As many of you know, Gene and I began our life together as husband and
wife seven weeks ago at the University Lutheran Church here in
Massachusetts. We wanted you to know how much we appreciate the love
and support we received from all of our friends and family. We are
truly blessed.
As we begin planning our lives together, we are also thinking very much
about the Presidential election that is only a week away, because the
results of that election will have so much of an effect on our future
(and future of our children). I wanted to share with you some of my
feelings and thoughts about the election. I will say up front that
these feelings and thoughts mix religion and politics, because my
Christian beliefs have shaped my beliefs about government.
Frankly, I’m hoping that some of you will agree with me, but whether
you do or not, I respect the choice that reflects your beliefs and look
forward to future discussions.
On November 2, I will vote for John Kerry. I will not do so because he
is perfect or because I agree with all of his positions. I don’t.
Still, I think that Kerry reflects a wiser approach to government than
our current administration demonstrates.
Our government is not perfect. I don’t believe we can expect perfect
human community until Christ’s return. But, I do believe we are
stewards of our time, talents, and treasures here on earth. And, I
think we can ask as much of our government: to be a good steward and
caretaker of God’s creation and the many blessings of this life.
I am concerned that George Bush and his government has failed to use
wisely the wealth and reputation of this nation. The most notable
example, for me, are policies that encourage us to think in terms of
personal tax benefits rather than national and community-wide welfare.
In 2001, George Bush offered the first of several tax cuts and many of
us started receiving checks in the mail. He has cut taxes twice since
then. Christianity reminds me that we are sinful, tending toward
self-gratification and convenience. So, when George Bush started
touting personal tax cuts and personal saving as the solution to large
national problems, I had to stop and ask myself, is this stewardship or
convenience? Although the President promises that tax relief will
strengthen the economy, is this more for my own comfort than it is for
making my country better?
I am worried that Bush’s tax cuts are not making our country better –
and working Americans will be hurt the most by them. Tax cuts flow most
heavily to the wealthy. My tax savings is about $900 a year; people
earning $1 million a year receive about $50,000 a year in tax relief.
At the same time that Bush issued tax cuts, he started cutting back on
public-private partnerships that help millions of poor Americans secure
housing, claiming it was too expensive. He is urging us all to invest
in our own private health care savings accounts, but what becomes of
people whose wages barely pay the rent, never mind saving for future
health catastrophe? He has no credible plan to help the 40 million
Americans, including 11 million children, who have no health insurance
at all.
Bush tells us we can apply compassionate conservatism and charity to
meet our nation’s needs. It is true that we can help heal each other’s
brokenness through prayer and service – but can we provide our neighbor
with health insurance? I tend to think that our larger concerns – like
health care and housing – require thoughtful action by private citizens
and government together. Bush’s tax cuts make this harder to do. Tax
cuts and war-related spending have produced a national budget deficit
of $422 billion – a deficit expected to grow to $1.4 to $5 trillion in
the next 10 years. Just like you or me, the government has to pay back
its debts. Today’s tax cuts borrow against our future ability to meet
the needs of Americans. To me, this reflects poor stewardship.
I see George Bush’s preference for self-interest over stewardship
leading our conduct in Iraq as well. I confess that, even though Christ
teaches us to love our enemies, I am not a pacifist. I do, however,
feel that war is the tragic choice of last resort, when all other
options have failed. There’s a lot I don’t understand about the war.
But, the question that persists for me: is the war for Iraq or America?
Was it to free the people of Iraq or to demonstrate America’s might in
the wake of 9-11? If it was the latter, was it good, wise reason to
invade a nation and put soldiers in danger?
George Bush tells us that we will be better off – richer, more
comfortable, safer – going his route. To me it feels like he’s
asking me to vote with my gut – that is, out of self-interest. But I
believe that we Americans are blessed: our stomachs are full. Our greatest challenge, as it always
has been, is to love: love our neighbors and even our enemies. So as a
Christian struggling to find my place in American politics, when asked
by either party to vote with my gut, I will try instead to listen to my
heart. I pray you will do so as well – no matter who you choose on
November 2.
