Election Issues and Opinions · Actions and Reactions

For every complex problem, there is a solution that is simple, neat, and wrong.
Henry L. Mencken

Statistics means never having to say you’re certain.
Unknown

Learn from the mistakes of others - you can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.
Martin Vanbee

What makes a country great and how do we know when it achieves greatness? Is there a scorecard we can use to measure the greatness of a country? As you think about the questions below, also consider if your answer applies only to great countries, or if it could just as easily apply to any country.

• What fundamental rights of all citizens should a great country defend?
• How should great countries respond to violations of fundamental rights of any of their citizens?
• How should great countries settle disputes or disagreements?
• Should great countries ever forgive transgressions?
• How should should great countries handle complex issues and deal with unintended consequences?
• How should great countries educate their citizens?
• How should great countries manage or process information?
• How should great countries treat other countries?
• How should great countries treat their poorest citizens?
• Do citizens of a great country have any obligations to each other?
• How should great countries inspire their citizens to be great?
• What qualities should a great country’s leaders have?
• What obligations do a great country’s elected leaders have to citizens who voted for someone else?
• What examples should a great country’s leaders set for children?
• What would you add to this list?

We provide some Bible references as a starting point for you to look up in your preferred translation. Think about how these apply to you, other citizens, and your government.

• James 1:19
• John 7:24
• Matthew 5:39
• Matthew 7:1-3
• Matthew 7:12
• Philippians 2:3-4
• Proverbs 18:2
• Proverbs 18:17
• Proverbs 25:8
• Romans 14:1-22

If you’re not sure what they mean, how to apply them, or possible consequences of ignoring them, is there someone you trust who could help you understand?

• Do they apply to everyone in the same way?
• Could there be exceptions for some?
• What if people from other countries or with different beliefs are involved?
• What actions should you take yourself, and what should you leave to others?
• Should voting or running for office be restricted to Christians?
• Should there be one person or committee with the final say about applying or enforcing scripture?
• What could Christian nations do to be a good example for governments influenced by non-Christian religions?
• What would you add to this list?

Judges are sometimes accused of "legislating from the bench", or "social engineering", but courts usually make such decisions in the absence of clear, relevant laws. Courts don’t solicit cases - they judge cases brought before them, and these cases are often brought when applicable laws are vague or nonexistent. Legislators and voters can ignore or put off difficult decisions. Courts don’t always have that option. If a judge interprets a vague law in a way that doesn’t allow a particular situation, and there isn’t an applicable legislated remedy, the judge must either let the situation stand despite being illegal, or create a remedy. If there are clear laws, the courts are not likely to get involved.

Politicians sometimes ask nominees to a court how they would vote on a particular issue. Anyone providing a specific answer, either supporting or opposing the politicians preconceived opinion could suggest they’re not impartial and don’t care about the specific facts of the case. This isn’t what judges are supposed to do.

Judges have the option of recusing themselves if they’re potentially biased in specific cases. Questions about when and why they might choose that option, or why they did or didn’t recuse themselves in past similar cases could also be relevant.