How to decide, who to vote for?

Having just gone through the recent county, state, and national primary elections and looking to fall 2006, I believe a recurring question needs to be addressed again. What system of logic do we use to disseminate valid information from the myriad of campaign speeches and conflicting performance claims of the various candidates?

Since U.S. culture and our training adamantly teaches a market economy, it would seem that in choosing legislators to govern we would basically follow that intrinsic philosophy. Let me offer an analogy:

From time to time all of us who are everyday hardworking consumers have to make a decision on a big item (relative to income) purchase of a product, a service, or professional counsel. As we begin this quest what do we expect at the end of our search? Do we not expect product quality, dependability and integrity of seller, and price to be the deciding factors in making our decision?

In evaluating the seller, would you likely ask how often he or she goes to church or if they can quote scripture to you? In the case of a corporate seller is it important to you whether they encourage employee bible study at lunchtime? Most of our right wing self-righteous, Christian coalition candidates pander to these activities as their prime strategy.

If your answer to the two questions above is "NO" would it not seem logical to evaluate politicians on the quality and dependability of their policies, their integrity and their performance in the same way you evaluate any other product or service? And, of course, what is the financial cost?

This letter is in no way intended to disrespect any religion or church; I have been active in The United Methodist Church my entire life. I do, however, disrespect politicians who pander to churches for control and votes rather than offer legitimate representation and service to all citizens irregardless of their spiritual beliefs or opinions.