Election Day is always coming.
But, in between, it is Wednesday.
"They are going to try and yank your chain.
Election day is coming this week. Please vote. Always vote. In between votes, write letters, talk, show up for hearings, call. Agitate. Resist. Think. Read. Pray. Think. Pray. Vote. Don't expect yourself, your pastor, or your favorite news outlet to be infallible.
Don't trust every mailer, tweet, post, or commercial that comes across your path.
Your values will conflict with each other. Expect it and work through it. The whole process ought to be multi-layered and nuanced. Be careful of what you read or hear in the more sensational media that depends on a constant flow of 24-hour scandal.
Some are particularly good at yanking the chains of good people.
There is a big advertising profit in it and cheap political points to be scored.
Vote each election day but vote for something more than against something. There are things to be against, but only if there is something to be for. Half of the negative you hear about anyone is ...probably true ... about them AND us.
So what?
It might be important. Ask how it might effect the ability of an elected person to govern fairly, wisely, compassionately, and without corruption or undisclosed motives.
This government was designed to be run by flawed people of integrity who learn and grow.
Humility, wisdom, truthfulness, compassion, intelligence, a learning heart, the ability to change, honesty, attention to detail, self-discipline, creativity, diplomacy, care for the people, and transparency ... these are all qualities I assess in leadership character. These are qualities by which I assess my own progress in leadership. And, at the end of the day, I am the leader of my vote and participation in our collective body politic as you are in yours.
My first job is not to allow my chain to get yanked by the professional spinners who really cannot be characterized by their ideologies since they will usually work for whoever will hire them!
For another perspective on the term: