When selecting the candidate for whom I will vote for, I typically have a few criteria’s that I consider strongly. The candidates moral values, their experience and what issue is best for me at the present moment that I most align with.
Every year since I can recall, there has been the “Social Issues” that come into play and debate: abortion, gay rights/marriage, immigration, discrimination, religion, environment and education. I sometimes believe that candidates or political parties tend to place fear in voters when it comes to these issues.
Every election we have the candidates basically making the same promises of change, fixing this or that, or ‘cleaning up Washington’. Each blames the others parties or previous administration for the mess the country is in. To me it’s the same rhetoric every election cycle. Like a scratched record playing over and over the same line.
So this election year, I’ve been particularly perplexed. I knew early on I was not an Obama supporter. I didn’t vote for him 4 years ago and have not been impressed with him these last 4 years. He’s been more of a disappointment to me. I also was not a big Romney supporter either early on. He was not my clear favorite running in the Republican Primary earlier in the year. However, once it became apparent that he was the Republican nominee, I had to look at him more as a serious candidate.
As an Independent voter, I take great pride and responsibility in casting my vote for the correct candidate in every election. I base my decision on the candidate and issues, not on a party line or party platform. I don’t vote straight along any party line. In fact, 4 years ago, I voted for candidates in three different parties in various offices they were running for. I like a sampling of every party in every office, forcing working relationships for the betterment of all citizens.
I consider myself well educated on many issues. I can easily hold a discussion on any variety of issues, current and former. I enlighten my knowledge by watching news of various stations and views. I read articles, op-ed pieces, blogs on issues and candidates. I consider myself an active, informed voter.
As I stated in the beginning, there are social issues that are talked about every election. I firmly believe that those same social issues will be around every election. Social issues are the catalyst for what makes our country diverse. We will always have disagreements with family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers when it comes to social issues. Somehow, social issues always head to our judicial system and seem never-ending. Because of this, I’ve come to realize, I hardly vote on social issues lately. This is not to say that social issues aren’t important to me, they are very important, just that they don’t personally affect my decision any longer in my vote as other issues currently do.
Watching our world change, our technology advance, our financial institutions struggle, wars, terror, uprising in various countries, the continued hate directed at the United Stations from foreign leaders and groups, along with seeing our personal individual liberties being slowly taken away by government control, I have learned that voting in regards to both my personal safety and financial safety are the deciding factors in my selecting a candidate.
After my slight hesitation and slow warming up to Mitt Romney these last few months, even weeks, I have concluded that he would be the better candidate to lead our country in a better direction for the next 4 years. I also conclude that he is best suited to work on turning our spiraling economy around, helping my financial safety or security in the long run.
I know there are many people that don’t like Romney for his various views on certain issues, but I implore people to consider first your financial safety this election. We have all seen the rising cost of gas, food, every day living. I doubt many of us can say that we have seen more money in our pockets, bank accounts or come in to us than we have spent on the increase of goods and cost of living these last 4 years.
Yes, social issues are important, but financial issues should trump those issues that will be constantly debated every year, every election, every time, in every judicial way allowed.
I won’t disparage President Obama, though there are many things I can say about him, but I will simply say that I truly believe it was his time 4 years ago to show the country and the world that we could elect a black man president, I am proud that I lived in that momentous moment in history. Now his time has passed, his opportunity has diminished and his leadership is called into question. The “Hope for a New Change” happened 4 years ago on a social issue-race.
Now we need a “hope and change” in our economy and dire financial situation-a fiscal issue should be what our vote is about this election.
Mitt Romney has the skills and leadership I firmly believe to change this.
The beauty of our Constitution and Country is that if Romney doesn’t do in 4 years, we move onto another person. Why wait 4 more years with our current President with the “hope” he can fix something he couldn’t do these last 4 years?
Ask yourself, at your job, if you couldn’t do the job right for 4 years, would your employer keep you on 4 more years with the ‘hope’ you can do the job right or would they let you go and bring in someone else to try?
Let’s fix our economy….Let’s give Mitt Romney a chance.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, October 28, 2012
I'm BACK!!!!!!!!!!! Lets talk Politics!
There is nothing more important every four years than participating in our right to vote for our President. I take this right as a privilege, reminding me how blessed I am to live in a free country where all citizens are given this right that so many of our fellow inhabitants of this planet in other countries are not granted.
In 2008, we saw the election of the first minority for President. That election showed how far our country and people have come in the past 40 plus years with the issue of race. It was a proud moment in my lifetime to be a witness of.
Through the course of my lifetime, I have always been fascinated, intrigued and excited about government, history and politics. This started in the 6th grade when my teacher Ms. Carol Sparks at Los Serranos Elementary School spoke on the election of Ronald Reagan for President and taught us about Presidents. I recall profoundly her words that day “when you are older you will get to vote one day and when you do vote, you have to understand what is important to you” That lesson sparked a immediate reaction in me about politics and began my lifelong qwest for constant knowledge and participate in politics, elections and government.
There was a young girl named Samantha Smith who wrote a letter to the President of Russia. She received a reply. I remember thinking “if she can write to the President of Russia and get a reply, I can write to my President and get a reply”. So I did. President Ronald Reagan, well someone in his correspondence office, received my simple letter and found it important enough to respond to a young 12 year boy in California. I recall receiving that letter in the mail and how excited I was! I then began writing letters for the next 6 years to everyone in government- from the vice –presidents, first lady, governors of every state, senators, congressmen, mayors, judges and so many others. 90% of the time I received a reply, some I even wrote more than once and the letters in return came with more personal responses.
In the 10th grade, I had a government teacher named Ms. Foster. One day I decided to share with her all my letters and photos I’ve received over the years from various elected officials. She was fascinated and excited to know of a student who took so much joy in government. She asked to keep my binder of letters and photos for a few days to share with all her classes and students. I felt proud.
When I turned 18 and able to vote, there was no Presidental election I could vote in. I did proudly vote for the next 4 years in state and local elections.
I moved to Washington D.C in 1990, wow, how exciting that was to be in center of nations government. I was fascinated and I remember walking from my home in Capital Hill to the Capital one day, passing the Supreme Court and doing a tour. I remember the first time I saw the White House in person, I was overwhelmed. That short time I lived in Washington D.C, I felt I embodied the spirit of politics. I was there during the parade welcoming home our troops from the first Gulf War. It was a very patriotic feeling.
