The Student Newspaper of Westminster Christian Academy

The Wildcat Roar

The Student Newspaper of Westminster Christian Academy

The Wildcat Roar

The Student Newspaper of Westminster Christian Academy

The Wildcat Roar

Dirty Politics

Every four years, it seems as though the people take charge of their futures again. They get to look at each official and truly ponder what they have done or imagine what the nominees have the potential to do. The voice of the people once again matters.

Regardless of race, class or sex, there is always someone dying to win over every United States citizen’s vote. They promise that if the American people entrust them with one of the most valuable, precious things a citizen of this country has to offer, they will grant their every government wish.

In many countries, this luxury has and perhaps never will be a reality. Many governments make it a religious practice to silence the voices of their citizens and promote anything but democracy. Living in a country that celebrates freedom of speech and considers voting a civil right is a privilege. It is the exception. Not the rule.

So during presidential election years, Americans should take the time and reflect on all this country has to offer, which is not only the right to vote. America is a country where two divergent ideas such as unity and diversity have found a way to come together as one. In a country like this, where every state on the map offers a different culture and people, one cannot help but admit our differences are truly our strengths. They are also something, as a nation, America has chosen to celebrate. Liberty, diversity and unity are things that are embraced. Citizens are allowed and encouraged to think, believe and say whatever they please.

This seemed to be the practice of previous election years. Americans enjoyed the liberty to vote for whom they pleased but eventually came together in unity to work towards the common good regardless of who won.

This seems to be a thing of the past in today’s election year. The country seems almost split in half over the two divergent political parties. Lines seem to be drawn and now, it is not only political, but also personal. The ads, articles and news channels seem to be full of spite instead of facts, attacking not only the economic intentions of each candidate, but also their character, past and families. No longer is it a debate between two respected parties where the loser bows out graciously and the winner humbly accepts their new position. It is now treated as a battle between good and evil.

No one seems to be looking for compromising, medium solutions, and with a mindset of good versus evil, why would they? If nominees believe the other candidates views are fundamentally, ethically and socially wrong and unacceptable, there would be, of course, no room for appeasement on either end.

The idea of one nation of many goes right out the window. It becomes an individualistic society that only looks out for the conservative or the liberal or the poor or the rich or the majority or the minority. The government, regardless of who is elected, suddenly has tunnel vision.

Republicans only support republicans, democrats only support democrats. It is no longer about what the bill or amendment trying to get passed but whose signature is at the bottom. It seems as though the American people are just sitting at home, watching this fight ensue, not really feeling a part of either team.

Christians cannot just remain silent in this time. They should not sit by and watch political hate become the norm in a community like WCA that is centered on values that promote love and compassion.

Westminster has the unique privilege of being able to talk politics and religion in the classrooms of our school. With this privilege, there comes a responsibility to respect the views of others. We must listen with the intent to learn from one another and be open to the idea that at some point in time, our views may clash. This does not have to be a hostile, angry because regardless of who becomes president, we can all still agree that Christ is Lord and His will  always triumph.

Politics may run our nation and government but it does not have to rule over our hearts.

We must do our best to keep division from coming into the body of Christ over non-eternal issues. It is undoubtedly important to vote and stand up for what we feel is right, but it is more important to love each other.

Presidential election years are important but not more important than it is to understand that God’s people must stand firm together and not let earthly dissension cause separation.

More to Discover
Activate Search
The Student Newspaper of Westminster Christian Academy
Dirty Politics