My fellow Americans, I ask why?   Why?   Yes, why!   Why have we allowed the devolution of political sanity to prevail, and the rectitude of reason to become extinct?    Why?   Why have we become partisan political animals devoid of the willingness to examine all sides of an issue?   Why?  

There are so many things I could address regarding this matter that I hesitate even to bring it up.   I realize that some on both sides of the political aisle will find my thoughts unacceptable.   Those who are so overcome with hate for the current president seem unable to accept anything positive from him.   Likewise, those who are so invested in objecting to the objectors find it impossible to acknowledge any shortcomings he might have.

Every political cycle, various states engage in political redistricting.  None of it is without the intent to bolster the party in power’s hold on the state.   The states that the Democrats have historically controlled do it.   If those actions are not considered diabolical and anti-American by the Left, then why are those of the GOP considered evil? 

This is one of many things that the entire nation becomes enmeshed in.   We draw lines in the sand, hurl insults, and enlist our political assets to decry, while doing the same thing.   Jesus spoke of this in Matthew 7, as he gave the illustration of the log and the speck in the eye.   The saying, “Some cannot see the forest for the trees,” is applicable.   We only see what we consider fault in others and fail to look in the mirror.

The epidemic in America that will destroy us is HATE!    The Pharisees, in the Bible, modified the commandment to “love our neighbor” by defining who was a neighbor.   They modified it to mean, only those of their ‘ilk, sect, or ideology.’   Only members of the Pharisaic Association were considered neighbors.   Jesus’ illustration of the Good Samaritan destroyed that.   But, in America, we deem those to be loved as only those who agree with us.

Politicians love to talk about ‘Democracy.’   However, they have little interest in Democracy, the Republic, or the people.   I say that without fear of being forced to retract that assertion because actions speak louder than words.  

Theodore Roosevelt succinctly said, “Rhetoric is a poor substitute for action, and we have trusted only to rhetoric.  If we are really to be a great nation, we must not merely talk; we must act big.”   Rhetoric seems to be valued more than solutions in today’s America.   The side that can impart the most effective rhetoric is often the victor in the political arena.

In Mark 3:25, Jesus said, “If a house is divided against itself, that house will not be able to stand.”   America is a divided house.  If it were divided along two opposing views, it might be easier to resolve than being divided across a myriad of lines and issues.    Division breeds weakness, and weakness nationally endangers us all.

What is the solution?   Let’s just get along.   I am being a little facetious, saying that because it is not that simple.   The problem that has become an epidemic is rooted in the human heart or core makeup of the individual.   Some of it is generational, some political bias, some ethnically driven, and some ideological.  

There is no pristine political party or politician.   We are all flawed vessels.   Just like the human body needs all its parts, we need each other.   I am concerned that the current state of America will become like a wildfire.   If a wildfire gains access to enough fuel, the prevailing winds drive it into an uncontrollable state of destruction. 

I believe that our only hope is God!   For those who do not accept that, let me suggest that only as we return to original intent constitutional governance will we have hope of restoration and civility.   Sometimes, we have to set aside our wishes for the greater good of the nation.  Sometimes, we have to stand down from our ideological, sectarian, partisan perch and find ethical compromises that provide the best possible good and security.  

I pray for this nation because I believe it was inspired by God to be a beacon of good and hope to the world.   I pray for those charged with leading this nation that they will make the right choices based on genuine need, not a desire for power or even legacy.  I pray that all citizens will choose to listen to concerns and not react immediately, but instead consider possible solutions.    If we draw lines in the sand, eventually outside forces will seize the opportunity to exploit our division and damage us, possibly irreparably. 

I see an epidemic and a solution!  I am praying for the antidote to be administered to the nation and a restoration of the America we were founded to be.   

God bless you and God bless America!