When I returned in late 1991 to California, I immediately had the urge, the prompting, to get involved in elections. There was a news story happening in regards to a L.A. Judge whose sentence sparked protests. I was interested in this story, I don’t know what prompted me, but I felt that the Judge was being targeted unfairly. I decided to call the judge’s chambers and voice my support for her. I left a message with her court clerk. I then decided to write a letter of support to the Judge. She received my letter and sent a reply of thanks and also invited me to meet with her at any time. At this same time, the vocal leader in the protests against the judge was holding rallies at the courthouse. I felt there was too much rhetoric, hate and vicious things being said by her. I decided to write her a letter calling her protest campaign narrow minded and race related without looking at the facts of the case. I decided, maybe too innocently; to hand deliver this letter to her at one of her rallies. I went to the Compton Courthouse and before the start of the rally, walked up to City Councilwoman Patrica Moore and handed her my letter. I recall vividly her facial reactions, at first she assumed I was there to support her and the rally and she smiled at me then she opened the letter and when she realized it was not in support of her, her expression to me was one of disregard and she brushed me off, handing my letter to her assistant. I then proceeded to the courthouse and went up to the floor of the chambers of Judge Joyce Karlin to meet with her. In talking with her, I found out that her husband was running for Congress. I wanted to work on his campaign!! She gave me his campaign directors name and number and told me she would let her husband know I would be in touch and willing to help. She also invited me to any of her fundraisers, as she was facing a recall vote.
I didn’t consider myself at the time a democrat or republican. In fact, I honestly didn’t understand the platforms for each party at the time.
I contacted Bill Fahey’s office to offer my services on his campaign. He accepted my help. This started my various campaign involvements. I saw the inner workings of a campaign.
Bill Fahey was a republican candidate for Congress. One of his primary opponents was Maureen Reagan, former President Ronald Reagans daughter. At one point, her campaign was holding a picnic fundraiser where her father and former first lady Nancy Reagan and Jack Kemp, the Secretary of Housing and former Congressman would be in attendance. I decided I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. I went to her fundraiser and was able to get a picture with Kemp and photos of the former President and First lady up close. This was momentous in my view.
Working on the campaign and my support of Judge Karlin began my personal friendship with Judge Joyce Karlin and Bill Fahey, now a judge. I would housesit for them in their home in Manhattan Beach. I give all credit, as I do to my 6th grade teacher to Judge Karlin for getting me so actively involved in campaigns. Had it not been for her, I doubt I would of ever worked on any campaigns.
During my time at the campaign, I made some local news, as my car was vandalized and it was attributed to my letter of support I gave to Patricia Moore at the courthouse that one day. Being naïve at the time, I left my home address on the letter. Because I was a campaign worker for Bill Fahey and he was the husband of Judge Karlin, it made the news and various newpapers in the area. From that incident, I became a more aware and alert individual.
Well, Bill lost his bid for Congress, but I didn’t lose my desire to continue working on campaigns. I met a woman named Gordana Swanson who was running for LA County Supervisor. I decided I wanted to work on her campaign. I learned more about local politics at that time.
During Gordana Swanson’s campaign, I also volunteered on the campaign of Jay Kim for Congress in the 41st District. He eventually won his election, making history as the first Korean elected to Congress.
I realized that all three of the campaigns I worked on were for Republicans. I considered myself a Republican at the time.
Because my family being staunch democrats and my taking on the views of a Republican, it often created some soul searching for me. As I began studying the platforms of the Republican party more in depth, I found that I couldn’t agree with many of the social issues. I found myself at odds also with the fiscal, federal and foreign views of the democratic party. This left me in the middle.
It is during this time, I considered myself to be an independent voter. I supported the democrats on social issues, but supported the republicans on all other issues. Today, I might even consider myself a centrist or moderate republican.
So from my 6th grade teacher to a judge who was targeted for recall, these two ladies sparked a young boy and young man into the world of politics, elections and government.
I have found myself at odds many times with candidates and who I should vote for. However, I will always be grateful for the influence of two strong women who encouraged me to get involved and seek knowledge. How I wish everyone had the same strong desire and interest to be involved in any role in elections, politics and service to our community. This will always be a life long passion of mine.
In 2008, we saw the election of the first minority for President. That election showed how far our country and people have come in the past 40 plus years with the issue of race. It was a proud moment in my lifetime to be a witness of.
Through the course of my lifetime, I have always been fascinated, intrigued and excited about government, history and politics. This started in the 6th grade when my teacher Ms. Carol Sparks at Los Serranos Elementary School spoke on the election of Ronald Reagan for President and taught us about Presidents. I recall profoundly her words that day “when you are older you will get to vote one day and when you do vote, you have to understand what is important to you” That lesson sparked a immediate reaction in me about politics and began my lifelong qwest for constant knowledge and participate in politics, elections and government.
There was a young girl named Samantha Smith who wrote a letter to the President of Russia. She received a reply. I remember thinking “if she can write to the President of Russia and get a reply, I can write to my President and get a reply”. So I did. President Ronald Reagan, well someone in his correspondence office, received my simple letter and found it important enough to respond to a young 12 year boy in California. I recall receiving that letter in the mail and how excited I was! I then began writing letters for the next 6 years to everyone in government- from the vice –presidents, first lady, governors of every state, senators, congressmen, mayors, judges and so many others. 90% of the time I received a reply, some I even wrote more than once and the letters in return came with more personal responses.
In the 10th grade, I had a government teacher named Ms. Foster. One day I decided to share with her all my letters and photos I’ve received over the years from various elected officials. She was fascinated and excited to know of a student who took so much joy in government. She asked to keep my binder of letters and photos for a few days to share with all her classes and students. I felt proud.
When I turned 18 and able to vote, there was no Presidental election I could vote in. I did proudly vote for the next 4 years in state and local elections.
I moved to Washington D.C in 1990, wow, how exciting that was to be in center of nations government. I was fascinated and I remember walking from my home in Capital Hill to the Capital one day, passing the Supreme Court and doing a tour. I remember the first time I saw the White House in person, I was overwhelmed. That short time I lived in Washington D.C, I felt I embodied the spirit of politics. I was there during the parade welcoming home our troops from the first Gulf War. It was a very patriotic feeling.
