Saturday, November 12, 2016

The Flawed Chosen of God: My Political Evolution in the 2016 Election

I was once the Grinch.

Politically speaking, I mean.

I was well-intentioned. I really was. However, I put so much stock into one candidate that I was letting his loss take me down a path to bitterness.

Let me explain.

When the primary season for the presidential election of 2016 began, I was all in favor of Ted Cruz. He was the candidate for those of us who loved the Constitution-driven ideals and persuasive abilities of Ronald Reagan. He may not have had the looks, but boy, he could argue and persuade the voters with whom he was in contact. We even saw that in the YouTube video that surfaced of him changing the mind of a farmer (and Trump supporter) in Iowa shortly before their caucuses.

If this wasn’t our man, no one was.

When Trump announced his candidacy, I, like many conservatives, thought it was fun but didn’t think it would last. I mean, the core of what Trump was saying was true; we needed to address illegal immigration, Obamacare needed to be repealed, etc. But he had such a coarse way of saying it and a sordid history that most didn’t think he had traction. And when he continued to grow in popularity and his policies (or lack thereof, I thought) came up to the surface, I thought that it would not last. “Trump is just a flash in the pan; Cruz is the representative of the movement,” I told myself and others. The liberals and the media weren’t scared of Trump, I thought. They were of Cruz. Even that video of Jimmy Carter talking about how Cruz was more dangerous proved it. In the debates, Trump was entertaining, but a boar. Nobody would take him seriously.

The rumblings continued, though. By January, before the first primaries, I was a little concerned, but hopeful. Everyone was talking about Trump, but there was no way he could win. When Cruz won Iowa in February, I knew we had this in the bag. Later, when Trump won New Hampshire, I thought that is just New Hampshire. Iowa was more of a representative of America and the Republicans would never fully give into Trump.

Boy, was I wrong. And I was slowly becoming heartbroken with my country and political party. How could such an idiotic, narcissistic, bully of a human being ever gain in so much popularity? What in the world led to this degradation of our standards of human decency?

But it continued. I watched as Trump mocked everyone who opposed him. How he personally tweeted an insult of Cruz’s wife, even after the meme he was responding to was revealed to be published by a group not affiliated with the Cruz camp. How he didn’t quickly shun the endorsement of David Duke. How he ridiculously propagated a hack tabloid story on Cruz’s father being involved in the assassination of JFK. But I held out hope that somehow this clown would not be our choice. And every once in a while Cruz would win a state, like Wisconsin, and keep that flame of hope going.

Then Cruz lost Indiana. And bowed out of the race.

I was finished with the Republican Party. I sat down and wrote a scathing blog post (which I didn't finish and posted partially month's later--see below post) denouncing the GOP as an immoral institution only focused on the economy. Gone was the party of the moral compass of its pro-life stance. Gone was the party of opposition to federally-forced gay marriage. All was lost, I thought. There was no way Trump could beat Hillary. Even as I write this, I am flashing back to those feelings of indignation.

When Trump came to my state and insulted my governor, I was appalled—and even tweeted directly at Trump. And even though my primary vote would not matter, I still voted for Cruz. I planned to change my party affiliation to independent after the primary, and there was no way I would vote for Trump in the general election. I wouldn’t vote for Hillary, but Trump was out of the question.

This state of indignation and bitterness lasted for several weeks. I argued with people about Trump, even arguing with my grandfather in several cases. Every little instance of political talk always turned to Trump and my hatred for him. It was a time of friendless self-injury.

I eventually realized how dogmatic I had become and didn’t know what else to do besides just give up on the election and changing my focus to something else. I even got off Twitter to escape it. I tried to focus on everyday life.

During this time, for some reason, I started listening (then watching) to the Andrew Klavan Show regularly. I had enjoyed his previous commentary videos on PJTV and other things he put out (particularly the “I’m Angry, so I’m Voting for Donald Trump” video). I saw his frustration with Trump, but also his way of putting a humorous spin on it and I began to make listening to it a regular occurrence. I then subscribed to the Daily Wire so that I could watch the full podcasts, as I also found his tastes in literature and culture similar to mine.

To be able to see another human being angered about what we thought was the downfall of the Republican Party, but yet still see that person treat that downfall as a comedy, slowly changed my perspective on humanity. Andrew had this Shakespearean way of finding the humor even in tragedy that slowly opened my eyes. I began to see that life is more complex than what many times we make it out to be. When it comes to humanity, it isn’t always the good against the bad. Good people aren’t always the right people, and bad people aren’t always the wrong people.

