Civility is a must if society is to function as it should. That is why we should be extremely concerned about the fact that a senior member of Congress is calling on members of the general public to harass members of an administration that she doesn’t like.
Rep. Maxine Waters’ recent statement telling members of the general public that they should make it impossible for Trump administration members to shop, eat out or even get gas in peace mark a new low that could bring about significant negative change in a nation that is already bitterly divided over political and social issues.
After her comments, activists went after Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and his wife, making it difficult for them to get downstairs to their van without regard for the fact that Sen. McConnell has a difficult time walking due to the fact he had polio as a child. At the same time, Rep. Waters has been forced to cancel multiple speaking engagement due to serious death threats against her.
The clamor to harass people based on their political membership and beliefs is one that has political analysts and concerned politicians from both sides of the aisle justifiably worried. Political scientist Thomas Schaller predicts the country is on the path to a soft civil war while Professor Glenn Harlan Reynolds is predicting the incivility will only get worse as times goes by.
Rep. Steven King has also warned the country is on a path to civil war. Washington Post Editorial Writer Charles Lane accurately notes that the civil war didn’t really start on the battlefield. It began in the Senate Chamber when Rep. Preston Brooks, enraged by the fact that Sen. Charles Sumner called him names during an anti-slavery speech, beat the senator with his cane. From there, it was all downhill and outright war broke out not many years later.
Thankfully, some are resisting the urge to call for violence. The overwhelming majority of Americans go about their lives in a peaceful manner even if they don’t agree with the actions of the nation’s politicians. Those who feel strongly about issues such as immigration and abortion usually protest in a peaceful, lawful manner or take their cases to court to bring about change via legal means.
While there are many who are unhappy with recent court rulings, it is wise to remember that the judiciary exists to follow the rule of law, not to please all the country’s citizens. Peaceful protests and legal action are healthy ways to exercise first amendment rights that help to prevent violence by giving people an outlet for venting frustrations and solving problems in a reasonable manner.
Unfortunately, not everyone is content to keep the peace and express their anger via lawful means, nor is there any guarantee that the country is becoming less polarized and more willing to work out differences in an amicable fashion.
Instead, celebrities and even journalists are using foul language to express their displeasure at the current political situation. Well known Indie filmmaker Michael Moore has called for people to get off the couch and “put their bodies on the line” protesting against the current President.
Robert DeNiro recently used the F word to denounce the president while actor Peter Fonda explicitly suggested that the president’s wife Melania and son Barron should be sexually assaulted.
People from all sides of the political spectrum would do well to pray that tensions will simmer down in the nation and that the recent calls for harassment and even violence will subside or even disappear altogether.
Civility is a cornerstone of American society; without it, the rule of law could very well disappear, creating a failed society that would cause untold destruction and the deaths of thousands of innocent people.
Furthermore, believers should do all they can to follow the Bible’s instructions to love both our neighbors and our enemies. Showing kindness to people of all ages and walks of life won’t make national news headlines but will make a difference in the lives of those who have been touched by the kind words and/or deeds, inspiring these people to in turn pass on words and acts of kindness to those they know. Genuine love is the only thing that can turn the nation around and win the current war on civility that threatens the country as a whole.
~ Christian Patriot Daily
