For the record, I’m an equal opportunity offender in terms of my own personal politics, mostly because our political system (both major parties) are brimming with cronyism and Potomac Fever. Power can be a dangerous drug. It’s exhausting to observe.
I’m heartened however by this article noting that in recent elections, successful candidates have been less about the “hostile spending” of millions of dollars and more about inspiring voters. Just like in spiritual communities, all of us – all of us – are looking for authenticity and action.
“If you’re knocking on a door because somebody paid you to do it, there’s just no real force behind that. But when someone freely of their own volition signs up to get out there” — especially in the summer heat — “you, the voter, will never forget that encounter.” Beto O’Rourke discussing grassroots campaigning
It’s about an encounter.
I had never heard the term “hostile spending” but apparently many of the millions of dollars that political action committees contribute to candidates are dedicated specifically to this kind of political priority. Drench the airwaves with false information. Erroneously identify rivals as “communists” or “radicals” or “crazies.”
It’s one thing to share facts regarding criminal prosecutions or provable misdeeds for example. It’s another thing to share disinformation, misinformation, and blatant lies. Successful campaigns inspire hope, not hostility.
Now for the inevitable Church Connectiont:
Imagine how it would feel if all church spending intentionally focused on hospitality: supporting homes for the unhoused, food for the hungry, community for the lonely, welcome for the searching. Intentionally focusing on hospitality might be as simple as asking – before we spend chunks of money – “How is this expense offering hospitality to our neighbors?” Church staffs are agents of hospitality. Buildings are tools for hospitality. It matters when we make those connections.
And now imagine how it would feel if political campaigns intentionally focused on what’s best for our nation and world? Health care for the uninsured. Justice for the falsely imprisoned. Shelter for the refugee. It’s also important to remember that government workers can be agents of promoting the essential tenets of our nation. Infrastructure is a tool for health and safety and peacemaking and service. Global support has long term impactful benefits for our nation and other nations.
I long to be inspired: by the Church, by political candidates, by educators, by health professionals. I refuse to sink into despair (although I have my moments.) I truly believe that most of us long to be inspired and to let go of the hostile spending of both money and breath. You?
A Church for Starving Artists 