My grandfather was ingenious—he invented the mute button for the television. He attached one light cord to the back of the TV, and then another into a little button he made that would toggle the sound off and on. While I can’t confirm that this was the first mute button for a TV, it certainly was ingenious! It also made me a big fan of being able to turn off the sound on the many obnoxious commercials.
40 years later, I could not be more grateful for my grandfather (or whomever actually invented the mute button on my TV’s remote control). It seems as if almost every local commercial is a political ad. And regardless of the content, I find them absolutely abhorrent. It would seem that the only objective is to inflict what is often called ‘character assassination’ on the opponent. I find it extremely rare to find a presentation on what the supported candidate plans to do for the good of the country or for Minnesota.
My sense is that I am not alone in my election fatigue. And yet, it is absolutely critical that I do not allow my fatigue to move me to non-participation. While I can mute the political rhetoric, it is extremely important that I stay engaged in the process. Because I believe my participation is one of the ways that I live out Jesus’ commandment to love God, love neighbor, and love self. And it is one of the ways that I live into our Baptismal Covenant to strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.
Please prayerfully stay engaged in the process—please vote!
Source: Bishop Brian Prior – Stay Engaged in the Process