Republican Party: Part II
I was sitting down at the computer reading the comment from PWS on my last post. I was a little confused. So I turned around and asked him to clarify, saying that I was not sure of his point.
"I knew you would say that," he replied.
But, now that I have been able to discuss this with him, I think I understand things a little bit better. This is usually the case with us. We once tried communicating via blog comments for a brief period of time, but ultimately decided that discussion worked much better for us.
So, here are some clarifying thoughts:
Education is not a cure-all. Neither for societal ills, nor for personal success. My point was not that education in and of itself is more important that other things. My point was that Ohio school funding has been unfair for a long, long time. Kids in Cleveland (the capital of Ohio, by the way) and in rural areas, are not getting the same opportunities as kids in places like Oakwood, Dublin, and Lakota. That isn't right. And the fact that they don't get the same opportunities AND that no one has done anything about it is just as much a moral issue as abortion is.
What bugs me is when Republicans imply that abortion, gay marriage, and gamlbing are the only moral issues. Well, I disagree. And regardless of whether I agree with their position on those issues, I am getting a little tired of messages on my answering machine and ads on TV that speak only of these issues. As if they are casting their hooks into the sea of idiot Christians, hoping to see whose lip they can snag, and drag them to the polls.
Maybe I shouldn't be mad at the GOP at all. They push these issues only because enough Christians have watered down the gospel to a few hot-button political issues. But those, while important, just don't seem like enough to me. And I guess I feel offended that they think that's all I care about.
Now, off the subject a little bit, my discussion with PWS reveals his feelings about school funding. He says that funding alone will not make schools effective. And I tend to agree with that too, but that is another post altogether.
Enough of this.
"I knew you would say that," he replied.
But, now that I have been able to discuss this with him, I think I understand things a little bit better. This is usually the case with us. We once tried communicating via blog comments for a brief period of time, but ultimately decided that discussion worked much better for us.
So, here are some clarifying thoughts:
Education is not a cure-all. Neither for societal ills, nor for personal success. My point was not that education in and of itself is more important that other things. My point was that Ohio school funding has been unfair for a long, long time. Kids in Cleveland (the capital of Ohio, by the way) and in rural areas, are not getting the same opportunities as kids in places like Oakwood, Dublin, and Lakota. That isn't right. And the fact that they don't get the same opportunities AND that no one has done anything about it is just as much a moral issue as abortion is.
What bugs me is when Republicans imply that abortion, gay marriage, and gamlbing are the only moral issues. Well, I disagree. And regardless of whether I agree with their position on those issues, I am getting a little tired of messages on my answering machine and ads on TV that speak only of these issues. As if they are casting their hooks into the sea of idiot Christians, hoping to see whose lip they can snag, and drag them to the polls.
Maybe I shouldn't be mad at the GOP at all. They push these issues only because enough Christians have watered down the gospel to a few hot-button political issues. But those, while important, just don't seem like enough to me. And I guess I feel offended that they think that's all I care about.
Now, off the subject a little bit, my discussion with PWS reveals his feelings about school funding. He says that funding alone will not make schools effective. And I tend to agree with that too, but that is another post altogether.
Enough of this.
Labels: politics
posted by 
at 11:11 PM
9 Comments:
I was so sure that I had commented on that last one, but apparently not. Hmm. Lost brain cells I guess. :D
First, you two crack me up. Keep 'discussing' things, it's good for ya!
I hate that GOP does this. They seem to be a little behind the eight ball and think that Falwell speaks for all of us.
But I think PWS makes a very good point. Obviously, the ideal would be that innovative solutions to our education system are put forth, and then politicians show their faith in our youth, (especially those from more 'humbler' surroundings) by backing up those solutions with funds. However, if I had to choose between money seriously mishandled and creative yet cost efficient solutions, I think I'd have to go with the second choice.
We live near a large school district where many of the residents are generally in a lower income bracket. I have been disgusted over the last decade or so with the amount of corruption and mismanagement in that district.
