During the past year America’s frustrations have surfaced either in the form of various Tea Party rallies or during worldwide OCCUPY! protests.   The Tea Party platforms center around less government and less government spending.  The OCCUPY! protests center around less corporate greed; and to control that greed, bigger government which would distribute the wealth equally.  The Tea Parties support American capitalism where diligence and innovation are the backbones of the economic system.  The OCCUPY movement supports socialism where the government provides housing, education, and healthcare to every citizen.

One thing is abundantly clear…these decisions are to be at the forefront of the next Presidential and Congressional elections; making it one of the most important, historical elections Americans have faced in some time.  Will America move back toward the land of freedom desired by the Founding Fathers or move closer toward the socialist governments of Europe?

This is the question being asked by many politically active Christians in the San Antonio area.  “We are in a real culture war of values and ideology.  Christians need to put their prayers into action. Vote your values in 2012.  Vote your Bible in 2012,” said Ken Mercer, member of the State Board of Education and former Texas State House of Representatives.

Loyce McCarter, political columnist for the Wilson County News, said, “ This next Presidential election may very well be the difference between our country as was established by the Founding Fathers and a socialist country more like Europe and maybe even like Russia.”

She said, “When we were given this wonderful country filled with freedoms, we should vote because freedoms have responsibility.  And we should vote, not by party, nor by what we are led to believe by the media, but we should be informed on issues, pray about it and vote as the Lord would direct.”

Mercer connects many of today’s economic problems with the lack of responsibility on behalf of “values voters” in past elections. “The far left media was successful in discouraging values voters while encouraging and promoting valueless politicians of both parties.  But, the far left, and certain self identified “common sense” politicians are scared to death of the return of the most powerful voting bloc. That is Conservative Christians,” he said.

Mercer pleads with Christians to “remember when editorial boards promote a common sense conservative that this is just political code language for moderator to liberal candidates who will pick and choose from a pre-determined buffet of pro-family values and ideology.”

Both Mercer and McCarter agree that the critical issues for Christian voters to pay attention to in this next election are protection of freedom of religion and speech; protection of the life of the unborn and elderly; and protection of traditional marriage.  Mercer also adds that Christians must watch for protection of the right of parents to determine what is best for their sons and daughters.

McCarter puts it this way, “A low voter turnout is unacceptable.  We need to be informed and vote in every election whether local, state, or national and certainly we must vote in the Presidential elections.”

“I can’t wait,” said eighteen-year-old Spencer Woolfolk, senior at San Antonio Christian High School.  “I am looking forward to making my voice heard and hopefully helping to change the course of our government.”

Remember to vote in the November 8 election in Texas.  There are ten amendment proposals to the Texas Constitution which cover some very important areas.  Among them are issues affecting school funding, tax breaks for surviving spouses of veterans, and student loan information.  Make sure you vote and for more information read all ten proposals here:

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/forms/sampleballot2011.pdf