first of all – it immediately makes me think about the importance of personal responsibility. Kind of along the lines of “be the change you want to see”, challenging us that the way we LIVE is so much more valuable than who/what we vote for.

I think this is a very counter-cultural (in America & potentially in the Church) in regards to what we were talking about tonight at CG – are we really “free” to vote for whomever we want for President (or any position, really) or are we forced to choose between 2 affluent (and Berry would argue disconnected) leaders? Then on the other side, are we “free” to be a good neighbor & citizen, to heal & love our families, to respect & steward our environment?

I think the second “freedom” is much more tangible, and also much more difficult. If “we the people” began living our convictions, maybe we wouldn’t have to nag the “government & industries to mend their ways” – or maybe I’m an idealist ;)