When I returned in late 1991 to California, I immediately had the urge, the prompting, to get involved in elections. There was a news story happening in regards to a L.A. Judge whose sentence sparked protests. I was interested in this story, I don’t know what prompted me, but I felt that the Judge was being targeted unfairly. I decided to call the judge’s chambers and voice my support for her. I left a message with her court clerk. I then decided to write a letter of support to the Judge. She received my letter and sent a reply of thanks and also invited me to meet with her at any time. At this same time, the vocal leader in the protests against the judge was holding rallies at the courthouse. I felt there was too much rhetoric, hate and vicious things being said by her. I decided to write her a letter calling her protest campaign narrow minded and race related without looking at the facts of the case. I decided, maybe too innocently; to hand deliver this letter to her at one of her rallies. I went to the Compton Courthouse and before the start of the rally, walked up to City Councilwoman Patrica Moore and handed her my letter. I recall vividly her facial reactions, at first she assumed I was there to support her and the rally and she smiled at me then she opened the letter and when she realized it was not in support of her, her expression to me was one of disregard and she brushed me off, handing my letter to her assistant. I then proceeded to the courthouse and went up to the floor of the chambers of Judge Joyce Karlin to meet with her. In talking with her, I found out that her husband was running for Congress. I wanted to work on his campaign!! She gave me his campaign directors name and number and told me she would let her husband know I would be in touch and willing to help. She also invited me to any of her fundraisers, as she was facing a recall vote.
I didn’t consider myself at the time a democrat or republican. In fact, I honestly didn’t understand the platforms for each party at the time.
I contacted Bill Fahey’s office to offer my services on his campaign. He accepted my help. This started my various campaign involvements. I saw the inner workings of a campaign.
Bill Fahey was a republican candidate for Congress. One of his primary opponents was Maureen Reagan, former President Ronald Reagans daughter. At one point, her campaign was holding a picnic fundraiser where her father and former first lady Nancy Reagan and Jack Kemp, the Secretary of Housing and former Congressman would be in attendance. I decided I couldn’t pass up this opportunity. I went to her fundraiser and was able to get a picture with Kemp and photos of the former President and First lady up close. This was momentous in my view.
Working on the campaign and my support of Judge Karlin began my personal friendship with Judge Joyce Karlin and Bill Fahey, now a judge. I would housesit for them in their home in Manhattan Beach. I give all credit, as I do to my 6th grade teacher to Judge Karlin for getting me so actively involved in campaigns. Had it not been for her, I doubt I would of ever worked on any campaigns.
During my time at the campaign, I made some local news, as my car was vandalized and it was attributed to my letter of support I gave to Patricia Moore at the courthouse that one day. Being naïve at the time, I left my home address on the letter. Because I was a campaign worker for Bill Fahey and he was the husband of Judge Karlin, it made the news and various newpapers in the area. From that incident, I became a more aware and alert individual.
Well, Bill lost his bid for Congress, but I didn’t lose my desire to continue working on campaigns. I met a woman named Gordana Swanson who was running for LA County Supervisor. I decided I wanted to work on her campaign. I learned more about local politics at that time.
During Gordana Swanson’s campaign, I also volunteered on the campaign of Jay Kim for Congress in the 41st District. He eventually won his election, making history as the first Korean elected to Congress.
I realized that all three of the campaigns I worked on were for Republicans. I considered myself a Republican at the time.
Because my family being staunch democrats and my taking on the views of a Republican, it often created some soul searching for me. As I began studying the platforms of the Republican party more in depth, I found that I couldn’t agree with many of the social issues. I found myself at odds also with the fiscal, federal and foreign views of the democratic party. This left me in the middle.
It is during this time, I considered myself to be an independent voter. I supported the democrats on social issues, but supported the republicans on all other issues. Today, I might even consider myself a centrist or moderate republican.
So from my 6th grade teacher to a judge who was targeted for recall, these two ladies sparked a young boy and young man into the world of politics, elections and government.
I have found myself at odds many times with candidates and who I should vote for. However, I will always be grateful for the influence of two strong women who encouraged me to get involved and seek knowledge. How I wish everyone had the same strong desire and interest to be involved in any role in elections, politics and service to our community. This will always be a life long passion of mine.
Saturday, January 9, 2010
The Grass Beneath My Feet
Some say that the grass is always greener on the other side. Others say the grass only "looks" greener on the other side. But if you're like me, you sometimes painfully admit that the grass is really only as green as you care to make it.
I guess that's one of the many keys to happiness in life--to learn the art of keeping your grass green even when you feel surrounded by an ocean of withering brown. I've heard on many occasions that our lives are what we make of it. I still have a hard time believing that 100%. I'd rather blame a lot of things on circumstance or fate-that are beyond our control. It's a coping mechanism I suppose.
I ended 2009 with many some sadness, but also with gladness that the year was finally over and time to start anew! I reflected on New Year day some of the things that were basically "brown" on my side...the hospital visits, lost friendships, misunderstandings, the wishful hopes, and petty annoyances. Then I tried to look at the "greener" side of things, and well, it seemed the brown side kept moving over and I couldn't escape it. I felt like I always am surrounded by a brown field and I'm sick of it.
But I'm gonna make every effort to make it to the other side..the greener side this year and stay green!
Sometimes the grass truly is greener on the other side. And when we do get to that "other" side, our eyes are opened and our paradigm of the world changed forever. The year 1991 It was the greatest time of my life. I sometimes wish that I could leave the circumstance I find myself in now and run in greener fields like I did 19 years ago. But then again, life is mostly what we make of it. So watch were our feet are.
I guess that's one of the many keys to happiness in life--to learn the art of keeping your grass green even when you feel surrounded by an ocean of withering brown. I've heard on many occasions that our lives are what we make of it. I still have a hard time believing that 100%. I'd rather blame a lot of things on circumstance or fate-that are beyond our control. It's a coping mechanism I suppose.
I ended 2009 with many some sadness, but also with gladness that the year was finally over and time to start anew! I reflected on New Year day some of the things that were basically "brown" on my side...the hospital visits, lost friendships, misunderstandings, the wishful hopes, and petty annoyances. Then I tried to look at the "greener" side of things, and well, it seemed the brown side kept moving over and I couldn't escape it. I felt like I always am surrounded by a brown field and I'm sick of it.
But I'm gonna make every effort to make it to the other side..the greener side this year and stay green!
