A Word of Encouragement from Elizabeth Rice Handford
In the current political campaigns, I’ve heard words that if I’d had the temerity to use at home, my mother would have washed my mouth out with a big bar of lye soap.
Of course the candidates of both parties disagree on issues. That’s why they chose the side they did, and that’s why we vote for the candidates with whom we agree. But the invectives, the personal insinuations, and
the vulgar words candidates are using in this campaign, to my mind, go far beyond what gentlemen ought to use.
Why can’t we disagree on important matters and still be courteous and civil when we talk about them with each other?
In college I competed for three years in intercollegiate debate tournaments. It was one of the most important learning experiences of my college life. The rules were strict and binding. We were not given a choice of topics to debate. That was announced in the fall by the national association. We could not choose which side we would defend, the affirmative or negative. Nor did we know which side we would argue until we walked into the debate. So we studied very hard to understand both sides. We were surprised to learn that on every assigned topic, we could find legitimate concerns on both sides.
So in the current wild frenzy of this election, let’s not lose sight of the foundational truths all of us Americans really do passionately agree about. We must not burden future generations with impossible debts because our government spends money we do not have. We Americans do have a quality of life, a freedom unmatched by any country in the world. It is very precious and vulnerable, and we must guard it. We must be protect the balance of power inherent in our government between Congress, the Supreme Court, and the presidency. Shouldn’t we debate thoughtfully and intelligently on how best to achieve them rather than calling each other silly names, using intemperate language?
The other day a candidate for office knocked on my door. I’d read his campaign materials; I had wished I could talk to him about my concerns. I agreed with his platform, but not his rhetoric. So when he knocked on my door and told me his name, I sweetly said (like the spider to the fly), “Come into my parlor, dear,” And he did.
We talked eagerly together about his platform, his views on solving problems, what he thought most important. I expressed my grief that both parties seemed to be pushing against each other harder and harder, admitting no compromise of any kind. The widening the gap of discontent and disagreement between Americans is worsening every day. Couldn’t he somehow find words that would bring us together, help find fair solutions? Could he somehow “unite us” instead of “untie” us? Couldn’t he find the words to help us once again to become the United States of America?
“I think it is too late for that,” he answered quietly.
I think he’s wrong. We Christians worship the great God of Creation, the King of all Kings and Lord of All Lords. He is still in control of His world. In Micah 6:8 He tells us exactly what He expects of us:
O people, the LORD has already told you what is good,
and this is what He requires:
do what is right,
love mercy,
and walk humbly with your God.
Gentlemen (and Ladies!), may God help us to find the words that will not inflame our quarrels, but rather bring us together for the high and holy reasons He gave us this dear country.