Around the time of the national conventions, I went to visit my grandparents in Florida. My grandfather, an ardent Trump supporter, and I stayed up late to watch Hillary Clinton’s acceptance speech. As we watched, both Granddad and I had the same repulsed reaction to her obvious lies, corruption, and pandering. I realized I felt a kinship to my grandfather that I would not have felt before, knowing he was a Trump supporter.

When Andrew Klavan came out and stated he planned on voting for Trump just to attempt to escape the freedom-eroding Hillary presidency, I accepted his decision. By this time, I didn’t see anyone who supported Trump as a mindless idiot who was brainwashed by simple rhetoric (which, I sometimes still have trouble not seeing Sean Hannity as). However, when it came time for me to vote (I voted early the week before the election), I still struggled with an uneasiness of mind. I knew I would probably end up voting for Trump for the same reason as Andrew, but I went back and forth in my mind between Trump and Evan McMullin. I knew, however, that the latter wouldn’t win and had grown to distaste his self-righteous soft stances. Eventually, after I filled out all the other questions on the ballot, I went back, and with a clench of my stomach, voted for Trump.

Even though I knew that God would not fault me for doing what I thought was right at the time, for the rest of the day, I still struggled with feelings that I betrayed my conscious and merely did the politically expedient.

However, by the weekend before the election, I knew I had done the right thing. The thought of a Hillary presidency scared the indecision out of me. And the closer we got to Tuesday, the more kinship I felt with the rest of America. Who knows if we were about to win, but we were doing the right thing. The smug media thought that Hillary would (and should) win, so I know I had done the right thing. The liberals on the far ends of the country were out of touch with the everyday concerns of the working class, so I knew they had to be stopped. I spent the night before the election playing Jason Aldean’s “Flyover States” over and over again.

The morning of the election, I drove to morning prayer, then work, noting a hint of change in the air. It was here I fully understood Trump’s appeal; we were on the verge of possibly putting our country back on course, of possibly sticking it to the elite who were trying to run our lives, but ruining them in the process. It was today when the jobless coal-miners in Rust Belt and the over-regulated farmers down here on the southern plains were about to have their say. Sweet Freedom filled the air.

That evening after work, I went to my parent’s house to watch the election coverage (and eat some good brisket). There was a great mood of excitement. This could be the night. And as the night went on, Trump kept his lead. I was hopeful, but reticent. He was winning all the Southern states, but we had to wait until the Midwestern states came in, and, of course, the Western states would go to Hillary.

When it became apparent Florida would go to Trump, my mind began to change. First Florida, then Ohio, then North Carolina, then Wisconsin. Michigan was even putting up a fight. The Blue Wall was toppling like the walls of Jericho before the people of Israel. It was apparent that this night would not be as easy for Hillary as was first thought.

I was invited to another viewing party at a friend’s house. It was when I was here that we saw Pennsylvania flip to red. Even though we had a few more hours of grueling torture to see who would win the state, it was that point that I knew it was over for Hillary.

And now, looking back, it seems that I was ridiculous to fight the rise of Trump after he was the nominee. I remember when I was arguing with my granddad about Trump’s trade policies, he told me, “The people whom it affects want it. The people with jobs who don’t rely on local industry don’t care.” I was blind to what he was saying at the time, stuck in the ideology of politics, but not the practicality. What he said now makes sense. Donald Trump, even with all his failings, is the everyman’s candidate. He is Joe the Plumber’s, Mike the Dairyman’s, Frank the Coal-miner’s choice. He was able to do what the Republican Party has not been able to do for the last few decades: reach the working class.

And I was too blind with self-righteousness to see it at first.

After the election, my pastor made an analogy of Jehu ridding Israel of the wicked Jezebel; Jehu was not the most righteous of men (and was even judged by God later on in life), but he was God’s chosen implement to bring about the end of unrighteousness in Israel. Yes, Trump has the responsibility to stay true to what he has promised and be an honorable president. No, he cannot act the way he did before without major ramifications. But he was God’s implement to cut short the destruction and judgment on our nation.

Do I think that America is free from this scourge of elitism and arrogant secularism? No, of course not. We have a major fight on our hands. But we have been given a chance to repent and turn this country around. The binds of political correctness and self-hatred have been lifted off the backs of the American people. This great nation’s citizens can once again breathe easy.

It is Morning in America again.

And I have learned the lesson of a lifetime in the process.


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“But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” -1 Corinthians 1:27

Monday, October 10, 2016

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I originally began writing this post the day after the Republican National Convention closed back in August, but I got sidetracked and never posted it. I am doing so now.