Sometimes the grass truly is greener on the other side. And when we do get to that "other" side, our eyes are opened and our paradigm of the world changed forever. The year 1991 It was the greatest time of my life. I sometimes wish that I could leave the circumstance I find myself in now and run in greener fields like I did 19 years ago. But then again, life is mostly what we make of it. So watch were our feet are.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Jesus & Sinners
I don't know about you, but what stands out to me most in the scriptures, namely the New Testament, is the great difference between Jesus and ourselves. Even the difference between those that have the best intentions, but those intentions can be misguided.
I'm going to relate how a passage in Luke can be so applied in our lives today:
The scribes and the Pharisees felt that those who had broken the religious and moral laws of Judaism were beyond the pale: they were to be excluded, ostracised and rejected. Their attitude was not only judgemental, not only condemnatory, but was also self-righteous. It was as though they had established a stockade with the righteous safely on the inside and sinners outside. The righteous would be safe from becoming contaminated by the unrighteous.
How different this was from the attitude of Jesus! Luke tells us that, without condoning sin, Jesus welcomed sinners and offered them forgiveness and love, and gave them understanding and care. Like a magnet, he drew the most despised members of society towards himself and valued their friendship. But, of course, he did more than that! Jesus not only welcomed sinners when they came to him, but he took the trouble to seek them out and meet them. No wonder that when the scribes and Pharisees saw Jesus in the company of such people they got very indignant and cross.
In response to their criticism, Jesus told people the parables of the lost sheep, and the lost coin. Elsewhere he also told them the parable of the lost son. All these familiar stories illustrate Jesus' relationship with the 'lost', and point us towards the central tenets of his gospel. But more: they also set markers for our relationship with God and with each other, today and every day.
Jesus welcomed sinners because he believed that God is love and that his ministry was to give human, visible expression to that love. For Jesus, God's love was more concerned with forgiveness and reconciliation and new life, a fresh start, than with condemnation, punishment and retribution. God's love doesn't deal with categories of people, whether they are righteous or unrighteous, but it is offered to every individual, to each one of us, here and everywhere else. There is worth in everybody. God's love takes the initiative in seeking out the loveless, the hard to love, and recognises their potential to become what they are: the children of God. This is the gospel for which Jesus lived and died. This is the gospel which so angered the scribes and the Pharisees who failed to see that, in Jesus, the old covenant of the law with its impossible demands had been replaced, superseded by the new covenant of God's grace. This is the gospel, which, in Christ's day and ever since, has transformed human lives into the living image of Jesus himself. The lost are found and the angels rejoice.
For us, as Christians, these parables are central to us understanding of the task which lies ahead. They clearly demonstrate the nature of God's relationship with us, one which we need to express in our life, our families and work today. The key is that God has no favourites. No one is more loved than another; no one is dismissed as 'worthless', the lesser half of no use at all. All are of equal value to God.
In our society, where we quickly categorise people, this is hard to accept. God's love is not influenced by the things that influence ours - race, gender, religion, politics, social standing, profession, or income to name but a few. God's love is not even affected by a person's moral standing, a truth which sometimes, like the Pharisees, we find hard to accept. Don't the good-living, upright, churchgoing citizens deserve more at God's hands than those (by our standards) who ignore or break God's commandments?
Sometimes it seems, on reading the scriptures, that God's love for the sinful, the despised, the marginalised and the outcasts of society is greater than for people 'of our sort'. I don't know, but could that be because those who are denied love by their fellows are more ready to receive God's love when it is freely offered? Or could it be that God, who sees into all our hearts, sees the hidden sinfulness of 'respectable' people - the greed, the pride, the envy, the self-righteousness - and judges it to be on a par with the sinfulness of those who openly flout the moral code?
In God's eyes all are 'lost', but all are loved; for to describe anything as lost means that we have invested it with value. It is this inclusive love which must be the heartbeat of our lives so that we worship and witnesse to Christ. No one, whether within or outside the fellowship, should experience cold rejection at our hands and none must be cold-shouldered or refused practical care. Different though we may be from one another in a variety of ways, we are all, by the fact of our common humanity, created, loved and accepted by God as we are.
Equally important is the truth that God never calls off his search for us. Wherever we are, whatever our need, God seeks us out to bless us with an experience of his love. We may ignore the evidence of his presence, reject him or, as Peter did of Christ on the Sea of Galilee, feel unworthy of him, but still he comes. He takes the initiative and comes to us in scripture, in people, in day-to-day events and in a multitude of other ways; he leaves no avenue unexplored, no door untried.
Well, what about us today? I think that this divine searching should reflect in our actions. Welcoming those that sin, rather rejecting them when they are brave enough to come across our threshold.
From the loving and the seeking it follows that when God finds us we become at home with him and with one another. When, in Jesus' stories, the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son were found, they were restored to where each belonged - to the flock, to the women's treasures, and to the family. When God's love meets a loving response from us, then we, too, have restored the right relationship with him and all who believe in him. The gospel is, therefore, both individual and social; it proclaims that we are of supreme worth in God's sight, and also, that our worth is realised in a loving community, the family of God. No one stands alone: reconciliation, belonging and rejoicing are still our experiences.
When his opponents called Jesus 'the friend of sinners' they intended it to be an insult, but he took it as a compliment. His mission was prospering! The lost were being sought and found, the sinners saved, to give value to every individual. Without exception, everybody is loved by God, sought by him, and offered a place in his family. In that is life for us all.
So with my belief in this, I pray each of us remembers that Jesus is still walking on this earth amoungst the sinners, because that is where He finds his joy, his lost sheep, and helps them to return to the fold. We should do same.
For, I, Michael Henry Beltran, am also a sinner in my own ways, and I find comfort knowing Jesus is still near to me!
I'm going to relate how a passage in Luke can be so applied in our lives today:
The scribes and the Pharisees felt that those who had broken the religious and moral laws of Judaism were beyond the pale: they were to be excluded, ostracised and rejected. Their attitude was not only judgemental, not only condemnatory, but was also self-righteous. It was as though they had established a stockade with the righteous safely on the inside and sinners outside. The righteous would be safe from becoming contaminated by the unrighteous.
How different this was from the attitude of Jesus! Luke tells us that, without condoning sin, Jesus welcomed sinners and offered them forgiveness and love, and gave them understanding and care. Like a magnet, he drew the most despised members of society towards himself and valued their friendship. But, of course, he did more than that! Jesus not only welcomed sinners when they came to him, but he took the trouble to seek them out and meet them. No wonder that when the scribes and Pharisees saw Jesus in the company of such people they got very indignant and cross.
