Red, White & You [part 2]

You know, I grew up in a traditional southern-style Baptist church. While there is definitely some stigma attached to that institutionalized faith, I am extremely proud of the family that helped my spiritual growth. My church family instilled confidence in me, encouraged me during hard times, and invested tremendously in my education. In fact, without my church family, I wouldn’t be a graduate of Spelman. However, when the 2008 election rolled around, I was in an awkward place.

I kept on hearing how the “bible toting” religious conservatives were Republicans. Nevertheless, I had to come to grips with my spirituality and understand that there are Christian concepts in both parties. I, however, had to read both arguments and decide what aligns best with me. Ultimately, I need you to understand that God transcends partisanship and party stigma.

While the Republican party tends to push certain issues such as the "sanctity of marriage" and "pro-life" women's rights, they fall short on some other aspects of Christianity. When I listened to the RNC speeches, I heard claims based in greed, pride, cruelty and all around hate. George W. Bush let people in New Orleans die for five days before intervening. There is nothing Christian about that. Shoving second-generation immigrants back to a country that they never knew isn’t compassionate; it is cruel. If the goal of the Republican Party is to bring back the “old America” then I imagine the same America that lynched my ancestors in Mississippi and Georgia. I imagine burning bodies and raped women. I imagine racial slurs and hateful legislation.  That is the antithesis of love. Marginalizing poorer citizens and turning your back on those in need is not of God. My faith is grounded in the concept and theme of love- not legislative logistics.

“But whoever has the world’s goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?”

          -1 John 3:17

I do not agree with all of the Democratic views, honestly. However, the views expressed at the DNC resembled love to me. Instead of stiff smiles and disingenuous eyes, I see a passion for the well-being of American citizens- collectively. I see an effort to include all parties in the progression of this country. I see themes of compassion, sacrifice, humility, honesty, and “citizenship” in Obama's campaign. "Obamacare" attempts to provide lifesaving coverage. That is loving. Attempting to cap the interest rates on my college loans is compassionate. Obama wants to end a spiteful, hateful war and bring our troops home. That is peaceful. I see a difference. I see hope.

“That there should be no division in the body, but that the members should have the same care for one another. And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.”

          – 1 Corinthians 12:25-26

As Americans, we are apart of a body. We are neck-high in a new era and we have to approach politics differently. We have to seek out the powerful themes of our spiritual faith to stay grounded and see clearly. Do not let partisanship stop you from voting.  I know a lot Christians (and people in general) feel like they’re voting for the lesser of two evils. I get it. There is a skepticism associated with politics and rightfully so. On both sides, politicians lie, steal and cheat. Nothing is black and white. However, we are called to make tough decisions. Make one. You have until October 9th to register, get to it.

Red, White, & You. [Part I]

I watched the Republican National Conference (*convention. didn't even notice i said that haha , thanks) Honestly, I watched the conference with an open mind and heart because I thought I deserved that much. “Maybe there is something that I am missing,” I thought. I was right. The Republicans have legitimate concerns: They want to protect their businesses, their money, and their families. Don’t we all? They want to decrease taxes because it is an inconvenience for them to spend money helping us “needy, poor, lazy” folk on the blue side of things. I get it. 

You know, when I was studying at UCLA my junior year in high school, we discussed the tracking method in schools. (For those of you who don’t know, tracking is AP placement, honors classes, “regular” courses, and even remedial classes). We (my classmates and I) advocated for the underdog and claimed that tracking included lack of resources for students, attention for students, and caused a lack of educational confidence. Then, my professor asked, “Great. So, how many of you are willing to give up your AP credit and honors courses so everyone can feel equal?” Everyone grew silent. 

I understand that Republicans- primarily affluent, conservative, business driven white people do not want to sacrifice for the people that they do not understand. However, my problem with the RNC is their apprehensive attitude towards understanding. The poor, hard-working, underrepresented MAJORITY make up America. Mitt Romney constantly talks about taking back America and the “old America”. Whose America is he referring to? It cannot be mine. He talks about America as a land made entirely from immigrants. Not my ancestors. Romney recently spoke to a group of inner-city youth and told them that they could make it with hard work and borrowed money from their parents. In what world is he living? His ignorance is terrifying. 

Quite frankly, Mitt has no interest in my reality. I am a college graduate and unlike some blessed individuals, I have loans...plenty. I am a woman who deserves to be paid at the same rate as my male counterparts. Romney doesn’t seem to care. I surveyed the crowd at the RNC and no one looked like me. I did not see my issues addressed. I heard about big-stick, bullying homeland security. I heard about financial protection for millionaires. I heard a bunch of country-club conservatives saying that the rest of us are on our own. That’s scary to me. They can afford college out of pocket. They can afford to start their own businesses without assistance. They can afford high health care prices. They represent a small percentage of America.

You may feel that politics are far removed from you. You may think that national security, taxes, and loans are something for “old people” to deal with. As youth, we tend to live impulsively day-to-day. Nevertheless, I need all of my peers (ages 18 to 120) to sit down and understand how voting affects them. The prices for college, your paycheck, your daughters or sons, your job pool, your hospital bills, personal rights, and safety are INTIMATE issues that will affect you sooner than later. Whether you’re voting for Obama or Romney, it is important to construct the America that you want for yourself.

*fist pump*