary of State under Bush)

- I think he has run a more respectable campaign. There is “dirt” (petty and sizable) out there on McCain but Obama has not used it for leverage quite like the Republicans have continued to bring up bologna like Ayers and ACORN.

Why I am not voting for McCain:

- I do not want more war. It seems like McCain is prepared to stay in Iraq for quite a while, and has said there will be more wars coming up. I appreciate his experience in the military, but the art of politics & war is constantly evolving. Obama has emphasized information technology and communication as a means of preserving the peace. That sounds better to me.

- I do not think his faith is as deep and solid as Obama’s faith. McCain says he is not a born again Christian, and has not been baptized. He seems to talk about Christianity in basic terms, an appeal to the religious right. This alone is not a reason to vote against him, but I do have an appreciation for leaders with deep faith in God.

- Sarah Palin… a wonderful governor, but I don’t sense an understanding of the economy, foreign affairs… I am not convinced she is ready to be president should something happen to the old man!

Troy’s Response

Evan,

This is Tess’a dad, Troy, and I want to thank you for posting your thoughts. It has given Tessa and I some things to chat about the last few days like “Can you be a Christian and vote democrat or specially for Obama?”

Although, I will not be voting for Obama, your post was the Catalyst for Tessa and I to have some really good conversations on this topic, and she is only 14.

By the way my answer to the above question is… Yes, you can be a Christian and vote for Omama. I have never found in the Bible where political party had anything to do with being an authentic follower of Jesus.

You made the statement “The republican party has changed.” You are correct, in days past the republican party was the more liberal party and the democrats were the conservative party.

However, the Democrat party was also the party of Harry Truman, and I do not believe that the Democrat party of today is anything close to the party or the President who was willing to end WWII by dropping the atom bomb on a major population of civilians.

In reviewing “Why you are voting for Obama”, I would like to add a few observations.

1. The economy is not a political event, it is a worldwide economic correction, and neither presidential candidate has a clue on what to do.

Obama is a constitutional attorney by trade, and McCain is a warrior by trade, neither career choice has anything to do with correctly the economy.

However, history does show us that raising taxes during the great depression company owners closed their doors instead of paying the higher taxes, and unemployment went to 26%, which acted as a catalyst (along with a few others) at prolonging the economic depression of the 30s.

It Obama’s plan goes into effect it will cost business more money, it will also cost business owners more money. And, if you are like me, it will cost you more money (even if you are Middle Class). I bet you own some type of retirement plan, or stocks. Which makes you a business owner. So under his plan it will take you longer to earn back the money you just lost in the correction of the stock market.

Both candidates have gone after big business especially the oil companies. Last time I checked ALL of the major oil companies are publicly traded companies, and every major mutual fund and retirement plan owns stock in those companies. Which once again means we “the Middle Class” earned the profits from those companies.

Another thought along these lines. Have you heard any of the workers at the oil companies, who are union workers, complain about the money their bosses are making? Nope, and the reason is because they are also earning more money and have great benefits.

2. I would like to see the War’s end, but not at the expense of our Troops, or my children by having the war brought back to our shores.

Current stats show Iraq is gaining control of their country and the tribes seem to be working closer together.

However, once again I must refer to history. Neither Great Brittan nor Russia could tame the Mid-East especially Afghanistan, so I really doubt we will be able to do it either unless we are willing to set up shop like we have in South Korea.

I do know I would hate to see what happen in South Vietnam and Laos happen to the people in Iraq and Afghanistan who were our allies if we just pull out.

3. You mention Obama thinks abortion “altogether a bad thing.”

I researched Obama’s voting record at both a state and federal level, and his voting does not show this. And as the dad of six, and grandfather of six (I’m only 44) I can tell you like I have told my three older boys and two teen girls “abortion (free choice) is not the way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, keeping your pants on, and your skirt down is a good start.”

And as for the debate on rape and incest, we already had laws on the books that cover these types of situations, with the day after pill.

Having delivered a fetus when Paige had a miscarriage, I have seen first hand the emotional pain a woman goes through when the little fetus she is carrying is gone. Laying that little fetus by her pillow and calling the doctor was the hardest thing I have ever done. The head, face, eyes, arm and upper torso were formed, the lower body was not developed, but it was sure our baby Aaron.

As for Roe vs. Wade, or a federal law that tells me I have to wear a seat belt, can’t smoke in public or marrying someone of the same sex, I am against those type of laws. The Federal government should never have created those laws, they should have been left as state issues.

But, what do I know, I have a sticker in my truck window that state “Been fighting terrorism since 1861″

4. Health Care is an issue close to all of us.

However when we get right down to it, ALL children have access to health care in the USA. In Florida it is called “Healthy Kids.” East state has a different name for their programs. And as for adults I think we all agree people with terminal illnesses should get some type of help. And from my personal research there are several non-profit organizations who offer this type of treatment.

However, universal health care has never worked for the benefit of the people in any country. And lets say that the insurance companies do allow for universal health care, does the term “universal health care” truly mean? And will I still have to wait for help, because someone with more money was able to get ahead of me in the pecking order? Or maybe because it is “universal” someone else now gets to make the decision for me. See with universal health care, you lose your medical privacy.