In response to their criticism, Jesus told people the parables of the lost sheep, and the lost coin. Elsewhere he also told them the parable of the lost son. All these familiar stories illustrate Jesus' relationship with the 'lost', and point us towards the central tenets of his gospel. But more: they also set markers for our relationship with God and with each other, today and every day.
Jesus welcomed sinners because he believed that God is love and that his ministry was to give human, visible expression to that love. For Jesus, God's love was more concerned with forgiveness and reconciliation and new life, a fresh start, than with condemnation, punishment and retribution. God's love doesn't deal with categories of people, whether they are righteous or unrighteous, but it is offered to every individual, to each one of us, here and everywhere else. There is worth in everybody. God's love takes the initiative in seeking out the loveless, the hard to love, and recognises their potential to become what they are: the children of God. This is the gospel for which Jesus lived and died. This is the gospel which so angered the scribes and the Pharisees who failed to see that, in Jesus, the old covenant of the law with its impossible demands had been replaced, superseded by the new covenant of God's grace. This is the gospel, which, in Christ's day and ever since, has transformed human lives into the living image of Jesus himself. The lost are found and the angels rejoice.
For us, as Christians, these parables are central to us understanding of the task which lies ahead. They clearly demonstrate the nature of God's relationship with us, one which we need to express in our life, our families and work today. The key is that God has no favourites. No one is more loved than another; no one is dismissed as 'worthless', the lesser half of no use at all. All are of equal value to God.
In our society, where we quickly categorise people, this is hard to accept. God's love is not influenced by the things that influence ours - race, gender, religion, politics, social standing, profession, or income to name but a few. God's love is not even affected by a person's moral standing, a truth which sometimes, like the Pharisees, we find hard to accept. Don't the good-living, upright, churchgoing citizens deserve more at God's hands than those (by our standards) who ignore or break God's commandments?
Sometimes it seems, on reading the scriptures, that God's love for the sinful, the despised, the marginalised and the outcasts of society is greater than for people 'of our sort'. I don't know, but could that be because those who are denied love by their fellows are more ready to receive God's love when it is freely offered? Or could it be that God, who sees into all our hearts, sees the hidden sinfulness of 'respectable' people - the greed, the pride, the envy, the self-righteousness - and judges it to be on a par with the sinfulness of those who openly flout the moral code?
In God's eyes all are 'lost', but all are loved; for to describe anything as lost means that we have invested it with value. It is this inclusive love which must be the heartbeat of our lives so that we worship and witnesse to Christ. No one, whether within or outside the fellowship, should experience cold rejection at our hands and none must be cold-shouldered or refused practical care. Different though we may be from one another in a variety of ways, we are all, by the fact of our common humanity, created, loved and accepted by God as we are.
Equally important is the truth that God never calls off his search for us. Wherever we are, whatever our need, God seeks us out to bless us with an experience of his love. We may ignore the evidence of his presence, reject him or, as Peter did of Christ on the Sea of Galilee, feel unworthy of him, but still he comes. He takes the initiative and comes to us in scripture, in people, in day-to-day events and in a multitude of other ways; he leaves no avenue unexplored, no door untried.
Well, what about us today? I think that this divine searching should reflect in our actions. Welcoming those that sin, rather rejecting them when they are brave enough to come across our threshold.
From the loving and the seeking it follows that when God finds us we become at home with him and with one another. When, in Jesus' stories, the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the lost son were found, they were restored to where each belonged - to the flock, to the women's treasures, and to the family. When God's love meets a loving response from us, then we, too, have restored the right relationship with him and all who believe in him. The gospel is, therefore, both individual and social; it proclaims that we are of supreme worth in God's sight, and also, that our worth is realised in a loving community, the family of God. No one stands alone: reconciliation, belonging and rejoicing are still our experiences.
When his opponents called Jesus 'the friend of sinners' they intended it to be an insult, but he took it as a compliment. His mission was prospering! The lost were being sought and found, the sinners saved, to give value to every individual. Without exception, everybody is loved by God, sought by him, and offered a place in his family. In that is life for us all.
So with my belief in this, I pray each of us remembers that Jesus is still walking on this earth amoungst the sinners, because that is where He finds his joy, his lost sheep, and helps them to return to the fold. We should do same.
For, I, Michael Henry Beltran, am also a sinner in my own ways, and I find comfort knowing Jesus is still near to me!
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Music Overload
In December I bought a cd with the intention of giving it as a Christmas present. That didn't happen and I think it was meant to be. Last night, when I was finished with all my television watching and chatting online, I decided to listen to this cd, titled "Reflections of Christ" (the soundtrack-check it out!)
I began to ponder the trail of misdeeds and judgement errors I have left behind me in my lifetime. I thought about all the people I've wronged, harmed, hurt, offended or ignored. I thought about actions and words I may have done or said so negatively. Then, I thought about how many times the Savior has come to my undeserving rescue - all the miracles I have benefited from unworthily.
I reflected back to March 6, 1994 when I joined the church and was baptized, how long of road it has been for me!
While these thoughts overwhelmed my mind and tugged on my heart strings, the song "Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing" played. I can't recall ever really hearing this song before, and if I did, I didn't pay much attention. But last night I did and one of the verses really got to me:
"Jesus sought me when a stranger,
wandering from the fold of God;
He, to rescue me from danger,
interposed his precious blood."
I began to gently weep - which isn't hard for me to do - I admit openly that I am quite the sensitive person and am prone to crying when touched or moved. I couldn't help it. Like the song says, "Jesus has sought me even when I have ignored him, left him or was trying to run from him. He calls after me by name, with open arms, waiting to see me and hold and protect me once more "
As my thoughts turned to the Savior the next verse hit me with just as much magnitude:
"O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;"
I began to silently pray to God:
"Here's my heart,take and seal it,
seal it for thine above."
If that wasn't enough the following song was "Amazing Grace" - so obviously the same feelings swelled up within me. As I continued listening and lying in bed, other songs that sent powerful messages to me were "Be Still, My Soul" and then "Jesus, Lover of My Soul"
At that point all of this withholding of tears and sniffling and thoughts swirling around from my mind to heart through my soul got to me. I started thinking about the conversation I had online with Jenny just an hour earlier then I stopped listening and just let it out-I was compelled to kneel down right there to pray, but being I was lying in bed my laziness overcame my faith.
