When I hear folks say that, well, maybe we should just admit the Christians but not the Muslims; when I hear political leaders suggesting that there would be a religious test for which a person who’s fleeing from a war-torn country is admitted, when some of those folks themselves come from families who benefitted from protection when they were fleeing political persecution—that’s shameful. That’s not American. That’s not who we are. We don’t have religious tests to our compassion. —President Obama: http://go.wh.gov/Qr48Yt
Republican leaders do nothing to stop deranged young men from buying automatic weapons to use to commit mass murders in our schools, churches and movie theaters. To do something would require them to have the courage to risk their political jobs and stand up to the NRA and do what is right.
But they have no difficulty refusing sanctuary in America to helpless and powerless refugees—mostly women and children. Even to refuse under 5-year-old children to enter America (Chris Christie). Or to discriminate against them based on their religion (Jeb Bush, Ted Cruz) or threaten to close their Mosques (Donald Trump) in the country of religious freedom. Instead they hysterically try to seize the political moment to manipulate the fears of ignorant Americans and benefit politically from the suffering of victims of terrorists. They think themselves so tough. I think of them as men of weak character.
Political posturing on the despair of the powerless is particularly despicable.
Where are their ideals of courage and compassion and a commitment to clear thinking?
Republican presidential candidates have failed the test to be commander-in-chief.
Too many of us in all walks of life have lost a commitment to important American ideals in our effort to win the next election, gain the new promotion and have a life of personal comfort.
Our ideals guide us all the time, especially when the times are difficult. The behaviors our ideals require separate us from those who hate us. If out of fear and ignorance we abandon our values in tough times, what distinguishes us from those who want to destroy us?
Scott Peck, MD wrote that stress is the test of our goodness. Watch our presidential candidates, discern their motives and see which ones show the maturity, character and clear thinking needed to be president in the times in which we live. And which ones stay true to America’s core values of courage and compassion even when afraid.
Hopefully the panic and madness will pass soon.
Tom's Thoughts 
I agree, Tom. But I fear we are outnumbered. The religious leaders, looking for power and control are feeding the sharks of frenzy with their words of hatred and in doing so are telling their followers what they want to hear: That there are people out there they are better than. And that is exactly what is making out country run right now. The repugs are running on that very platform. Tell people they are better than others and they will follow you anywhere. Scary times.
LikeLike
It is scary times. Two columns you might find somewhat comforting:
“Why 2016 Could Be Shattering for Republicans” by Stanley B. Greenberg in the Washington Post of November 13, 2015 and his book “America Ascendant.” I haven’t read the book but plan to.
“The G.O.P at an Immigration Crossroads” by David Brooks in the NY Times of Nov. 13, 2015.
The key in 2016 is for Dems to get the vote out. If they do, they win. I full expect massive demonstrations in 2016 against Republican policies and tactics.
Hang in there. Tom
LikeLike
Thank you. I’ve been yelling at the TV, etc, so it’s nice to listen to a sane voice. Not only do they quiver in fear of the NRA and push more and more guns into the hands of US citizens, by not allowing universal back ground checks they are leaving us wide open to terrorists getting their hands on guns easily here. No need to smuggle them into the US. They want to deregulate the EPA and allow coal and fossil fuel fired power plants free reign to pollute our air and water completely disregarding the health consequences of their actions while at the same time pushing to take away health care from millions of Americans. They do nothing to reign in the FDA and the revolving door that allows rubber stamping of drug co’s selling toxic products and largely untested or with minimal testing that kills and maims hundreds of thousands of people. And that’s only the beginning. They do not care what happens to any of us. All they care about are their miserable selves and jobs. They take and take from us and give nothing back. The “they” I speak of are called the Republican Party. Judy
From: Tom’s Thoughts To: spiritwalker63@sbcglobal.net Sent: Wednesday, November 18, 2015 8:45 AM Subject: [New post] Are We Good Enough for the Times? #yiv3212529166 a:hover {color:red;}#yiv3212529166 a {text-decoration:none;color:#0088cc;}#yiv3212529166 a.yiv3212529166primaryactionlink:link, #yiv3212529166 a.yiv3212529166primaryactionlink:visited {background-color:#2585B2;color:#fff;}#yiv3212529166 a.yiv3212529166primaryactionlink:hover, #yiv3212529166 a.yiv3212529166primaryactionlink:active {background-color:#11729E;color:#fff;}#yiv3212529166 WordPress.com | Tom Heuerman posted: “When I hear folks say that, well, maybe we should just admit the Christians but not the Muslims; when I hear political leaders suggesting that there would be a religious test for which a person who’s fleeing from a war-torn country is admitted, when some ” | |
LikeLike
You were ready to unload! Be my guest anytime.
LikeLike
Wonderful piece of writing, Tom! I am proud of you. Keep shooting.
John
John Johnson john@changemakingsystems.com
>
LikeLike
Thanks John. Will do.
LikeLike
Where are [the] ideals of courage and compassion and a commitment to clear thinking, you ask? Sadly, they seem to be largely absent from many Americans’ discourse. It’s shameful and heartbreaking, but I don’t know what I can do about it.
LikeLike