He may be Dole, but at least he’s honest.

Every four years, America is tested. This test, much like a thermometer, measures the state of the American people. It measures the values, issues, morality, concerns, fears and, most importantly, the ignorance or gullibility of a nation. I am, of course, referring to the presidential election, not the Cola wars.

In truth, I’m not too worried about this election. Call me a fatalist, Calvinist, masochists or a democrat if you will, but I find that the Bible is very clear about God establishing those in authority. The Bible is also clear that God judges nations by their leaders. In a sense, it’s a cosmic catch22.

The way I figure, America deserves Bill Clinton. Why, President Clinton is the typical American - without a knowledge of God and without direction. The man has no absolute values or beliefs. He is like a formless blob of water that will travel the path of least resistance, pandering to any and all groups no matter how divergent their beliefs and values are. The most disturbing fact is that Clinton won in 1992 with a whopping 40 percent of the evangelical vote, and will likely garner as many votes in November. This means even Christians believe this guy, and not just the fringe.

His positive points: Man, is he smooth! As I watch this man I want to believe him, though I know that without a lobotomy this can never happen.

Dole, on the other hand, (his left) is not smooth. He’s honest, reliable and consistent, but he is not the slick man that Willy - I mean, President Clinton is.

Dole has also done himself, and the country, a disservice by the campaign that he has run up until the past few weeks. Dole has majored on the minors, and ignored the major issues facing America. The economy, despite of the insistence of Dole, is actually doing quite well, for now. The issues he has avoided, and where the biggest differences between Clinton and Dole lie, are the moral and social ones - such as abortion, education, prayer in schools and crime. These issues are avoided and so what the American public has seen are two politicians with apparently similar beliefs but different personalities. One being young and energetic, the other old and grumpy. Actually, President Clinton is younger than my parents, so he can’t be that old.

As I write this article in the early hours of the morning before it is due, I am reminded of the upcoming election. Dole’s campaign, like this article, has gotten a terrible start, and without the help of some caffeine is doomed.

Actually, it is too late for just any old caffeine-laced beverage; what Dole and America need is a jolt from God. America deserves Clinton - there is no doubt about it. If Dole gets elected, America probably won’t appreciate him, though he would save her from innumerable hard times.

Maybe God will be gracious to America and give us what we don’t deserve - a man of honor and integrity. I hope and pray that He will, but if he doesn’t that is okay, too. For such a tenure may ~et be good for the church: we might finally get our eyes off of man’s leadership and onto the leadership of God.

Meanwhile, I’l1 be voting for a World War II veteran and a man of God - Bob Dole.

See opposing editorial.

by Philip Pfanstiel

published October 26, 1996