Charity and Politics

Often when I speak to others in the millennial generation like myself, they try to explain their 2008 presidential votes to me to make themselves feel better. It always starts with, “Well… you know, I’m pro-life, but Obama just seemed like a great guy who wanted to change things and help people.” Then, they go on to talk about how as a Christian and a Conservative it is important for us to “help people.”

Historically, the Republican Party has done much more for civil rights, human rights, and medical aid in the US and abroad than the Democrats. This is something Erik Rush addresses in his new book Negrophilia. Also, historically Democrats cater to center-right and conservative voters in order to win general elections. If they know people will vote for them if they promise to be hospitable and helpful, then they are smart to use this as an election tactic. But, I often think of it just like that: a tactic.

Remember – who a politician is at home, as their philanthropic involvement or lack there of is who they will be in public office. Home being how they act in your community already.

A president and first lady have a huge platform and ability to raise issues and bring about awareness on a larger scale. Senator Hillary Clinton’s issue was healthcare, Laura Bush wanted women and children in the Middle East to have education and the opportunity to start their own businesses, and Michelle Obama’s is fighting childhood obesity.

After recently finishing Laura Bush’s Memoir Spoken from the Heart, I was amazed at all she did as a first lady to aid impoverished peoples in Africa, rehabilitate former addicts and gang members, and provide information and medicine to women in other parts of the world to fight breast cancer. I also realized that there are tons of organizations and charities the White House has to review before deciding which ones to support.

Ideally, one might find a candidate who they agree with on charity and politics. But, when electing someone to be the leader of the free world, their politics will be a stronger gauge on how they will run the country and help people than their charitable ideas.

Presidents, Senators, Governors and others in the political realm have the ability to craft laws and legislation that can change how certain victims are treated, create funds to help others, and provide education and aid to millions. The United States is one of the only countries in the world who actually has military vessels dedicated to serving the medical needs of citizens from and in third world countries. The USNS Mercy is an example of this. After the horrific earthquake in Haiti, the vessel was camped outside of Port Au Prince for weeks providing free medical aid to any and all who needed it. Now, the ship is docked off the shores of Cambodia providing aid there with another ship from Japan.

As much as many around the world despise Dick Cheney, the man often gives more than 10% of his earnings to charities, which ends up being millions upon millions of dollars. When Vice President Joe Biden’s tax records were released during the 2008 campaign, it was revealed that he and his wife (Jill) gave very little money or time to charities. As a matter of fact, they gave less than my husband and I… and we don’t make that much.

Cheney stood for freedom and liberty. Joe Biden just does Obama’s bidding, which tends to take away American’s freedom and liberty.

So, take a look at what someone does charitably and know that it is important to have caring and involved politicians. But know that their politics are what are going to drastically affect your life and the lives of those you want to help more.

*Elisha’s writings are featured on Red Rover Style – check them out!*

**You can order the pendant pictured above here**