When families are divided in their political views they learn the etiquette of disagreement. Sometimes this does not happen until after they have stumbled and succumbed to raised eyebrows and voices.
Few families agree across the board when it comes to politics and candidates. This year is no different and in fact the differences may be so pronounced that the discussions over the issues and the candidates have to be minimal for the sake of family unity. If the political talk gets too heated it is wise to set some ground rules.
Acknowledge different beliefs and opinions and agree to disagree and not take the disagreements personally. Supporting opposing candidates does not mean relationships should be strained. While the passion that fuels support of one political party or candidate is important and energizing it should not be the focus of all conversation.
Each of us listens and reads and comes to our own conclusions on who to support and how to vote. None of us should impose our choices on another or ridicule those with differing viewpoints.
My oldest daughter came to an interesting conclusion after preparing the readings for a special liturgy. She said she knew if Jesus were alive today which political party he would support. My initial response was to chuckle. After thinking about it I looked at the readings she was working with and understood her comment.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit…Blessed are the meek…Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice…Blessed are the merciful…Blessed are the peacemakers…" My daughter sees only one party upholding these principles. While this may or may not be true, it is certainly food for thought.
Intelligent, caring people will see the current state of affairs in this country and the world in different ways. Some see the war in Iraq as necessary; others see it as an illegal invasion of another country. Some see the plight of the poor as unjust while others see it as missed opportunities or lack of hard work by those who have little. Some see our educational system as adequate; others advocate the need for change. Many see immigration issues as the scourge of our times while others try to develop a system that allows more people to live the American dream.
We could debate these issues and many others and come to little agreement. Our job is to look at every issue, every candidate, and then look deep into our own souls to figure out where we stand based on a properly formed conscience, a conscience that is influenced by the Gospel messages of love, caring and respect for all life.
There are those who say that Catholics must vote for a certain candidate to remain true to Catholic teachings; some go as far as endorsing certain candidates, even preaching on their behalf. According to the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops' pastoral letter, Faithful Citizenship: A Call to Political Responsibility, the job of the church is to raise questions about the choices facing voters, offering sound moral leadership, and keeping in mind the human dimension of the choices facing voters.
While the war in Iraq is a major focus in this election there are many other things we need to think about before casting our votes. As stated in the bishops' letter, the central question should not be, "Are you better off than you were four years ago?" It should be, "How can 'we' --- all of us, especially the weak and the vulnerable --- be better off in the years ahead? How can we protect and promote human life and dignity? How can we pursue greater justice and peace?
All Catholics are urged to register and vote. We are also challenged to become more involved in public life, sharing the message of Jesus in the workplace and community as well as in our homes and churches, keeping in mind that it is not just our words that make the impact but also our behavior toward each other that carries this message.
I cannot say which party or candidate Jesus would support if he walked among us today.
I do believe, however, that he would advocate for better healthcare for everyone, better care of our precious natural resources, more cooperation among nations of the world and the sharing of food and medicine with everyone on the planet. He would certainly advocate for a decent and fair minimal wage.
We need to educate ourselves beyond partisan radio and television programs, newspapers and Internet sites. A good place to start is with this letter of the bishops that can be found at www.usccb.org. (United States Catholic Conference of Bishops) and click on Faithful Citizenship: A Catholic Call to Political Responsibility. Anne Hansen is a parent education consultant and a parishioner at Blessed Junípero Serra Church, Camarillo. Her e-mail address is familymail@aol.com.
|