This post has been on my mind for a quite a long time. I'm not sure why I haven't written my feelings yet...maybe because they were still building in my mind, but I cannot deny the strong desire to share it now.
I expect those who do not share my views to tear this apart line by line and try to correct my mode of thinking. I'm basing my opinions and thoughts off my own experiences. This is my way of saying I don't write this just because I want to be heard, I'm bored and have nothing better to do on a Sunday, or say I'm 100 percent right. I write because these thoughts I have processed for a very long time and want to give my readers another perspective they may not have thought about.
Let me first explain I was never into politics as a kid. We never talked about it as family, or at least never that I remember. If the President came on the television or any particular political news, that's when I got up and changed the channel. The fighting and bickering was repulsive to me and I wanted no part of it. Needless to say, politics wasn't something that was 'in my blood' just something I grew to appreciate. I have no idea at what point a spark of interest in politics occurred, but I am now fully immersed. I love it and the process of it. I love to hear others' points of view. I am still repulsed by arguing also in using harsh words and means when people go against anyone who's beliefs are different. I think different ideas are healthy and beneficial. Everyone comes from different backgrounds and has had different experiences which have shaped them and their mode of thinking. Jason once had a professor who wrote on a chalkboard the equation '1+1=3'. Saying one individual's idea added with another individual's idea creates an entirely new idea. Basically, when we work together for a good purpose and in unity and consensus, ideas and solutions flow that could have only been made possible by each individual's input. I have seen this work many times in different avenues, especially marriage. After 20 some years I finally figured out my mode of thinking wasn't always right. That was a tough, but necessary pill to swallow.
I do not hold some big noteworthy political position, though I do hold a political position. One thing I have loved most about the position is the exposure to law and gaining a deeper understanding of how that works with moral choices. I hear often from friends in deciding who to vote for in particular positions are they want to vote for individuals who will make decisions by using strong personal morals. I agree with this, especially where honesty and integrity are concerned, but there is much more to this that people tend to overlook as did I before my experiences on the board.
I had an experience a couple years ago where a decision needed to be made regarding something that was against my personal moral beliefs. I heard from many people and friends before that vote occurred who told me that if I allowed it by voting for it I was not upholding my personal values. Yet by law, this decision was legal and supported in the laws of Arizona. By voting against it, I knew we would inevitably be sued and the district would lose, but it would solidify my personal values and appease certain individuals who made their stance very clear on how I should proceed.
I tossed and turned over this. It consumed my thoughts and I talked to many of my close confidants to get their perspective. Nothing was making the decision easier. I finally knelt in prayer and came away with the prompting to get out and read my Oath of Office. In it says:
"I, Jennifer Tanner, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution and laws of the State of Arizona; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same, and defend them against all enemies, foreign and domestic, and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge the duties of Governing Board Member according to the best of my abilities, so help me God."
Therein was my answer. This is the aspect people tend to overlook. They want their politicians to vote morally, but part of being moral is living and defending the existing laws. Is not an oath to God to support the laws of the land also a moral obligation?? So which moral should I follow? Personal or position representative?
I couldn't make this personal, I was not there voting as Jennifer Tanner, mom, wife, sarcastic friend, church member...I was there voting as Jennifer Tanner, a member of a Governing Board who took an oath to uphold the laws state and federally mandated. Personally, I can make all the moral choices for myself and my family, but in this role I was elected, I am bound by the laws of the land. Some may say you cannot separate the two, but I'm here to say, it does happen and that is a struggle I deal with and many others deal with as well. It isn't as cut and dry as some would think.
You could vote for the most righteous people you know, but if they are bound by corrupt laws, you will never be satisfied especially if they are following their morals to be honest and have integrity by upholding an oath to defend those laws while in office. If people don't like the laws, they need to fight to change the law, not the person upholding it. We seek for someone who will be an advocate for change that is positive for the betterment of the whole, not an advocate for personal gain. And in that seek for change, they must do so by proper protocols and practices, not by coming in as a dictator doing things their 'own' way.
I think at times we are fighting the wrong battle. Judges and lawyers have more power than politicians, yet go overlooked. Loopholes and different interpretations which are sought after and found wind up creating more laws and in turn is ensnaring us in what is supposed to be a 'free nation.' We are putting ourselves into bondage by our own laws. When laws we don't agree with are made, we have a responsibility to advocate for change. Not just by electing a person and placing it on their shoulders, but by continually aiding them in doing so. Speaking for myself, if I never hear from my community of concerns or issues that are important to them, I assume all is well. Just because I'm in office doesn't mean I know every issue that is taking place, a lot of the time I am the last to know. Taking the time to use your voice to share how you feel is vital to those who can make changes, but just as importantly we must be willing to listen and try to understand why certain decisions are made. Remember, our ideas and opinions are not the only ideas and opinions. In turn, Politicians should do their best to listen to the quiet majority versus the loud minority.
I'm not here to say politicians are awesome because I know there are definite corrupt ones who have personal agendas, but I also know there are politicians who are doing their best to try and hold true to their word, make a difference, and be a force for good because they love their country.
Cut 'em some slack, quit arguing/bashing, get off your keesters and make your own difference by actions not just words. And for the love of your country...get facts about issues and people (especially judges), vote and continue to be active, and stop suing people!!