Once I was able to regain some sense of "normalcy" I pictured in my mind a group of small birds washing themselves in the puddles of fresh rainwater on the ground. Maybe I am weird or taking it the wrong way, but it just seemed to remind me of the Atonement. In some way, it seemed the Spirit was saying - yes, you have sinned and have wronged at times yourself and others - BUT - you can be cleansed, made whole again - Christ has died for you TOO and He will accept you if you will accept Him. Being cleansed like little birds fluttering in puddles of water while the sun shines down on them - it's a beautiful sight.
So, what's this post about? Simply that I know I have a Savior, no denying it, I'll never be perfect, I won't always do whats right, I don't have all the answers but, I do know I have a testimony:
I bear you my testimony that the Atonement of Jesus Christ is for everyone; yes, you and me too. He died for our sins, sicknesses, sadness, trials, tribulations, even our lost dreams and so much more - that's why it is infinite. I know that my Redeemer lives. I know that He knows me by name and loves me still. It's amazing and truly a blessing.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
The Gifts I would Give You This Christmas!
Wow, it's been a couple months since I last blogged. Laziness last month, busy this month!
Being that it is Christmas in two days, I wanted to give everyone of my friends and those I care for something. So I am calling this the
"Gifts That I Would Give"
I have thought about my family and friends and my desire to share something meaningful with you to brighten your Christmas. I realize that some of the gifts I would offer are not really mine to give. Some must be earned to be appreciated; others are His alone to give. Below are my humble gifts to you. I would appreciate hearing what gifts you might give.
PEACE OF MIND....To me, peace is the truest form of happiness. I would give you peace in your heart, contentment in your life, peace amidst the turmoil and trials in your life.
UNDERSTANDING and ACCEPTANCE of Self and Others.....I would give you understanding of your internal and eternal soul, and understanding of Father's will in your life. I would give you an understanding of others and their needs. I would give you an acceptance of self and acceptance of other, even though they may not understand or accept you.
PATIENCE with SELF and OTHERS....I would give you patience with yourself, patience that enables you to not become overwhelmed when you fall short of your expectations, patience with progress, no matter how slow. Patience to know that after every fall, there is power to rise again. I would give you patience with others in their dealings with you. Patience to accept others and their faults.
TOLERANCE... I would give you tolerance for others that you too seek. Being tolerant of yourself will allow others to be tolerant of you.
FRIENDSHIP...I would give you a true friend, one who possesses these gifts, one who loves you unconditionally, one who speaks candidly, one who lifts and encourages you to be your best self, one who never abandons you in you darkest hour, one who makes you smile and laugh, yet is willing to cry with you.
AWARENESS....I would give you awareness of those around you, a sensitivity to their needs, and a willing heart to serve them according to their wants and needs
HONESTY... I would give you honesty with yourself and others even at your weakest moments that you could be honest as you wish others to be honest with you.
WISDOM....I would give you wisdom and discernment to guide your choices, words and actions.
DESIRE...I would give you desire, the desire to grow and improve, desire to be your best self, desire to endure, desire to take steps to improve your situation, desire to do whatever is required to follow Him.
SILENCE...I would give you silence when it is best to say nothing but listen, learn and understand. Silence when you want to react when reaction would only cause uneasiness, silence that you might listen to that still small voice.
And lastly I would give each of you...
RISK...risking yourself and vulnerability that comes with it, actually reaching out and caring about someone else, giving of oneself, and loving another without any thought of whether such love will be reciprocated, just risking that love for the sake of love!
There are many more gifts that I would give. I also am giving these gifts to myself this year.
Most of all this Christmas, I wish to express gratitude for the greatest of all gifts I have been given. I am grateful for the Babe who became my King, Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. I am grateful that He willingly paid the price for my sins. I am grateful for His gift of resurrection. I am grateful for His gospel which points me back to our Father.
Merry Christmas,
Mike B.
Being that it is Christmas in two days, I wanted to give everyone of my friends and those I care for something. So I am calling this the
"Gifts That I Would Give"
I have thought about my family and friends and my desire to share something meaningful with you to brighten your Christmas. I realize that some of the gifts I would offer are not really mine to give. Some must be earned to be appreciated; others are His alone to give. Below are my humble gifts to you. I would appreciate hearing what gifts you might give.
PEACE OF MIND....To me, peace is the truest form of happiness. I would give you peace in your heart, contentment in your life, peace amidst the turmoil and trials in your life.
UNDERSTANDING and ACCEPTANCE of Self and Others.....I would give you understanding of your internal and eternal soul, and understanding of Father's will in your life. I would give you an understanding of others and their needs. I would give you an acceptance of self and acceptance of other, even though they may not understand or accept you.
PATIENCE with SELF and OTHERS....I would give you patience with yourself, patience that enables you to not become overwhelmed when you fall short of your expectations, patience with progress, no matter how slow. Patience to know that after every fall, there is power to rise again. I would give you patience with others in their dealings with you. Patience to accept others and their faults.
TOLERANCE... I would give you tolerance for others that you too seek. Being tolerant of yourself will allow others to be tolerant of you.
FRIENDSHIP...I would give you a true friend, one who possesses these gifts, one who loves you unconditionally, one who speaks candidly, one who lifts and encourages you to be your best self, one who never abandons you in you darkest hour, one who makes you smile and laugh, yet is willing to cry with you.
AWARENESS....I would give you awareness of those around you, a sensitivity to their needs, and a willing heart to serve them according to their wants and needs
HONESTY... I would give you honesty with yourself and others even at your weakest moments that you could be honest as you wish others to be honest with you.
WISDOM....I would give you wisdom and discernment to guide your choices, words and actions.
DESIRE...I would give you desire, the desire to grow and improve, desire to be your best self, desire to endure, desire to take steps to improve your situation, desire to do whatever is required to follow Him.
SILENCE...I would give you silence when it is best to say nothing but listen, learn and understand. Silence when you want to react when reaction would only cause uneasiness, silence that you might listen to that still small voice.
And lastly I would give each of you...
RISK...risking yourself and vulnerability that comes with it, actually reaching out and caring about someone else, giving of oneself, and loving another without any thought of whether such love will be reciprocated, just risking that love for the sake of love!
