For some
time I have been trying to find a way to express my feelings about what I see
as a dangerous trend in American politics and thinking. I love my country and
want it to be safe. But I also appreciate the benefits others have received
from the marvelous experiment that is The United States of America, even if their
origins are not the same as mine. The clamor caused by some of our political,
social, and economic leaders to protect the country by testing or limiting the
freedoms of specific nationalities or ethnicity is a very dangerous
proposition. When we start to fiddle with the rights of citizens based on
birthplace, religion, or culture we begin the journey that will result in a
loss of freedom for all.
A few days
ago I was pointed to a link
about a group that is in such a position. The focus of the article was Scouting
amongst a ‘less-than-popular’ religious group and how they have dealt with prejudices
encountered. As I read their story I was impressed with the feeling of “this
could easily be the story of my people, and has been in the past.” It wasn’t
too many years ago my own religious faith suffered from some extreme
persecution because others misinterpreted the true facts about what we believe.
And now, again, I am witnessing frightening statements that echo the fearful
experiences of past days.
Somehow, Americans
must come to understand that there will always be groups of good people that
are unpopular and feared because they are different. And there will always be
politicians, teachers, business leaders, and others who will try to influence
their constituents through fear and prejudice for their own personal gain. Whether
it be financial, political, religious, or some other reason, these influencers
have only one interest at heart --- selfish increase. And when good people let
these desires of others hold sway over what they know to be correct – then we
have the beginnings of captivity for all.
I am very
disappointed with the direction our political, economic, and social worlds have
moved in the past few decades. There is too much of self-centeredness and too
little charity (in
the Christian sense of the word) being offered by many who lead. The more we
separate ourselves into classes (Democrat, Republican, LGBT, Straight,
Christian, Muslim, etc.), the more likely we are to have fear and loathing for
the other side. And fear begets fear until there is no trust left and we divide
into little cliques of our own making and disassociate from the main body of the
citizenry. While that may not seem a particularly bad thing, there are always consequences
when we withdraw from the body of the people. Let me illustrate by referring to
an experience from the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 7).
A few years
before the coming of the Savior, the Nephite nation was going through a
difficult time of conflict and political upheaval. An unsavory group had gained
control of the government and were doing an awful job governing. It got so bad
that when a secret band of men murdered the duly chosen but morally corrupt
national leader the whole government fell into disarray. Confusion reigned and
the citizens banded together in small groups based primarily on familial and
neighborhood associations. Each group created their own set of laws based on
the whims and traditions of their leaders. The only common agreement between
the groups was that they would not go to war with each other – each would be
allowed autonomy in their own place.
In many
ways, our nation is on the brink of just such a calamity. The focus of a small
minority is the personal satisfaction of their own needs and wants at the
expense of the safety and protection of society. Instead of recognizing that the
majority will be hurt through the unlimited exercising of individual desires
(rights??), no matter how abhorrent, the vocal minority insist that everything must
be recognized, legalized, and satiated. To do otherwise would be unfair to
those offended.
And when
new freedom is given, by law or through social edict, even more is expected. As
the laws that have been traditionally obeyed in the past become less important
or are eliminated, this nation begins to withdraw into little groups designed
to protect the individual rights of the identified group. And the pains caused
by these separations are pushed off as part of the path to progress.
When those
who wish to lead this country begin to create classes of people who are desirable
or politically correct, we are following the same pattern as those in ancient
days. The results will be the same. Unity is founded on a mutual respect for
the common good and the inalienable rights of the individual AND society. Traditionally
that has included some give and take on both sides. But give and take does not
mean an abdication of all that is morally right. It is wrong to judge an
individual by their faith/beliefs in God. There will always be aberrations in a
religious society, but to judge a whole faith by their outliers is unfair and
unjust. Tolerance does not mean acceptance of behavior that is unseemly and
destructive. But it does mean that we cannot judge a whole society by the
misdeeds of a small minority.
There must be a distinction.
One of the
reasons for concern this election season is founded in the dilemma we are all
facing. As politicians vie for our votes they say whatever they think will sway
us to their side, no matter how preposterous.
We know this and, for the most
part, are not fooled by their rhetoric.
Unfortunately,
this political cycle seems to have a deep thread of nastiness and a shallow
basin of substance. Most of what we hear is pandering to the selfishness of the
individual. It sounds good for personal reasons, but what are the costs to the ‘body
politic’? We’ve been headed down this
road for quite some time, but I wonder if this might be a more dangerous trip
than experienced in recent memory.
I have always
had confidence in the morality and intelligence of people. Human nature is
generally drawn to do that which is good. But if we begin to listen and follow
the rantings of the most extreme in our citizenry, there aren’t many good thing
that will come to pass.
My hope is that people will search their hearts and find
goodness in those around them. I am confident that if we will all think beyond
the sound bites and placards of politicians we will see what is right and make
wise decisions. It would be wonderful if people took time to converse with God
on the choices they have to make and listened to His answer. It’s a sure bet
that things would work out a lot nicer if they did.
Here’s to
getting good answers and ignoring extremes.
