A couple of months ago, it seemed as if we had made our voices heard. Massive opposition across the country seemed to have gotten the attention of Congress and the first health care monstrosity died. Not so fast! Instead of acknowledging the will of the people, our arrogant elected officials doubled the size of the first bill and passed it by a close margin on Saturday in the House of “Representatives.”

I hope we got the message. Protest is not enough. Sadly there may be little else we can do for the next few months, but let’s not miss the next opportunity to make our voices heard in a way that cannot be ignored, at least as long as we continue to show at least some respect for our nation’s constitution. The process of election has already been under attack, but it still stands and is our best hope of doing anything useful in the political arena.

The 2010 primaries are crucial. If you wait until November to cast your vote, the chances are your choices will be no better than they were the last time. The truly worthy candidates are usually weeded out in the primaries. I understand a reluctance to register affiliation with either of the major parties. I am a conservative who is embarrassed to be associated with the Republican Party. Knowing the official platform of the Democrats, I don’t think there’s anything that would make me vote for one, but I’m certainly not going to vote for someone just because he’s with the Republicans.

I don’t know how other states work, but in Texas you must choose which primary you will vote in and cannot vote in the other. You are not committed thereby to vote the party line in the general election. If you want to have a real voice in the process, get out and vote next March. Protest can have value if they gain enough momentum, but these elitist socialists we have in office now think we’re fools who will have forgotten all about what they’ve done by next year. Sadly we’ve given them little cause to think differently. If you love your country, make sure that doesn’t happen. Go vote where you can still make a difference. Encourage your friends and relatives to do the same. We’ve got to have people involved in the process if we hope to change things. Be prepared to explain why it’s important.

I speak now directly to those who call themselves Christian. It is your duty to steward well the freedom and the power given you by the country you live in. Remember the parable of the talents. Pray for wisdom and discernment from Yahweh and go vote!