It has been years since I have posted anything here. A lot has happened since my last piece, but recent events have really caused me to want to get some thoughts down in pixels. I'll probably be doing it over the span of several posts. First, I want to talk politics, specifically the Republican Party.

I have always supported the Grand Old Party, even if it has been marginally. In 2008, in my first presidential election, I halfheartedly voted for John McCain (while wholeheartedly supporting Sarah Palin). In 2010, I unwaveringly supported Susana Martinez as governor (I even got the bumper sticker). In 2012, I grimaced and voted for Mitt Romney (who, in retrospect, looks like a saint). In 2014, I somewhat broken-heartedly voted for Susana Martinez (she was the best one on the ticket). And now, we are here, in 2016.

I understand that politicians let you down. I understand that, as the Rolling Stones song put it last night at the Republican National Convention, "You can't always get what you want" (which I do think was less than subtle on Trump's part). I get it that hoping for a politician that lines perfectly with what you believe is like hoping for world peace or good food from IHOP: it's never going to be.

However, there is a green I want my politicians to land the Calloway on, an area of policy that I do hope they never stray far from: the moral conscience of this nation, especially in regards to God and the unborn. Our politics must not stray far from the premises of our Judeo-Christian heritage or there will be hell to pay. To quote Ronald Reagan, "If we ever forget that we are One Nation Under God, then we will be a nation gone under." The ultimate result of godlessness and atheism is chaos, oppression, and death (see the Soviet Union, China, Cuba, etc.). 

That being said, I am not sure that the Republicans have got it this time. Last night's closure of the Republican National Convention was lacking any focus on God and our moral obligation to stick to the principles laid down to us by our founding fathers (which includes preserving life). All I saw was hoopla about one man who would save America (that man being a fallible human). 

Friday, June 18, 2010

The thoughts I have towards you

What happens when what you used to do, the thing that was your creative outflow, no longer powers your life? What do you do when you are faced with the idea that you may have to be something you were not, and not by your own choosing? Are we bound to what we do?


I have for most of post-adolescent life been creative in different aspects of my life. From creative writing to photography and videography to music, I have always found it easy to express myself in some sort of outlet that I have been used to. Little effort was needed for the creativity to flow.

But many things are changing. I still many times have a desire to express my creativity, but I am finding it harder to convey what I want to say as clearly or, conversely, poetically as before. This constant numbness of my mind seems to be keeping a hold on my ingenuity. Vision disturbances leave me expressionless and make it difficult to observe things more fully.

I always wanted to be a writer, but now it seems as if it is just a pain to even write anymore.

This led me to many mind battles at first. What will I do if I completely lose my creativity completely? Is my worth based on what I create? Am I bound to one certain way of thought?


At this point it led me to a decision. Do I freak out and attempt to try to find the cause of my problems (when it was, in fact, out of my control) or do I trust God and his plans? Do I agree with my flesh that I have no value without my gifts or do I know my worth is in Christ and what he has done for me?

It was tough. At first, I did the former, contemplating too hard on what was the root of the problem. This led me to either put extreme blame on myself and give into condemnation or turn the blame on God himself. I could not understand why this was happening to me. What did I do to bring this on myself?

I still do not know the complete answers. I still am fighting with these mind battles and having vision disturbances. I have learned, however, to put my trust in God. No matter what happens, God does care for me. It does sound rather cliche, but God does have my best interests at heart.

Jeremiah 29:11 states, "I know the thoughts I have towards you, says the Lord. Thoughts of good and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope."

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A heaping dose of Randomness

So how's life in the big, wonderful world for you? I am doing quite well, thank you!

I realize it has been over a year since my last post, and for that I apologize to my one reader (if they have not abandoned me, yet). However, I am back on the wagon! This year, there will be MORE of me to spread around!

I promise if I'm elected, I will post once a week for any who cares. My opponent, however, has not posted in at least three... days. I plan to end this travesty when I attain office.

So let's catch up the ADD way!...

Well, I was unable to make it to conference this time. Stinks, I know. (For all those who don't know what the heck I'm talking about, you'd have to visit the cult I am apart of to understand. Best cult in the world, mind you.) Anyway, I hear tell it turned out well. Okay, maybe more than just well. Try AWESOME!

I am reading a book at the moment. "The List" by Robert Whitlow. Perrty good. A little dry at first, but it's getting interesting.

I changed my major a few months ago--from journalism to history. Actually, I just switched my major with my minor.

What else, what else?...

Oh! I have a couple new jobs--reporter for The Chase and "correspondant" for the Portales News-Tribune. Kinda fun, kinda not.

