Voters should set aside emotion and judge candidates by their constitutional fidelity and past actions.
Emotion vs. Scrutiny
It is good practice to stand back from the emotion of issues and put them under scrutiny. It’s also good practice to avoid voting for promises. We vote based on a record of action and support for the Constitution.
For example, there is a strong emotional response in the United States to immigration in general. Since we don’t do politics on this website, let’s look at Article IV, section 4 of the Constitution, which says:
“The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot convene) against domestic Violence.”
This phrase stands out boldly: “…. and shall protect each of them against invasion.”
A Personal Conversation
In a conversation with a young woman from a major sanctuary city, she said that she would lay down her life for any attempt to take an acquaintance for questioning and potential deportation. It is fair to examine the emotions surrounding immigration issues and voting based on promises and unconstitutional action.
I counseled her not to place her body between a federal agent and the suspect. After all, we don’t know what the law officers know about a suspect’s complete story. She said that inner cities are built on immigrants who form solid, cohesive communities. Stop. Notice the emotion of good intentions and the tendency to take the law into her own hands.
Know the Law, Not Hearsay
It sounds valiant, even “American” to stand up for what is right. However, if you haven’t studied our founding American documents, you don’t know the law. Also, you don’t learn the law by hearsay from a politician, the press, or a professor. You must study it for yourself. For example, what is meant by “invasion?” Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines it as: “An attack on the rights of another; infringement or violation.”
If you disagree that admitting an average reported figure of 5,100 illegal border crossings per day for four years constitutes an invasion, then you might consider studying what U.S. law considers to be legal immigration, not only what a sanctuary city says is legal.
Second, I counseled the young woman that letting your emotions lead you in a situation beyond your control may not end well for you. She said she admired my passion for God and country, but she would never accept my position on issues because, in her view, “you are wrong.”
Support American Law, Not Promises
We the People have many citizens who vote for promises rather than for the laws that support the Constitution. More and more locations are choosing leaders who do not support American laws. Instead, the politicians in these locations are making promises that get them elected.
Study candidates’ records and the Constitution before you vote to avoid being misled by emotions and promises.
This is Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.🇺🇸
Citations:
United States Constitution. Art. IV, Sec. 4
“Invasion.” Webster’s Dictionary 1828. 1828. http://www.webstersdictionary1828.com (30 Jan. 2026).
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