It's a Long Way to November

At this point, I must confess a weariness with our electoral process. I know, election day is still more than three months away, and yes, there are still thousands of attack ads, half-truths, and passionate hallway conversations to be endured. I understand the process and applaud the freedom that allows the unique brand of political discourse that seems to define our republic, but honestly, some days, one wonders if there isn't a better way. 

Over the last few weeks, in the Republican and Democratic conventions, much has been said about our nation's founders. Each party has it's own perspective on the original intent of their actions and the governing documents they produced. It seems to me, at times, we trivialize the great truths of these founding documents, as if they are best captured and interpreted only by certain individuals or political parties. Certainly, freedom allows for differing perspectives, but it does not give license to the berating, vindictive, even violent attacks that have come to characterize this campaign season. I understand the give and take of the political process and know that there have certainly been raucous, questionable strategies and actions in our nation's history. For the first time, however, in my recollection, the widespread assault on truth, decency, and integrity that both parties and candidates seem to have embraced, signals a disrespect for these truths we say we hold as self-evident. 

One might say today that disenchantment, anger, protectionism, and fear have colored our political perspectives. Each element, on its own, can be damaging to the process, but together they are cultivating an environment that has undermined the ability to govern. Already, we seem content to stand in our corners, point angry fingers across the wide chasms of our disagreements, assuming the worst about anyone whose opinion doesn't line up with our own. Such pride and arrogance is not only indicative of our political process, it is also taking root in our culture. As a result, it is so much easier to cast aside the "other" who is different for whatever reason and to continually narrow our focus to the point that no one is above reproach. 

In a democracy, perfection isn't a realistic characteristic of government, its leaders, or its people. Neither is lockstep conformity. Unless we are satisfied to retreat further into devastating isolation we are going to have to learn to sit down and work with people of different perspectives, faiths, races, and ethnicities, respecting them, affirming with our nation's founders, that "we hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness." 

It's a long way to November. We are told it will be a bumpy, dirty road leading to decision. Let us fight the temptation to join the cynical parade that simply accepts this as the "new normal," and expect something different...something more. It begins in your and my conversations...it continues in the perseverance of respect that allows for difference and difference of opinion...it continues in the unique freedom that binds us together, individually and corporately as citizens of this nation. And for those of us whose faith informs these thoughts and choices, let us pray for wisdom to think, speak, and choose wisely. 

Jim Abernathy