God has blessed me ginormously this last year. For example, I received a large scholarship from the veteran's group the "Air Commandos," of which my grandfather is apart.

But, above all, I want to thank Jesus for his love and grace. It has kept me through another year.

I cannot believe how random I am writing. This is rather unlike me.

So, I guess I will catch you, at farthest, a week from now.

God be praised,

Arden

Friday, October 05, 2007

Open your mouth and say, "Ahhh"

Howdy!

I thought I'd jump up in the chair for my check-up since I have been very little involved with my blog. Bad me.

These last few weeks (and the coming ones, I can tell) have been (and will be) very stressful. I've had a paper and two exams all due in the same week. In these next few weeks, it is not going to get any better. Next week, I have two exams. The week after that, I will have to complete yet another one. Three weeks from now, I will have two papers due. Fun, fun, fun.

And the amusement just keeps pouring out. Don't you just love college life?

Yeah, me neither.

But things are temporarily looking up. 1) I just celebrated (um, not really) another birthday today, 2) we had a great revival this week, and 3) surprisingly, unless something changes, I will be able to attend the men's discipleship tonight to boot.

My ups and downs, though, do not dictate God's existence in my life. I have learned the hard way that the Father does not love conditionally. His love is not controlled by my actions; my destiny may be, but His love is never limited to my successes. Even when I fall down smack on my spiritual face, He still loves me and is ready to see me, when I repent, cleansed through the blood of Jesus.

All clean and ready to go.

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

A misconception about the GOP

Thought I might check in with one of my lectures. My recent history studies spurred my mind into writing up a political frenzy.

I just wanted to attempt to dissolve this preconceived notion that the Republican Party is ethnically biased. Many people do not realize that in its early days, the party supported and enacted the abolishment of slavery and the civil rights movement. Some would say, though, that it has changed its views. I would put to you that it has not changed its views, but has seen the full evolution and the fulfillment of the civil rights movement to reach its true goals and is rightly satisfied.

The party sees all men equal. Thus, when African Americans and minorities are given equal rights with Caucasians, the job of fighting for civil rights should be viewed complete. We, as a society, have reached the pinnacle of full freedom for the blacks—or any other minority for that matter. Yes, there are still a few discriminative people around, but for the most part, they are few and far between. The majority of citizens has accepted and believes the fact that a person of one color skin is of no lesser value than a person of another. Thus, the goal of the early civil rights movement has been met. It seems to me now that America is trying to cater to blacks and ‘minorities’ while discriminating against the whites.

“Why, if all men are equal, are there more whites in certain position and parts of society?” you might be thinking. The question can be answered with a slight pinch of common sense (and the latest census records). Because there are more people of Caucasian decent in America than African, it is not extraordinary to think that there are more whites in office, leadership and other roles. Simply put, when the majority of a self-governing society is of one ethnic group, the majority of roles in that society is filled with people of that group.

Is this not supposed to be a ‘democratic’ nation (not in the full sense of the word, of course)? Whatever happened to ‘ruled by majority’? Now it seems to be the select minority rules and gets extra privileges over the rest of society.

Do not read me wrong. I am not against black leadership or control. I have plenty of friends and acquaintances who are African American (or of other descent). I just am not in support of a select minority receiving privileges above the majority of citizens. That sort of thing only leads to more ethnic division.

Let us realize Dr. King's dream that "we will be able... to stand for freedom together (emphasis added)" not apart, separated by giving one ethnic group more importance than the other.

We are all created equal. It is the Republican spirit.

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Camping isn't for atheists.

I went camping earlier this week in the Sangre de Cristo mountains with a couple of friends. It was an enjoyable experience, even with the conflicting trains of thought of those involved.

One thing that was really impressed upon me during this time is that I personally cannot escape the majesty and greatness of God when I do go on these trips. His fingerprints are all over these places and, especially with little civilization nearby, I have a chance to see myself without all the trappings and hubub of society. Life is simple, and when it is simple, a clearer perspective of my life comes into view.

Without all the conveniences of modern society, I see myself as I really am: a lost, hopeless soul were it not for the grace of God. I see a man who cannot save himself from the sin and shame he has wrought in the light of a holy and just God. I see a man who must turn to Christ and recieve his salvation through his sacrifice on the Cross.

It also burdened my heart to see the time I have wasted in my life, time that could have been used to further the Lord's kingdom.

But, above all, I see the loving grace and mercy that I am so undeserved of, but which God willingly chooses to give and show me.

Christ's nail-scarred hands mean so much more now.

Blessings,
Arden

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