If I had money, I’d be willing to bet it all that you know there’s a big election just around the corner. When I consider ads and speeches of the candidates for president, senate and house, it seems results have the potential for producing profound changes in our country. Our votes will determine the kinds of changes, both local and national, and with all the disinformation and misinformation being promulgated, and their resulting extreme polarization, maybe we need to give even more thought this year to picking the most qualified person for each office. Because I’ve been thinking about all this for a while, I decided to share some of my thoughts and questions in this blog. Who knows, they may contribute to some of your own thoughts.
First, my biggest question has many facets:
* How much consideration is given by a candidate to basic human values in dealing with our hyper-complex issues? Whose proposals show the human respect called for by just about every faith and belief system like the gospels, the Koran, and simple human wisdom like the golden rule? This matter seems to underlie almost every challenge from immigration to poverty programs to dealing with climate-related situations. Is there any acknowledgement of the need for understanding and compassion on all sides? After all, election winners will likely have to vote on matters like these.
* Which proposed solutions take into account the welfare of people on all sides of a problem? Whose ideas acknowledge the complexity of situations where there is no “one-size-fits-all” answer (which is probably why some of these matters have gone unresolved for so long)?
* Given this complexity, does each candidate acknowledge that he/she cannot know everything important about an issue and they need to consult with others before making major decisions? Does the candidate seem to believe seeking advice is a strength or a weakness?
* How often is violence toward persons, climate, or culture part of a candidate’s proposed solutions? When the problem is international, which suggestions carry the lowest possibility of tilting one side or the other toward war?
There are a variety of ways to approach the question of whom to vote for, but for me these fundamental questions about values are more important than any particular proposal. I believe it is too easy for any one of us to assume that what we believe is the absolute reality and so leads to the best answer in any situation. Because of this tendency, consultation is vital; the more power and authority a person has, the more vital. It seems to me, however, if a candidate makes plans out of a strong, God/ other-centered belief system, it is much easier to have faith in that decision. After all, one can be sure there will be surprise, unplanned situations. Let us all pray our votes produce the people who will make wise choices because they love and want to protect our country and the planet we all call home.