I don’t know about you, but I like simple.  My favorite all time television show is  The Andy Griffith Show because everything about that show is simple. I love the small Arkansas town of Atkins, where I lived on two separate occasions because the town and my life there was simple.  My favorite categories of music are Bluegrass, early Country and Western, early Blues and early Rock and Roll because the melodies, as well as the lyrics are simple and share simple stories.

Readers of earlier editions of Absolute Truth and Freedom can attest to my affection for a 1959 edition of Webster’s Dictionary that belongs to my wife.  Those readers will also recall, I like this particular dictionary because it uses definitions that I recognize, of words that I recognize.  For instance, when referencing music a bit earlier I used the term category rather than genre’.  It’s not that I don’t know the definition of genre’.  It’s not that I never utter genre’.  It’s that my favorite dictionary indicates that genre’ is a not a word of English origin, but of French.  If we keep it simple, when simple is important, than everyone has a chance to understand.

My old pal Noah Webster defines Simple as an adjective meaning single; not complex; undivided; not blended or compounded; pure; plain, unadorned; sincere; natural; unaffected; intelligible; clear; weak in intellect; humble.  Simple may also be used as a noun meaning something unmixed or not compounded; or a medicinal herb.

I like simple.  I like simple because……………..well because……………..because it simplifies things.  How about elections.  How about simplifying elections?

As the process continues to name the 2016 presidential candidates rages on, I seek simplicity, but find none.  As the days pass, I continue to hear labels being thrown about that I once thought I knew the meaning of.  Terms that I thought were simple with simple definitions.  Now, I realize that I’m not so certain I understand the definitions of some words that we commonly use to categorize political leanings and beliefs.  Let’s consider the terms conservative and liberal.

Conservative may be used as an adjective meaning: having the tendency or power to preserve; or as a noun meaning: that which preserves; or one opposed to hasty changes in the political, religious or civil institutions of the country.  Liberal is an adjective meaning generous; munificent; plentiful; free from narrowness in ideas or doctrines; or a noun meaning an opponent of conservatism; one who advocates freedom in political institutions.  Simple enough.  Or is it?

Currently, the Democrat Party is considered liberal in it’s platform, while the Republican Party is considered conservative. Many also feel non Christians are liberal, while Christians are conservative.  So, are we to believe all Democrats are non Christians and all Republicans are Christians.  Remember, all means ALL.  If you group items together, and find just one tiny bit of difference in just one of the items,  the definition of all no longer applies to that grouping.  One is correct to use the term most much more often than all.

Additionally, if one is considered to be a conservative, what does that say bout that individual?  A person may be conservative in a variety of ways.  Just off the top of my head, one may be considered conservative environmentally, financially, constitutionally, religiously, Biblically (not the same as religiously), and artistically, just to name a few.  I’m certain conservative may be applied to other categories apply.  So, if I’m considered to be a conservative, in what way(s) am I conservative?  Keep in mind that to be liberal is the polar opposite of being conservative.  So if I’m considered to be a liberal, in what way(s) am I liberal?

Those who know me would consider me a conservative.  I recently took an online survey that compared my beliefs on ten keys issues to the beliefs of the remaining Democrat and Republican candidates for President.  The results indicated that I am more conservative than any of the candidates left representing both parties.  But……..I am not a Republican.  I repeat, I am not a Republican.  Nor am I a Democrat.  I refuse to be tied to any political party.  The Republican’s don’t even know who they are.  The GOP is split into Mainline ,  Tea Party, Libertarian, and who knows how many other branches.  How is any of this simple?

Now, I realize it would be impossible to find someone to run for any office at any level whom I felt exactly represented all of my beliefs regarding anything that I could possibly have an opinion on.  I would like to find candidates to support, however, that I could have complete trust in to do the right thing at all times because the making the decision was the right thing to do, and not because the decision was what the party platform called for.

I have recently heard the argument made that we are not electing a “Pastor in Chief”, but rather a “Commander in Chief”, and I don’t disagree.  But I can’t help but wonder, If He were in the voting booth, who would my God vote for?