Election season is upon us and South Carolina’s Primary election is June 9th. The Standard is continuously attempting to inform our readers of candidates who are running, the issues that confront us and the principles that are the bedrock of this country. The story below illustrates a serious issue with serious consequences near the end of the article.

Saint Peter

In that vein we ran across a parable of sorts that may help us to recognize the importance of examining the issues, candidates and reality of who we are giving our vote. Enjoy the story, a true story by the way, and take it to heart. Your informed vote will make a difference in the future of this state, and country.

The story goes… While sitting in his easy chair one day a US senator suddenly sees two angels standing next to him, realizes his time on earth is up, and goes with them to his reward in the hereafter. His spirit is escorted upward and he arrives at the judgment room, where he is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

“Welcome to Heaven,” says St. Peter. “Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we’re not sure what to do with you.” “No problem, just let me in,” says the man. “Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we’ll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.” “Really, I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven,” says the senator. “I’m sorry, but we have our rules.”

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked and indulged in many fine things with him. Everyone seems very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on fresh Atlantic salmon, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who appears to be a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises… The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens in heaven at the judgment room where St. Peter is waiting for him.

“Now it’s time to visit heaven.”

So, 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented spirits moving freely from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. Other spirits were moving about taking care of business, while others were on watch, this was very interesting to the senator, he was amazed and had a great time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

“Well, then, you’ve spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose where you want to spend eternity.”

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers:

“Well, I would never have thought it. I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would rather be in Hell.”

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he’s in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above. The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder.

“I don’t understand,” stammered the politician. “Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, joked and danced, and more—it was awesome! Now, there’s just a wasteland piled in filth and everyone looks miserable and disgusting! What happened?”

The Devil looks at him, smiles and says,

“Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted.”

Campaign Promises

Ready for a reality check? Campaign promises are cheap! Many incumbent politicians emerge from their hideout every few years, promise you the stars, “glad hand” you and try to convince you that they have been hard at work to protect your freedoms, liberties, and property. They want you to think your life is better, and you’ve got them to thank for it! Most of the time that is an illusion at best—more often a flat out lie—and is not true, like we just read in our ‘campaign story’ above. South Carolina is a good example of that.

Many South Carolina politicians want you to think that they have been working to make your life better than ever, when in reality they are hoping you never find out how they voted on things like taxes, restrictions on your freedoms, free stuff they are giving away—that you pay for, bureaucratic control and lots of benefits for themselves. As example: The state legislature has recently voted to increase your taxes—again, curtailed your liberties—again, and voted to have the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) to spy on you (H3411) by sending out a newly hired army of 1,000 agents, hired with your tax dollars, into your community—to spy on you starting June 1st! And South Carolina’s Governor, Henry McMaster signed it! They can call it by any other name (like “contact tracers”) but it is still the same—a spy army! Can this or will this be abused? Is the Pope Catholic? What a way to cause trouble for your enemies, political or otherwise! This is a move that takes place in communist countries—Not in America!

Most politicians are hoping you never find out how they voted!

What are Good Candidate Qualifications?

There are good qualified candidates offering to represent you who have never held office, who are not “elitists” and who deserve a good citizen examination, and perhaps your vote. A few things to think about when choosing a proper candidate: Examine their character, does what they say line up with what they do? Are they men capable of doing the job properly? Are they in it for personal gain? Are they men of integrity? Do they have wisdom and understanding of the times we live in? Are they honest and truthful? Does their message reflect their life: are they well known in their community for good works and righteousness? Do they seek true justice? Do they walk in the fear of God? Do they live by a code of conduct that is above reproach? You can find these and other questions to consider for potential leaders in the scriptures at Exodus 18:19-22; Deuteronomy 1:13-17; 16:18-19, and Deuteronomy 17:15-20.

Who are Candidates Worthy of Your Consideration?

There are many fine candidates in South Carolina, but we’ve identified some of those running for office who pass our muster of character and integrity with a Constitutional foundation. They are: Michael LaPierre for U.S. Senate; Chris Smith for Senate District #26; Ryan McCabe for House District #96; and Eddie McCain for House District #88.

For our readers in other areas of South Carolina, there are also incumbents who are worth sending back to the State Legislature, some of them include: Jonathan Hill, House District 8, Stewart Jones, House District 14, and Josiah Magnuson, House District 38.

Every citizen of this country has a vote, if they have prepared to exercise that right. Those who have prepared to vote, by registering 30 days ahead of time, examined the candidates, and who take their civic duty seriously should vote for the good of the country. We have tried to help with a few of those candidates whom we think worthy of your vote. Those who haven’t examined the candidates, and the issues, should probably stay at home, lest they fall into the trap related in the story above and vote in more “Hell” to pay on earth!

Michael Reed is Editor of The Standard.

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