There are many more gifts that I would give. I also am giving these gifts to myself this year.
Most of all this Christmas, I wish to express gratitude for the greatest of all gifts I have been given. I am grateful for the Babe who became my King, Savior, Redeemer, and Friend. I am grateful that He willingly paid the price for my sins. I am grateful for His gift of resurrection. I am grateful for His gospel which points me back to our Father.
Merry Christmas,
Mike B.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Our Political Parties & Presidental Race
Tonight is our next Presidental debate! I'm not anticipating it too much, but wanted to share where I stand right now on the election......
During the Primary Season for the Democratic Party, I was actually rooting for Hillary Clinton. Then I liked Obama, then back to Hillary....then Obama, then back to Hillary...finally settling on Hillary. I was slightly disappointed when she didn't get the nomination. I followed this Primary race more, because of the historical aspects of it being a African American and a Woman being the front runners. The Republican primaries seemed like every other year. So it didn't peak my interest much. But now this General Election cycle gets me going!
So now we have Obama and McCain. I not registered Democrat or Republican. I am a registered "Independent" or "Unaffiliated". I am not a big believer in voting along party lines or belonging to one party and one party only. I believe in voting for the candidate who at that election time is best representing my views and is aligned with my opinions/beliefs/thoughts/visions at that moment. It can be a democrat or a republican. Just whomever I believe is sided with me on a majority of the issues.
I like to keep an open mind throughout the entire election process. I love to read up on everything. I like to walk into my voting booth on election day, pause for moment and think deeply whom at that moment I feel most aligned with. I never will regret a vote I make as long as I was informed, studied the issues and the candidates, listened intently and didn't allow the media to have any impression on me.
As of today, I am annoyed at the way this election has turned. It's becoming mean spirited, smearing, more accusations, spinning of the facts and truth, leaving out important details when making a point, all that harsh stuff.
I don't understand how people can align with a candidate simply because they are registered that political party. I believe we have had both successful Republican and Democratic Presidents throughout our history.
I heard someone had said we should support Obama because he is for the "middle class"...I think that is funny....There are more issues out there than being middle class.....also, I don't strive to stay middle class....Obama is also against the Rich and believes in taxing the rich higher. I ask...don't we all strive to get rich or make more money in our lives? If we keep taxing people more because they worked hard and got rich or made more money, won't that mean we all would be middle class always? I don't get this thought process of some people.
I wonder how many people know what both parties stand for or beliefs are? Let me share:
Democratic Party: They believe in a strong federal government. They believe in the federal government having strong powers to regulate business and industry. They believe in the federal social services and benefits for the poor, the unemployed, the aged and other groups. They support strongly the separation of church and state. The democratic party supports affirmative action. They support organized labor unions. They support civil and individual rights. The democratic party is also the party that advocated and passed the Income Tax law. They believe in Internationalism for foreign polices by international institutions such as the United Nations. They believe that through the United Nations and other international organizations that we be policed or get approvals by as opposed to the U.S. interests always first. They support gun control.
Republican Party: They believe in individual States Rights. They believe the federal government should give more power to each State to govern. They believe in minimum federal government interference. They believe in reduced taxes as a means of stimulating the economy and advancing individual economic freedoms. They opposed alot of government and tax payer funded social programs. They oppose affirmative action. They support business owners rights to regulate their business as opposed to strengthening the rights of workers (labor unions) The Republican Party supports a strong national defense and pursuit of U.S. National security interests first even if it is in opposition to the views of the international community. They oppose gun control.
Now, with this understand of what each political party stands for let me share my thoughts:
I think both parties have great views and policies.
With the democratic support of a strong federal government in our lives, I oppose this. I believe some of the social programs that the democratic party created is very good, however with all these government social programs to help the poor, unemployed, etc., it created higher taxes for us. The democratic party is great at saying the Republicans raise taxes, but they fail to mention that with all the created social programs it takes money to run and thus it comes from the people through taxes.
I say, why should my next door neighbor get a year or 6 months worth of unemployment checks because he got fired from a job, or quit a job or got layed off? Many people take advantage of this benefit. The same with the welfare system. This program, created by the democratic party had great intentions and I believe it is important to have, however there are not enough tight regulations on this social program and it ends up costing every American tax payer..you and me! We have to keep paying for this program so others can take advantage of it. We all know people become too dependent on welfare, food stamps, etc. It creates dishonesty in people because naturally we all like "free" stuff...but should free stuff be your existence or way of life? The Republican Party believes in individual economic freedom, which means you should get to a point to be economically self sufficient and free of any government assistance. Can we be with all these taxes paying all these social programs that don't have enough regulations on them? Interesting...lets all take the Democratic view:
No need to work hard or go to school. The Government will feed & house us by stealing from the successful who worked hard, studier hard to make their own money and way. So we can mooch off the government & we will all live happily ever after
I support the democratic parties views on civil rights....everyone should have the same rights and not be discriminated against because of race, gender, sex, or handicap.
The democratic party supports Affirmative Action. I don't period. I don't believe there should be preference given to anyone because of their race or gender. Every job or college acceptance should be based on qualifications. PERIOD!! Affirmative Action is about people becoming quotas and percentages. The Republican Party strongly opposes affirmative action..like me, they believe you being hired at job, or accepted into any college or program should only be based on your qualifications.
The Republican party opposes organized labor unions and limited employees' rights. They believe in the business owners rights first. This issue I am almost on the fence with, but lean slightly to opposing labor unions. First off I, as a small business owner, do believe that I should be able to have my business and employees run my way. I don't believe in some union telling me when I need to give my employees a raise or more benefits. I do believe though that employees should also have their rights to fair wage increases and benefits and not allow some business owners to take advantage of employees. So with this, I see pros and cons to it. But labor unions themselves tend to take advantage of their members/employees as well.
The Republican party believes in a strong national defense with a belief our nation comes first and we don't have to have the support of other nations to go to war or to attack if there is ample evidence we are in danger. The democratic party believes these issues should first go before the international community known as the United Nations and we should get their approval first. Well, I think this speaks for itself...Our Security first not what some countries leaders or representatives think!
Oh on gun control, I side with the Democrats. I support strong gun control laws.
Sarcastically I say:
Im saving up for a nuclear proof-bunker in case McCain gets elected.