Think about that for a second, if there is no medical privacy, then if someone has aids or hiv it would be public record, and they could become targets by those who are crazy. Or maybe in the records it will show someone has smoked for 20 years now has lung cancer. Will they get the same treatment as someone who has never smoked, just because the odds of living longer is with the person who has never smoked?

And, young lady, I am in full agreement with you – Prevention is the way to go. If as a country we would focus on prevention.

5. Collin Powell is a great warrior, but he was never a politician.

His book did not sell very well, and he could not make any money on the speaking circuit, so he needs a new job, and if Obama is elected he’ll be able to sustain his life style. And yes that is a personal opinion, based on watching his track record.

6. As for “Dirt”, I am not sure I fully agree.

Yes McCain has had issues in his past. However, NONE of them have been hidden and though out his public life they have all come out. This is not true about Obama.

Had Obama not decided to run for President, none of his friendships, associations, partnerships, and people he sat by for two seconds would have come to light.

But, would you feel the same if someone came to you and said “I saw Matt several times over the last few months meeting with a real pretty woman, and I personally know she likes being in relationships with married men, because they always have to go home?”

You trust Matt. Matt loves you and the family. His passion for the Lord and his love for you is without question. Would you tell him, about the woman? Tell your friend “it’s just dirt, it doesn’t matter!” Or would you go to Matt and say, “Honey I learned today this woman you told me you were having lunch with, may have values different than ours, and I think it would be best for you not to meet with her again?”

If Matt continued to meet with her, or you decided to say nothing, because you decide to let the past be the past, what would people start to say? Obama, seems to attract some interesting people into his life. Not once but time and time again. So maybe we can call it “dirt”, but if you don’t want to get dirty, you don’t play in the mud.

I use to have a business partner who seemed like a nice guy. As matter of fact my attorney introduced us. Before to long we were buying and selling businesses all over the Mid-West. And before you know it, we were given the opportunity to take control of a $150 million dollar insurance company. We went to California to arraign funding, flew back to KC, and waited for the certified funds to arrive.

We received a call from the money folks and my business partner went to meet them at the bank. Well, about three hours later, instead of my business partner opening the door of my office to tell me “we own an insurance company”, the Secret Service and FBI opened the door to informed me I had the right to remain silent.

Although, I was never implicated or charged with any type of crime, my name was in the papers, and I was listed as a business partner with someone who had been using counterfeit cashier checks to con people out of real cash for years. Friends and family both, thought I must have known what was going on.

We are known by the people we run with, and in the case of Obama, he seems to hang out and around some very interesting and questionable folks.

As for your reasons for not voting for McCain.

1. None of us want war, so I can understand your concern.

However, neither of these candidates can bring our troops home. Unlike the first time we went into Iraq, this time we are there because both the house and the Senate said it was ok for us to be there. So it will take an Act of Congress to bring home these troops.

And as for McCain or Obama, keeping us out of war, I am not sure they can. We are not dealing with the same rules of engagement we used during past wars, this time around we are dealing with folks who will kill their own children if they believe it will further their crusade.

And, as I mentioned above, I would rather the war be anywhere buy our own shores. remember, the last time they did not go after JUST the military or the administration, they went after Innocent people… And got them.

2. Evan, for someone who does not seem to like judgmental “dirt throwing”people I am amazed at you judging McCain’s faith.

Especially after what you wrote above “We’re not all Christians and it is possible to be too far right!” Now it seems you want McCain to be “more Christian and more to the right.”

Personally, I never call myself a “born again Christian” In the book “UnChristain” it is the “Born Again Christian’s” that are always judging those who are searching for answers on who Jesus really is, and exactly what living by Grace really means.”

So, is this really a reason, or just an excuse for wanting to “vote outside the box?”

And the last time I looked, “not being baptized” was a prerequisite for being qualified for the president, nor should it really enter into the mix, if we are not using Christian principles and values as a benchmark on who to vote for this time around.

3. As for Sarah Palin, You may want to read the two books that have been written on her (if you have not already), and review what she and her team really have done in Alaska (it can be found on the state website.)

Personally how ready do you think anyone is when they become president? If I had to pick one that was ready, maybe it was Ab Lincoln. Although he had failed at everything he had ever tried to do, had a nervous breakdown, and lost his true love. Yet, his personal principles and resolve brought this country back together, even though it cost him his life. And like John McCain he pulled people into his administration who did not see eye to eye with him. He believed in finding the right people for the position, not just bring in his friends, or those who gave him money to get elected.

Plus based on what you wrote about Sarah, exactly what history does Obama, have on the Economy or Foreign affairs? Isn’t that why each President appoints people around him who are strong in these areas.

Leadership 101, teaches us to surround ourselves with people who are stronger than we are. Which may very well be why both candidates picked the running mates they did.

Evan, again, thank you for your post. I have seen your heart and passion at church and there is no doubt in my mind your love for the Lord, your family and this country.

I am proud of any American who will stand up for what they believe is right, and vote from their heart.

It is those who want to gripe and complain, but never cast a vote that I get mean with

Never Give Up,

Troy Dooly
The Maverick Leader

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