our DEMOCRATIC discourse

I love democracy.  I love that it is based on equity and equality.  I love that it values inclusion and the participation of all.  I am in mourning over our democratic discourse.

Instead of trying to let "The American People" choose a president and other elected officials - to let the voice of the people be heard... all the people, equally, we have efforts by at least one of the two parties to disenfranchise voters through re-districting, eliminate voters through new "Jim Crow"-like voter registration practices and flood the airways with false information ad campaigns bought by new, unlimited funding obtained through legislation to "de-regulate" contributions.

It is not out of a love for democracy and "the voice and will of the people" that this is being done, but out of a love for power, unchecked wealth and the promotion of self over others.

Where is the integrity?  Where is the "working for the common good"?  Where is the civic participation of all in this?  It is not a love for democracy, but an obsession with "having" that leads to this kind of thing.  The desire to have no limits for self and no accountability to others leads to this kind of thing.  It has become "The American Way" of life.  The lifting up of self above others, with no regard to how it might hurt them has become our "Standard of Living".  That is not born of a love for the democratic discourse, but of unchecked greed and lust for power, the indulgence of self at the expense of others.

Note which politicians are working to limit voters from exercising their rights to vote.  Note which politicians repeat lies enough times until people start to believe them.  Note which politicians attempt to spin EVERYTHING as negative that another has done, while boldly claiming the ability to do what most rational people know they are unable to do in the office they pursue.  The uncivil nature of the attacks, even against people in their own party... the wrangling for more power and wealth using whatever means will get it for them.
Note the hatred.  Note the greed.  Note the exclusion.  Note the self-serving policies and justifications for them.  Note these things behind the rhetoric.

Which seem to value DEMOCRACY itself, by how they engage in the process of this election?  Which seem to be able to be civil in the process?  Which seem to have the well-being of MOST or ALL the people as a concern?  Which are consistent with what they propose and stick with it, even if it is unpopular?  Which will do the MOST for "the least" among us?

Voting is a matter of conscience.  Have one in this election year.  Use it when you participate in this democracy.  Vote, not only for your own interests, but also for the interests of others.
Vote now, because they haven't taken that away from you (yet), but some of them are working on it!

Pastor Jamie