On Politics and Disillusionment

A young man running for the VA House of Delegates came to my door this evening to ask for my vote. He had a brochure in his hand that outlined his (I guess the word is) "platform". He asked me if I was aware of the upcoming election - who the candidates were, etc. I had to admit that, though I knew there was an upcoming election (it's almost November after all),that I did not know who was running or what they considered the "issues" to be.

He was a nice fellow - seemed very earnest. We had a very civil - even friendly conversation, even though he knew that I was not of his political party. His brochure gave some very general statements about what he would do if elected. I told him that I would be more likely to vote for him if along with those general objectives, that he would include some specific action items.

He said, "What do you mean?" I explained that as a business woman, I have objectives that I'm required to meet. It's not enough, however, for me to simply say that I'm going to meet or exceed them. I have to provide a plan - and sometimes a contingency plan explaining how I'm going to meet the objectives.

That's one of the things about politics generally that bothers me. There's plenty of talk about what needs to be done, but not a lot of disclosure about how those things will be accomplished. I don't get the sense that very much actually does get accomplished - though I'm willing to admit that I may be ignorant on that front.

Another problem I have is the question of motivation. I believe that the fellow who knocked on my door this evening truly wants to make a difference. Perhaps most - maybe all- politicians begin this way. I suspect, however, that once someone decides to become a career politician, that their motivation changes - at least to some degree.

I would describe myself as fairly apolitical. I'm not against politics per se, but find it hard to believe that any important answers are found in government. Maybe I'm a product of my generation. Nixon was impeached during my formative years. President Reagan was a brief 8 year period when I believed that politics could provide answers to important problems. Don't get me wrong, I am thankful for the USA and the freedom I enjoy. But I don't believe that God is terribly invested in our form of government - including our freedom.

I will do my civic duty and vote as responsibly as I can. I always do. However, it'll be as one choosing the lesser of two evils, rather than a great good. I'll also work for justice and peace as a private citizen - in the sphere in which I have influence - inviting God to do His work, expanding His Kingdom and His agenda in me and through me.