Out of over three hundred million people we have come to a choice between Donald and Hillary; why vote?

Some of you that read this article will still be waiting to vote and see where our future will go or wonder where it will go and there are others that will read this after the election.

After the Constitutional convention ended, a Mrs. Powell was able to query Ben Franklin on what form of government had been hammered out, Ben Franklin responded to the question, "Well, Doctor, what have we got, a republic or a monarchy?" Without hesitation, Franklin responded, "A republic, if you can keep it."

Old Ben had a good understanding of government and one of the many men that understood the bad points of a European type government. Other quotes attributed to Ben are, "Freedom is not a gift bestowed upon us by other men, but a right that belongs to us by the laws of God and nature." He also said, "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters. "

Ben, while believing in God had doubts about the divinity of Jesus. Nevertheless he understood from where freedom was given.

I had the opportunity in October to view the live broadcast of Reviveus 2016 which was led by Kirk Cameron. While Reviveus 2016 was an opportunity for thousands of people to worship God all across the country at the same time it was also about patriotism and voting. No candidate for President was endorsed though to me I could see which party is favored. The organization, My Faith Votes was touted during the presentation in an effort to get Christians out to vote. It was noted that the average margin between winner and loser of the Presidential election the last three times was 5 million votes and that 25 million Christian voters did not vote in the last election. The comment was "You do the math". You must consider that even though only some white men were originally allowed to vote, the 15th Amendment gave black men the right to vote, the 19th Amendment gave women the right to vote and the 1965 Civil Rights laws tore down the barriers to vote that had been endured by black men and women since they had gained the right so many years before. The right to vote is a freedom not enjoyed by everyone around the world and we as a free people should exercise that right. Even though in some states felons never lose the right to vote, some states allow felons a resumed right to vote following their release from prison, some states following a complete release even from parole and some states like Alabama provide no resumed right to vote by felons unless the Governor or a Court allows it.

Reviveus 2016 correctly pointed out that this next President should have the opportunity to appoint anywhere from 2-4 Supreme Court justices which can have a huge change in this country just as the Court in Roe v Wade did.

I am in agreement when it was pointed out that the parties have two central themes, one party is more people-centric and one is more government-centric. I think Franklin's remarks are true to the times when so many ugly things rear their heads resulting in a party that has become more government-centric. Franklin said , "Only a virtuous people are capable of freedom. As nations become more corrupt and vicious, they have more need of masters. " We have a country where it is legal to kill some babies in the womb, a country where gang members find love and acceptance among other thugs rather than their families, a country where entitlement is often a key to a vote from some that choose not to give back but to take from Uncle Sam and some "masters" have arisen believing they know what is best for us and want to force laws or Executive actions that take away our freedoms.

The United States is not in the Bible, it has been blessed because so many have called upon God's name. Many now have no regard for God and our society reflects that. It concerns me what kind of country will be available to my children and grandchildren.

I ask that you consider prayerfully who to vote for and to go vote. Consider who wants to direct a government that best serves you by leaving your freedoms alone, then consider which party wants to direct a government that serves you because they want your vote and believe they know better than you what you need in life.

This article is informative only and not meant to be all inclusive. Additionally this article does not serve as legal advice to the reader and does not constitute an attorney- client relationship. The reader should seek counsel from their attorney should any questions exist.

"No representation is made that the quality of legal services performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers."Ronald A. Holtsford, Esq• Ronald A. Holtsford, LLC • 7956 Vaughn Road, Box #124 • Montgomery, AL 36116 • (334) 220-3700

raholtsford@aol.com

The views of this editorial may not express the views of The Alabama Gazette.