It's not a game

Friday, I had opportunity to attend a political rally.  I was glad I went.  Interesting to see the hype and catch the flavor of what was going on.  The techie part of me spent time looking at lights and computers (was in a position to look over the shoulder of the teleprompter technician and see the final speech arrive via USB drive - that was fun!), while the business admin part of me was looking at crowd management techniques and security response teams.  (Yes, I am a geek!)

Yes, as I said, I was glad I went, but I will admit, I came away pretty disillusioned.  The hype and presentation were all for show, and were seemingly of no consequence.  I seriously doubt that anyone there walked away having changed their mind at any level about the coming election.  I felt a little like a junior higher at the assembly where they introduce candidates for student council.  The candidate with the most locker signs or the one giving away candy usually wins.

I am overwhelmingly thankful for the freedoms we have in this country, but I sure wish we had a better way of electing our leaders, rather than playing the game of generating support through mega-hype.  It's such a serious responsibility.  I know, and I am again thankful, that there is a sovereign God who sets up and takes down rulers to accomplish His own purposes.  I also know, if "my" side doesn't play by the rules that have somehow been tacitly established, "we" are unlikely to win.  I just wish we didn't behave like it was just a game.