Politics

Every four years, the country turns its attention to the presidential election and, in the past, I have really enjoyed the show.

A little background: I come from a political family. My grandfather was in regional politics where I grew up and my father has followed in his footsteps at the local level. I am so proud of their service and the family heritage that has been laid down for my generation of the Williams clan. My mother and my father ascribe to opposite political ideologies. Additionally, a guy who I consider my best friend is a staunch member of a political party as is his wonderful (and opinionated) mother. In short, I have been surrounded by politics my entire life.

This election has been of particular interest to me for several reasons. First, I feel like it will directly affect me more than elections have in the past. When President Bush was elected, I was still in graduate school and not in touch with the real world, as I know it now. Second, there are problems in this country and this world that I care about and would love to see solved. I am also an evangelical Christian (which means I take the bible literally and believe that it is the inspired word of God). Many people believe that because of my religious beliefs that I would naturally fall into the lap of a particular political party. As I have matured, both in my age and beliefs, the waters have become more murky in the political pond of my mind.

I say all of this to get to a point. I'm fed up with politics as I know it. In this presidential election we have two men who are mature in age, but allow childish bickering and name calling to be the main focus of their talks. I realize that this is not a new revelation in politics, but somehow these attacks affect me like never before. More importantly to me, both profess Christianity which means that they should strive to live a life like Jesus Christ. I don't think that Jesus would participate in politics as they are today.

When Jesus was on the earth, he focused on the poor, the discouraged, the diseased, the forgotten and the lost. He did not lower himself to the level of those who opposed Him. Along the way He said some radical things. In the bible He is quoted as saying that "when someone strikes you on a right cheek, turn the other also" and "if someone sues you and wants to take your tunic, give him your cloak also". At another point He actually says that if you want to become the greatest, you must become the least and that the greatest must become the servant of all. Jesus did not come to oppose or overthrow the Roman government that was in power in the Middle East during his life. He did not participate in politics. He favored the more subtle, hands on approach to changing society. Jesus worked in the trenches.

Why am I thinking about all of this? Well, I believe in the greatness of America. I see it everyday in the people that I interact with. I see it in the selfless service of military members who are in harms way. I see it when natural disasters happen and Americans pour out support for those in need. I believe in the greatness in the office of president of the United States and also in the congress. The overarching title of all these offices is civil servant. Servant. In my opinion, I don't think that most politicians believe that the core of their office is to be a servant. If they did, they would seek to help the underprivileged (not those people who will bring publicity only, but all people who struggle). Jesus was, in my beliefs, fully God and fully man, and this is what He lived everyday.

It makes me sad that we have two men running for the office of president who, in public, separate what they profess with their mouths from how they act toward each other. I hope that somewhere a spiritual mentor is pulling a politician aside and having an encouraging conversation that goes along this line: "Stay above the fray, turn your cheek, feed the hungry, cloth the naked and be a servant of all."

Another concern is about the amount of money that is spent on an election. I could not fathom the amount of good that could be accomplished with half of the money that is thrown around during lavish dinners and parties. I'll save this for another day and another post.

I'm not sure how I will vote this November. I will not be a straight party ticket for the first time in my life. Maybe one the candidates with forgo the personal attacks and focus on the important things: their country, their fellow citizens and most importantly their God.

But until then....i'm going to the corner