September 18, 2006
Division
Yesterday I realized why that age old adage of not discussing politics in public exists. After church, a group of about 10 people - most of whom I know very well and serve with - went to lunch together. Somehow, and for some reason, the topic of President Bush came up and I, stupidly, made a sarcastic comment about him, mostly to myself, (something like, "oh yes, he deserves a medal,") and my friend said, "I can't believe you would say that!" That began a 30 to 40 minute conversation about politics, Bush and our government. I, of course, stood squarely alone.
Anyone who knows me, or has read my site for any amount of time, knows that I consider myself a Republican and that I am a fairly conservative person, politically and socially. Most people also know that I'm not exactly a novice, having received a bachelor's in Political Science and spending a chunk of my work life in government, both as an intern and as a might-as-well-have-been-working-for-free staffer. I've only ever worked for Republicans and during a time when the GOP had control of both the US Congress and the Ohio House. I've campaigned at the local level, the state level and the national level. In 2000 I campaigned for George W. Bush, whom I thought would change the world. (I was right about that one, I guess.)
When then Gov. Bush was testing the waters about a possible presidential run, I read everything about him I could get my hands on. Voraciously I poured over articles in Texas Monthly and online magazines like Slate and Salon. Coincidentally enough, I found an interview I'd printed out that was published May 6, 1999 on salon.com. When I read it last night, I wanted to cry, both for me and for the man I truly believed (I was a True Believer) would save America from herself.
They were saying that W had the potential to reshape the political landscape. That he was a "uniter, not a divider." Even then he had clear moral convictions and a real, life-giving faith, true. But he also said in this interview, and I quote, "Government can't change attitude. Government can lead - a leader can lead and convince people, but there's no law that makes people love each other." He spoke about changing hearts in churches, synagogues and mosques, not in legislation and committees. He said that the role of a civil society is to love people and help those in need and that by doing that, by changing hearts and attitude in society, that a change in laws will follow.
And when I read that, I choked. It is the Bush Administration I see loving the least, along with his rabid "Christian" followers. Where was that kind of leadership when New Orleans residents sat and stewed at the Convention Center for FOUR DAYS while the Federal Government did nothing? Where is the love, period?
My friends said, "But.. but... but.. why aren't you attacking Nagin or the state government?" And it's like they couldn't hear, didn't want to hear, when I said that Katrina was a failure across all levels. It only takes a degree in common sense to know that. But just because the local government failed and the state government failed doesn't get Bush off the hook, when FEMA's entire purpose is to respond on behalf of the Federal Government in national disasters. What were they doing the four years post-9/11 if not preparing for this storm that has been brewing and threatening the Gulf Coast for decades.
In November 2005, when I cast my vote for the Kerry/Edwards ticket, I cried. My heart was broken. I felt like everything I believed in, everything I had espoused was a lie. Bush had turned me into a liar. Where was his small government? His lowered taxes? Why were we (are we) in a war we can't win? Today I ask, how are we able to pump billions of dollars into building a government in Iraq when there are still hundreds of thousands of homeless and displaced Americans in the Gulf Coast? Why is that Thailand's beaches and resorts were up and running less than a year after the tsunami when the casinos and tourist industry that Mississippi relies on to survive, struggles to get back on its feet? How did the people in Sri Lanka get aid - water, clothing, assistance - within 24 hours when there were Americans drowning in their attics three to four days after the storm?
I don't know the answers to any of these questions. I find it truly mind-blowing that anyone who loves God, follows Jesus, could be okay with the job our commander-in-chief is doing around the world. How does a man who wants to follow in the footsteps of my Christ stand before the pulpit of the world and advocate for torture?
I don't know what to do about any of it or what to say to anyone who asks me my opinion. All I can do is cling to Him and look to what I know to be true for guidance and for answers.
Posted by hannah at 05:46 PM
