Well, the midterm elections haven’t even been held yet and already certain candidates are saying that they will only accept the results if they win. This sounds a bit like the so-called plebiscites in the four regions Russia claims voted overwhelmingly to be part of the Russian Federation. Election officials in certain areas have resigned because of threats to their families. What on earth has gone wrong with us?
It’s more than the loss of trust in government, although that plays a part, to be sure. It’s anger by a group of people that the America they think once existed is no longer solid ground under their feet. Fixed on a picture of a country that never really existed, they are terrified of losing power and try to impose their will on others.
The election deniers and their gun-toting buddies remind me of the South in the late 50s and early 60s. The old white establishment that held power realized that if Blacks could vote, they would lose power. Lynching and church bombing have been replaced by the efforts to redraw districts to minimize minority power, but the motivation is the same: keep it the way it always was and crucify the one who overturns the tables.
Prayer for the Day
Holy One, we come at a time of confusion and fear,
Relying on our own resources alone rather than trusting in you;
Afraid of the changing world around us, we flounder about
Unsure of where our questions might lead us.
But we know old answers no longer apply and we find ourselves adrift
Like a ship without a rudder on a vast and open sea.
Help us, merciful One, to help others in these tumultuous times
In the name of him who lived to bring us hope,
Even Christ Jesus our Lord, Amen.
Thoughts for the Day
All voters deserve the freedom to vote and to have their votes counted no matter where they come from.
- Hannah Fried, Director, All Voting Is Local
Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'” Isaac Asimov, scientist and science fiction writer (1920-1992)
But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing for joy;
Spread your protection over them, so those who love your name may exult in you.
Psalm 5:11