Let’s Go Fishing: A Message to My Friend

Recently, a friend (a Christian, a veteran, and an all-round good guy) said he was surprised I would admit I voted for Joe Biden, and considering I live in The South, he is right – that is not a popular or smart thing to do.  However, as much as we may not agree on that issue, we agree on much more, and despite our differences, I consider him a valued friend.  In my opinion, friends do not always have to agree, but maybe, I am old fashion, and out of touch.  Nevertheless, I shared the following message with him as to why I stand as I do on an issue that he and so many other friends in my neck of the woods find surprising and troubling.

To my Friend: 

We are Americans and as such one of our greatest rights and gifts is to vote for whom we feel at the time is the best candidate or the lesser of two evils.  I am not always proud of the actions of those I vote for, but I am proud I have the freedom to vote my choice regardless of what others think of that choice.  I have never been a Republican or a Democrat, but rather an American doing what I think best.  I have little against either party – I simply think I am better qualified to make decisions on what is best for me and my family without getting wrapped up in a club mentality and party agendas.  Besides, over the years, I have found neither party has a monopoly on what is best for my family or my country and as such neither is worthy of my devout allegiance.  Such allegiance is reserved for my God, my family, and my country. 

If my neighbors disagree, that is okay, maybe we can debate amicably, but there is no reason under God’s blue sky for us to entertain contempt and hate in our hearts for one another because we think or vote differently.  That is foolish, childish, unchristian, and unamerican.  Brave men such as you have served and continue to serve our country to enable me to have my opinion and vote my choice, and I take your commitment and sacrifice seriously.  Regardless how I vote, my vote is a freedom not to be taken lightly, nor is it something that should cause me to quiver in the shadows out of shame or fear it does not sit well with my neighbors and fellow Americans.

The mindset that we are enemies because we have different political views or opinions has shaken the foundation of our great nation.  That mentality troubles me much more than who a person voted for in any election.  That mentality will destroy us – not Joe Biden or Donald Trump.  So, yes, I stand behind my vote and expect no less from others to do the same.  Regardless our vote or opinion, we are all Americans and to think otherwise is indeed unamerican and even unpatriotic.  My father use to say, “You vote yours – I’ll vote mine, and then we go fishing.”  I don’t know about you, my friend, but I am ready to go fishing.

JL

Crusading and Finger Pointing in a Time of Crisis

We are in the midst of the biggest health and economic crisis of our lifetime, but there are still people using Facebook to post their political agendas, political finger pointing, hatred and bigotry, and their false sense of superiority over their neighbor.  I am talking about both Republican and Democrat supporters, conservatives and liberals, as well as Christians and self-proclaimed do-gooders!  I for one do not give a rip about anyone’s political preferences or conservative or liberal views, especially during this time of crisis. There may be a time for those views, but now is certainly not the time.

With the current crisis, the last thing we need is finger pointing and disingenuous religious posturing.  Pointing fingers of blame and citing scripture followed by arrows of hate and ridicule of neighbors does nothing but deepen the divide in our fragmented country.  To get through this crisis, we need to do something that has become quite rare for Americans – work together.  There is enough blame for everyone to share without the petty constant reminders on Facebook.  For those who don’t believe it, look in the mirror.

Every day, I see people post comments and memes seeking God’s intervention, and then turn around in their next post and spit out hate and disdain for neighbors who believe differently or support a different lifestyle.  It is time we get real about being human beings and start acting like we care about one another!  In these troubling times, how can so many pray for God’s intervention while refusing to extend a hand of compromise, peace, and love to their neighbor?  They may be fooling themselves and others, but they are not fooling God.

If people want others to believe their Christian posts, they need to start acting like a Christian when they post.  I have the utmost confidence Christ is neither a Republican or a Democrat, and it is highly doubtful he appreciates the hateful rhetoric some people consistently spew forth on Facebook.  Crusading against your fellow man does not make a person a better Christian – it certainly does not speak well of Christianity.

If it is necessary to toss anything at a neighbor perceived as an enemy, why not try a prayer rather than ugly, heartless, and mean-spirited language?  That takes no more effort while possibly healing our division and enabling us to work together as human beings truly concerned for each other’s worth and preservation.  God bless our little Southern pea-picking hearts, in these troubling times, we can certainly use all the support and prayers we can muster even when our actions so often prove we are not deserving of God’s grace and healing touch.

JL

©Jack Linton, March 20, 2020