All that being said, it sounds like some in your area are not getting either option. If we don't figure out how important this issue is, we will all lose!
I think I've written a short novel on your blog here...sorry. :-)
Oh, and I also meant to say that you are entirely right that this is a moral issue. Stupid politics. Life would certainly be a lot easier if there really were only 3 moral issues we had to figure out. :P
Both political parties have reduced the issues down to what can play in 30 min. sound bites. In Texas awhile back I was appalled at the e-mails and recorded messages I was getting about the Gay Rights issues. They made those who championed Gay Rights out to be evil conniving people. Demonizing those who disagree with us is not loving our enemies.
At the root of it, I'd love for there to be no homosexual behavior on this earth, but the solution is a surrender to Christ (and our own surrender can do more to alieviate the problems of homosexuals than our surrender to a political campaign), not political agendas.
Not sure if this makes sense. But I think if we were to all sit and have coffee over this issue we would find ourselves all of the same mind over this.
As a republican (clears throat – cough, cough) I think we as Christians need to concentrate of this biblical truth:
2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
What good are we doing as Christians by trying to force our viewpoint on the world? That is NOT our job. Our job is to humble ourselves, pray, seek God, and turn from our wickedness. PERIOD.
That’s why it irks me when gay rights, abortion and gambling are the “hot button” issues. It’s not my problem. I’m praying about it so I figure, I’m doing my job.
Not saying that debates are not good. :)
Thank you, ladies. I think Leslie is right when she says that if we could sit down for coffee and discuss, we'd likely be in agreement. So, anyone up for a trip to Ohio? I'm assuming Leslie is buying.
And Heather, you make a good point - one that I have a hard time articulating. I think so much of what is going on in the world today can be changed when (we) Christians concern ourselves with wholly following God and knowing him better. People are more likely drawn to Christ when they see commmitted Christians living the abundant life than by listening to us clamoring for more laws to outlaw sin.
I am not sure what you mean by "it's not my problem." I think God does want us to have practical responses to this kind of thing... though I am not sure what they are all the time. And I do think I have some responsibility to help be part of the collective "pointer" of society's moral compass. But, again, how that always plays out, I am still not sure.
Addie, no brain cells? What happened... were you educated in Ohio? Seriously, you bring up two good points. I wish there were simple solutions.
I've driven to Ohio from Texas before. It's long. I mean really long. But, I bet Leslie and I could come up with all the solutions we need during that time period! Tee hee! Besides, she would be an absloute blast on a road trip. That has nothing to do with your post, but I thought I'd put it in there anyway!
I tried to post a big "AMEN" on your first post about this issue but I couldn't get Blogger to cooperate. But I am so on board with you. I think what's happening with public education is disgraceful, and while throwing money at a problem isn't the answer (like Addie said), we, as a nation, are FAILING a generation of children. And that gets my hackles up worse than any of the "hot button" issues do. I am so sick and tired of political parties pointing fingers at groups of people and saying, "THEM! THEM! THEY'RE the ones responsible for the moral failures of our country!"
As Christians, I think we'd all better look in the mirror first.
I'm just sayin'. :-)
Ok, so "not my problem" was harsh. Let me clarify a little more...
What I meant was, the only person I can change is myself. Can I conduct myself in a manner that can define a moral compass for someone else, sure. Should I tell them, you can not do XYZ or you are going to hell? Nope. God already did that AND he gave us a choice to follow those directives. If someone doesn't follow them, it is not up to me to condemn them. I see christians picketing abortion clinics all of the time and it makes me sick. What kind of moral compass is that?
AND I think it should also be pointed out that in the bible it says to go to your brother and confront them (lovingly) if they've sinned. (I don't have time right now to look it up...) It is speaking about SAVED people. It does not mean that I should go to my neighbor who is unsaved and pass judgement on them.
Not saying you are... :) just trying to clarify my statement.
Thanks for putting yourself out there--it makes me feel so much less alone! I LOVED your 'casting hooks into the sea of idiot Christians' image; I wish I could steal it!
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