Oct 29, 2012 2 min read

It is time for that most American of activities – presidential voting. We vote because we must exercise our right, and to express a deep love for this country. As we approach the booth or prepare our ballot for submission, there is a lot to consider. There is a lot on the line. We as a people, as a nation, must rise above the fray; whichever candidate wins, they should put everything else behind them except the good of the people of this great nation. As stated by John Adams, one of our Founding Fathers: “It may be the will of Heaven that America shall suffer calamities still more wasting and distresses yet more dreadful. If this is to be the case, it will have this good effect at least: it will inspire us with many virtues, which we have not, and correct many errors, follies and vices which threaten to disturb, dishonor, and destroy us. The furnace of affliction produces refinement, in states as well as individuals. The new governments which we are assuming will require purification from our vices, and an augmentation of our virtues or there will be no blessings … But I must submit all my hopes and fears to an overruling Providence; in which, unfashionable as the faith may be, I firmly believe.” Like John Adams, pray on your decision, and trust in your faith that the decision you make will be in the best interest of this country, and not just based on a party or a person. LaVerne Johnson Burgettstown