And
I'm quitting my job and going on welfare, food stamps & free health care if Obama gets elected.
So, even though I support more Republican views, I still support some democratic views and this is why I call myself an Independent! So vote for the one who most represents your views. Remember you will never find a candidate you will agree with 100% of the time. Study the candidates and ALL the issues not one or two!
Hope you got some insight here!
During the Primary Season for the Democratic Party, I was actually rooting for Hillary Clinton. Then I liked Obama, then back to Hillary....then Obama, then back to Hillary...finally settling on Hillary. I was slightly disappointed when she didn't get the nomination. I followed this Primary race more, because of the historical aspects of it being a African American and a Woman being the front runners. The Republican primaries seemed like every other year. So it didn't peak my interest much. But now this General Election cycle gets me going!
So now we have Obama and McCain. I not registered Democrat or Republican. I am a registered "Independent" or "Unaffiliated". I am not a big believer in voting along party lines or belonging to one party and one party only. I believe in voting for the candidate who at that election time is best representing my views and is aligned with my opinions/beliefs/thoughts/visions at that moment. It can be a democrat or a republican. Just whomever I believe is sided with me on a majority of the issues.
I like to keep an open mind throughout the entire election process. I love to read up on everything. I like to walk into my voting booth on election day, pause for moment and think deeply whom at that moment I feel most aligned with. I never will regret a vote I make as long as I was informed, studied the issues and the candidates, listened intently and didn't allow the media to have any impression on me.
As of today, I am annoyed at the way this election has turned. It's becoming mean spirited, smearing, more accusations, spinning of the facts and truth, leaving out important details when making a point, all that harsh stuff.
I don't understand how people can align with a candidate simply because they are registered that political party. I believe we have had both successful Republican and Democratic Presidents throughout our history.
I heard someone had said we should support Obama because he is for the "middle class"...I think that is funny....There are more issues out there than being middle class.....also, I don't strive to stay middle class....Obama is also against the Rich and believes in taxing the rich higher. I ask...don't we all strive to get rich or make more money in our lives? If we keep taxing people more because they worked hard and got rich or made more money, won't that mean we all would be middle class always? I don't get this thought process of some people.
I wonder how many people know what both parties stand for or beliefs are? Let me share:
Democratic Party: They believe in a strong federal government. They believe in the federal government having strong powers to regulate business and industry. They believe in the federal social services and benefits for the poor, the unemployed, the aged and other groups. They support strongly the separation of church and state. The democratic party supports affirmative action. They support organized labor unions. They support civil and individual rights. The democratic party is also the party that advocated and passed the Income Tax law. They believe in Internationalism for foreign polices by international institutions such as the United Nations. They believe that through the United Nations and other international organizations that we be policed or get approvals by as opposed to the U.S. interests always first. They support gun control.
Republican Party: They believe in individual States Rights. They believe the federal government should give more power to each State to govern. They believe in minimum federal government interference. They believe in reduced taxes as a means of stimulating the economy and advancing individual economic freedoms. They opposed alot of government and tax payer funded social programs. They oppose affirmative action. They support business owners rights to regulate their business as opposed to strengthening the rights of workers (labor unions) The Republican Party supports a strong national defense and pursuit of U.S. National security interests first even if it is in opposition to the views of the international community. They oppose gun control.
Now, with this understand of what each political party stands for let me share my thoughts:
I think both parties have great views and policies.
With the democratic support of a strong federal government in our lives, I oppose this. I believe some of the social programs that the democratic party created is very good, however with all these government social programs to help the poor, unemployed, etc., it created higher taxes for us. The democratic party is great at saying the Republicans raise taxes, but they fail to mention that with all the created social programs it takes money to run and thus it comes from the people through taxes.
I say, why should my next door neighbor get a year or 6 months worth of unemployment checks because he got fired from a job, or quit a job or got layed off? Many people take advantage of this benefit. The same with the welfare system. This program, created by the democratic party had great intentions and I believe it is important to have, however there are not enough tight regulations on this social program and it ends up costing every American tax payer..you and me! We have to keep paying for this program so others can take advantage of it. We all know people become too dependent on welfare, food stamps, etc. It creates dishonesty in people because naturally we all like "free" stuff...but should free stuff be your existence or way of life? The Republican Party believes in individual economic freedom, which means you should get to a point to be economically self sufficient and free of any government assistance. Can we be with all these taxes paying all these social programs that don't have enough regulations on them? Interesting...lets all take the Democratic view:
No need to work hard or go to school. The Government will feed & house us by stealing from the successful who worked hard, studier hard to make their own money and way. So we can mooch off the government & we will all live happily ever after
I support the democratic parties views on civil rights....everyone should have the same rights and not be discriminated against because of race, gender, sex, or handicap.
The democratic party supports Affirmative Action. I don't period. I don't believe there should be preference given to anyone because of their race or gender. Every job or college acceptance should be based on qualifications. PERIOD!! Affirmative Action is about people becoming quotas and percentages. The Republican Party strongly opposes affirmative action..like me, they believe you being hired at job, or accepted into any college or program should only be based on your qualifications.
The Republican party opposes organized labor unions and limited employees' rights. They believe in the business owners rights first. This issue I am almost on the fence with, but lean slightly to opposing labor unions. First off I, as a small business owner, do believe that I should be able to have my business and employees run my way. I don't believe in some union telling me when I need to give my employees a raise or more benefits. I do believe though that employees should also have their rights to fair wage increases and benefits and not allow some business owners to take advantage of employees. So with this, I see pros and cons to it. But labor unions themselves tend to take advantage of their members/employees as well.
The Republican party believes in a strong national defense with a belief our nation comes first and we don't have to have the support of other nations to go to war or to attack if there is ample evidence we are in danger. The democratic party believes these issues should first go before the international community known as the United Nations and we should get their approval first. Well, I think this speaks for itself...Our Security first not what some countries leaders or representatives think!
Oh on gun control, I side with the Democrats. I support strong gun control laws.
Sarcastically I say:
Im saving up for a nuclear proof-bunker in case McCain gets elected.
And
I'm quitting my job and going on welfare, food stamps & free health care if Obama gets elected.
So, even though I support more Republican views, I still support some democratic views and this is why I call myself an Independent! So vote for the one who most represents your views. Remember you will never find a candidate you will agree with 100% of the time. Study the candidates and ALL the issues not one or two!
Hope you got some insight here!
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