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Stand To Make a Difference in the 2008 Presidential Election!
With all the accusation, speculation, rancor and downright fraud at hand in this year's election between Barack Obama and John McCain, there is little wonder why the people, whether they are decided or not, are feeling wearied and worried about this election. Not only about who will win, but how they will win, and whether the country will be damaged in the process. This site was created first in 2004 to address the drama at hand at that time, and now, the time has come again to bring it back for the remaining 7 days until election day, Nov 4th.
Here at Vigil for Civilty, we are calling on all Americans to empower themselves and others by standing together against political cynicism. Stand by declaring your personal Act of Vigilance (AOV), and host or attend a local meeting for civility if you can. It feels much better than standing on the sidelines and cursing the darkness.
The Vigil is Inclusive
Our goals are strictly in the common interest!
Some who have come to the site are concerned that the message and direction is somehow designed to appeal to only a certain demographic. With partisan arguments loaded into their six-shooters, people are looking desperately for the 'angle' in this site but are missing the point. It is not our place to endorse any candidate, or to water down the passion that any member feels toward their candidate.
What this site represents however is an opportunity for both candidates and partisans to demonstrate their pre-emminent belief in civility over victory. The members here believe that political ambition and partisanship can be vigorous and even aggressive without sliding into areas of illegal activity, misrepresentation and fraud.
Vigil for Civility also is designed not to appeal to any particular religious demographic, while keeping it's emphasis on fasting (aka hunger striking) and personal spiritual discipline (aka prayer). These disciplines are found in all religions, and have proven through history to be very effective in bringing positive change. If Ghandi and ML King can both use these principles as found in Matt 5-7 in a positive way in their generations, there is no reason for anyone to fear a return to these higher ideals in this generation.
We appeal to the growing demographic in America and around the world that hold these two statements as clearly evident:
- That we can't afford to see the continued erosion of our confidence in the democratic process.
-- 60% of Americans think this year widespread voter fraud is likely to occur in this election.
- That the power of unified, civil insistence and prayer creates a positive effect and is called for in such a time as this.
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The Vigil is Volatile
This is a call to protest!
As election day approaches, the need for America to rise up and stand for decency could not be greater. The Vigil For Civility calls upon all Americans to exercise their duty to protest against the 'win at all costs' mentality that cultivates voter fraud, vandalism, violence, intimidation, legal threats, disingenuous protests, gratuitous spin and underhanded political manipulation.
The people need to decide our next president -- not the political hacks, spinmeisters or the courts! If we allow lawyers and courts and coercive tactics to overshadow what should be a matter of legitimate vote counting of valid ballots, we could lose our confidence in democracy, and our respectability in the world will be tarnished immeasurably.
Do you, our political leaders, really think you can avoid clear and direct questions from the people from which you seek a vote? Standing aloof, avoiding press conferences, obscuring positions and pointing fingers before an informed electorate you are accountable to is the wrong way to lead the greatest nation in the world. You are all standing before us, your constitutionally enabled hiring committee, and we expect clean contrasts on positions, civil, honorable conduct, and rational closing arguments.
Vigil for Civility calls upon John McCain and Barack Obama to reign in their surrogates and join the Vigil themselves, creating an AOV that is their own pledge and oath of civility in how they will handle the process of determining the legal and proper outcome of the vote counts.
We call upon the press to take notice and recognize the demands of the people now, and focus their coverage on substance over stagecraft.
The world awaits!
Join with us today in this emergency VIGIL FOR CIVILITY!
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