There have been many crises over the past 200+ years to which that thought might also apply. The 911 terrorist attacks come quickly to mind, not to mention the two world wars and countless other wars since 1776.
In its own way, the Presidential election cycle has become a very soul-trying time every four years. It says a great deal about the soul of our nation, and about each of us individually. Sometimes it brings out the best in people. And all too often, it brings out the worst. It's saddening, and I must say embarrassing, to watch American politics these days. I'm all for debating the issues; there are often important things that need to be debated publicly. But the way some in both major parties demonize each other doesn't resemble debate so much as it does Jerry Springer.
As a registered Democrat, I am more than willing to admit to some childishness and vitriol from the leaders of my party. But recently those on the other side of the aisle seem to be trying to corner the market. And what bothers me the most is the usurpation and distortion of faith by the religious right. Many in the right wing paint themselves as the standard bearers of morality and truth, crying loudly about "family values" and decrying the left's "war on religion." Problem is that a lot of what the religious right props up as morality are far from the virtues that Jesus espoused in the Sermon on the Mount. In fact, they have become modern versions of the Pharisees for whom Jesus reserved his harshest criticism. And as a Pennsylvanian, I am rather embarrassed to be from the home of Rick Santorum, perhaps the chief Pharisee.
Now, I don't doubt that some of these folks have good motives. At least I hope they do. Perhaps it's just a product of the current political climate that engenders this vicious mentality. Somehow, we need to find our way back to respectful and reasonable political debate. But right now that seems to be a long way off.
No comments:
Post a Comment