As we approach election time, I have one deep desire, and that is to see a complete end to negative campaigning. I wish politicians and their supporters would talk only of their own good plans and not even mention other candidate's names.
Perhaps this comes from a deep-seated Christian value: “Put away from you all bitterness and wrath and anger and wrangling and slander, together with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Yet this can be difficult to do, especially when one is very angry about the ways our government and society acts, which go against our values. As a Christian, I am also called to “Speak out for those who cannot speak, for the rights of all the destitute. Speak out; judge righteously; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)
I appreciate the desire to start shouting at people, but shouting is not the same as speaking.
Of course, we don't always agree on who the “poor and needy” are, which makes it all the more important that we know what politicians and their parties stand for. For example, do they view drug addicts as people who need help or need corrections? This is a legitimate difference between parties that I would like to know the answer to.
Campaigns don't need to play to my emotions – I have enough of those on my own, thank you. Just tell me where the party stands and what their plans are.
I am a values-based voter, as I think most of us are, although our values vary quite a bit. For some, personal economic well-being is their primary political value. For some, maintaining institutional power and status-quo are important. For some, religion plays a big role. My own United Church of Canada says, “We choose dignity. Respect. Compassion. Kindness. Community. Hospitality. Defending human rights. Leadership with integrity – at home and internationally. Recognizing international law. Protecting the planet.”
We each know what is important to us. We are smart enough to connect our own dots, if we only knew what our candidates stood for. Campaigns can stop telling us what they think we want to hear, invoking fear of others, or even lying, just to win. We want good governance, not empty shouting matches.
Politicians, parties and supporters, just be authentic in sharing your values with us! Please?
