When God gives us a gift, he expects that we use it for the good of all. We have been given the gift of living in a democratic country, and this blessing also involves a grave responsibility. We must participate in our government “of the people, by the people, and for the people.” Voting is one of the concrete ways we can assure that the values we hold dear for the common good can be enshrined in the law of the land. We vote these values not only in particular questions or propositions, but by electing public servants who will work for the same values we know are so important.
Among the values that are essential are: respect for life from the moment of conception to natural death; the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman as the basis of the healthy family, which leads to a healthy culture; care for the poor and most vulnerable; freedom based on the truth of the human person and religious freedom.
I am grateful to the Knights of Columbus for their willingness to help raise our awareness of the need to use our God-given liberties for the good of all by helping us get out the vote. I encourage all to register (deadline: October 6, 2014), to ask for a permanent absentee ballot to make voting as easy as possible, to do the penance of studying the candidates and their stances and records, and to VOTE on or before November 4. May the Lord guide us and enlighten us all!