What a sensitive combination of words. Do they go together?
In the eve of presidential elections in US and elections everywhere in Europe this year, we bravely or recklessly decided to tackle them together, and get the input of public servants from all over the board, with different affiliations, background & party lines. From different countries and in different stages of involvement in politics, formerly holding important seats or currently representing hundreds of thousands of people.
It is a big deal that they were so approachable, accessible, not just open to dialogue but inviting the audience to hear about them as people, their motivations, their energy source, their values and history. Many have landed in politics reluctantly. Politics was not on their radar, but they were activists at heart, trying to do good in the world.
As my hero in politics like to say: “get your hands dirty but keep you heart clean”.
So, this is what connected outwardly such a diverse group of people, they were moved to act, called to make a difference in the public arena through politics. But they all had one more thing in common. Faith.
And not just the christian faith. One co-counselor of my Christian friend is of a different faith than christian, but just as strong of an engine for justice and peace. And collaboration.
We even looked at Jesus in his political context, and how his message fit in that time. Did it contradict anything? Dit it approve of it?
I have heard many times growing up that if you want to live a life of integrity you don’t mix in politics or with politicians. And then if we have no believer in politics, who will promote social justice, who will lead as servants?
It is a big burden to carry, but calling all politicians corrupt, yet paying taxes, obeying the law, there is a big conflict in that train of thought.
We are called to pray for our elected leaders. Also the system gives us the power to keep elected leaders accountable. Elected officials are human, and many have made mistakes, some bigger than others.
There is this trend in Romanian presidential elections this fall, so imminent elections, where every candidate plays the card of “I am just a human, and I am not perfect”. Some of them don’t speak English well enough, some are not good communicator or public speakers, some have a background with too little or too convoluted experience in politics. I frankly don’t like any of them.
But this last decade I have seen great things come to pass in the legal system, in politics, in local government, in my county.
At ROM we got to experience through role play what it is like to negociate, and there are as many opinions as people in a group. Reaching consensus, compromising, does not mean weakness. Negotiation is an art, and hopefully all parties involved do it with an ounce of faith and trust, if not in the position, figuring out a way to show your hand, dig deep to speak candidly, keep your word and maybe even change the heart of easily distrusting and distrustful opponents. And trust at least in the values they bring to the table.
We have heard many personal stories, and those were most impactful.
Policies change and good laws are passed, but everything takes time. And some pass at their right time. But never be so discouraged to through in the towel. Speak up when you see injustice or abuse. Talk to your representatives. Send emails and letters. We have learned about effective changes that started with a letter sent, which was eventually opened and addressed and because of the timing, that letter was the pebble that shook the carriage off its course.
I have met lovely people from all over the world, whose grace and strength push through adversity just because of an ounce of humor in many difficult circumstances. We heard about discrimination, homelessness, disability, housing, drug abuse and regulations in progress to protect people out and about enjoy a social drink. In UK spiking drinks is now a criminal ofense, because in a short time it has become a serious problem, with long term negative effects on the victims.
So, what’s next? Today is election day in US. I think everyone holds their breath because the outcome will decide on war and peace. In divided cities, neighborhoods, churches, families, states… the topic of politics in US has become explosive. It is sad and overwhelming.
I am an american citizen, but I have friends in Romania more fired up of the american politics than me. And they make inflammatory statements, uncharacteristic to them. Somehow, supporters of Trump take the identity of evangelical to a whole new level. They can’t see through the manipulation and they repeat certain ideas that are not true, and present them as facts. There is little room for dialogue. And I am not a political debater. I’d love to hear people’s hearts and how they reach certain conclusions, but we are not well equipped, we have little experience on how to disagree well.
Alas.
This week gave me hope. Politics are not all offensive, inflammatory, & wins who is the loudest, or most vicious. Nobody wins if we fight for the sake of fighting.
I trust we continue to walk in the light, according to our values, letting God to always search our heart.