Daily writing prompt

How have your political views changed over time?

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I have started to vote in local elections more often, and my party affiliation has been established for awhile now. There was a stretch when I valued the label of Independent and voted based on whatever candidate struck me as likeable and seemingly capable. But anymore and until convinced otherwise, I am a one-party voter, and it’s not the party of Donald Trump, if he even has an affiliation. He may just be a one-person party, all in for himself.

My worldview and political sensibilities shifted for good during my years as a Lutheran pastor.

Daily writing prompt

How have your political views changed over time?

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They changed significantly and for good, during my years as a pastor.

For most of my voting life, I considered myself an Independent, voting for whoever appealed to me and seemed like the wise choice. But my time in the ministry provided a window on the human condition that I would not have gotten otherwise, and with this came a shift in perspective. I began paying closer attention to responsiveness to need, to the way we treat each other, to the way candidates speak and what they say– blatantly and between the lines– with regard to what they truly care about.

I’ve since begun to question religious faith in general, but certain values remain, and my ballot choices are heavily weighted in one direction anymore.