IFI Voter Guides Help Voters Make Informed Decisions At The Poll
There are those who believe America is at its zenith as a nation. They claim “tolerance”–which was a result of the cultural revolution of the 1960’s and 70’s–has made the United States a better place to live. I strongly disagree with this assessment–which mostly comes from liberals who feel the sexual revolution has liberated men and women and that diversity has created a more “just” nation. They see the Judeo-Christian ethic as a mechanism which binds the true expression of self–both on the individual and societal level. I could not disagree more with this myopic view of our country.
I still believe in the vision our Founding Fathers had when they created a nation that was radically different from anything the world had ever seen before. But there are forces which are bringing America to its ruin.
The mainstream media has played a significant role by misinforming the public regarding issues that truly matter. The dominant press, in many ways, has abandoned the true tenets of journalism. This is reflected in recent polling which indicates more than 70% of the American public no longer trusts the dominant media. Some claim the Internet is responsible for the fact so many print publications are going out of business. Also, some assert the falling viewership of television news, including that of the three major networks, is a result of cable TV’s 24 hour news cycle. However, these are simply excuses which hold no merit. Americans believe, and rightfully so, the press has an agenda which advances a liberal worldview contrary to their own.
The reason why many newspapers and network news divisions across the country are in dire financial straits is because these journalistic entities have lost touch with the American people. The facts are: Polling indicates 50% of the American public considers themselves conservative. In contrast, over 90% of the journalistic community is radically liberal. Therefore, this has created a disconnect between the public and the dominant press. Conservative cable news networks like the FOX News Channel are flourishing, while other cable networks including CNN, CNBC, and MSNBC are losing propositions financially. Their ratings continue to plummet while FOX News’ ratings soar.
However, the dominant press still has a tremendous influence on the public. Because most Americans work hard every day and have little time to research issues like health care reform and its impact on their lives, they turn to the major networks for information even though they look at the information with a jaundiced eye. Clearly, our nation is at a turning point like never before in our history. Subsequently, the decisions that are made during the next few voting cycles may determine whether our country will remain that “Shining city on a hill.” I believe the choices that will be made in the voting booth in the near future, be they Democrat or Republican, should result from the public obtaining as much information as they can regarding who they send to Springfield and who they elect to represent them in Washington , D.C.
But where and who can the public trust to provide them with the facts needed to make informed decisions in the voting booth?
The Illinois Family Institute (IFI) Voter Guides, which are currently available, is one way to learn about political candidates in order to make an educated decision regarding the future of America. The Voter Guides are non-partisan. Voters can see where a candidate stands on issues they care about. The IFI Voter Guides can be distributed at churches because they are non-partisan and completely legal under IRS guidelines for distribution in churches.
The IFI Voter Guides can be obtained by downloading them from the web site or by calling the Illinois Family Institute at (708) 781-9328.
The IFI has a Voter Guide for each of Illinois’ 19 Congressional Districts. You can look up your Congressional District HERE or call IFI. The full version of the IFI 2010 Primary Election Voter Guide is available for download HERE. Bulk Voter Guides can be obtained by contacting IFI.
The Illinois Family Institute Voter Guides are a good first step to find candidates who share your values. At this important time in America’s history, we need to do all we can to make informed decisions which will impact our lives, the lives of our children and their children as well.
Americans are wise people. It is no accident that we live in a nation that is truly blessed. Millions have paid the price with their blood for our freedoms. We owe it to the generations before us to do as much as we can to preserve the liberty and the inalienable rights given to us by God. These rights do not come from governments, but government can surely take them away.
The February 2nd Republican and Democratic primaries and the general election in November will have an impact on the road America will take. Standing on the sidelines simply won’t do. Letting someone else make the decisions for us will not do either. Ignorance may be the greatest foe of liberty.
