VOTING FOR OPEN DIALOGUE IN EDUCATION |
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Concerns |
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We have heard that some in the OACS community are thinking that: |
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If no party represents all our wishes or ideals, why bother voting at all? |
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How can we vote for one issue (education), when all parties have so many positions on other important matters? |
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If many politicians lie to us, why get excited about helping them? |
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Facts and Principles |
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There are no really satisfying answers to these questions which have frustrated good citizens since the time of recorded history. But we can encourage you to do your civic duty by reminding ourselves what is at stake. |
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“Evil triumphs when good men do nothing.” (E. Burke) |
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“Despair is such a waste of time when there is joy, and lack of faith is such a waste of time when there is God.” (R. Burner) |
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“Men, as well as women, do not need political rights in order that they may govern, but in order that they may not be misgoverned.” (J.S. Mill) |
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“We are justified, from the point of view of exegesis, in regarding the democratic conception of the state as an expansion of the thought of the New Testament.” (K. Barth) |
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“Man’s capacity for justice makes democracy possible. Man’s inclination to injustice makes democracy necessary.” (R. Niebuhr) |
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“Although Christianity has never been the guarantee of a democratic state anywhere in the world, no democracy has ever thrived successfully for any period of time outside of Christian influence.” (T.H. White) |
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“The man who insists on seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides.” (H.F. Amiel) |
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Talking Points |
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Surely we should not ignore the opportunities for dialogue and witness when they appear before us. Elections are big conversations among citizens. |
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Education is the key to religious and moral diversity in a post modern culture. The education system shapes the public mind and then sets the intellectual conditions for the public conversations. It is the battleground for spiritual directions in society. |
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The OACS makes no apology for recommending that education issues should sway your vote. |
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Holding your nose while jumping in the water is often a good strategy for beginners. |
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The basic information you need for making a responsible decision is in these Information Bulletins. |
