The Great Divide
Luke 11:17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
This week as I sit in front of my computer to blog, the thoughts that fill my mind, like many of you, and make my heart ache are about the American election. It is late on Thursday afternoon and it is still unclear who will be the next President of the USA.
What has become clear to me is that regardless of who wins, there are troubled times ahead for America and the world. Many of us might wonder why as Canadians, we are so fixated on American politics but the reality is, “When the US sneezes, Canada catches a cold.” Whether we like it or not, our futures are inexorably linked.
The world today is dealing with conflict in the Korean Peninsula, the Middle East, Crimea and the Holy Land, to name just a few. The population of refugees and displaced persons, from conflict and natural disasters around the world, is on the rise. Global warming triggers severe weather and threatens our future. And all of this is in the middle of a world-wide pandemic which, in addition to the loss of human life, has brought us to the brink of an economic crisis.
If there was ever a time that the United States needed to be united to face challenges on many fronts, this is it. This is not simply a close election in America, but one that illuminates the great divide in America society. It is not just about a traditional liberal/conservative split that illustrates the difference between rural and urban values. The vote is divided by colour, by economic status, gender, education and culture. One small example is that the Republicans captured Florida by reaching out to Cuban-Americans. The Democrats make no secret that they rely on the “Black Vote.”
As a Canadian and person of faith, I cannot really understand why people might vote for Trump, based on his unethical behavior on so many different levels. But unfortunately, I did understand it this morning when a reporter was interviewing someone who voted for him. After outlining the many incidents that would make it hard for most of us to vote for Trump, the reporter asked the man, “In light of all the things he has done, why did you vote for him?” The answer was simple, “Because he hates the same people that we hate.”
Whoever is elected to the Office of the President, the Senate or the House of Representatives, their task is monumental. If America is to deal with the challenges facing it and the world, they must figure out how to repair this great divide. Systemic and Institutional Racism has plagued America since its inception and if Republicans and Democrats cannot come together and heal this festering wound, their future, as a nation and as a people, is in peril.
I don’t write this blog to judge or to condemn. I think if there was ever a time that America needed compassion it is now. And so, I would appeal to all people of faith to pray for our brothers and sisters to the south. For it is only in love that we shall be healed. Amen