Responsible

As I listen to global and local leaders evaluating problems and proposing solutions, I am arrested by the contradictory rhetoric in our public discourse. My friends on the Left tout "structural issues" such as "capitalism/colonialism" and "poverty" as "root causes" for anarchy and violence, including Islamic militancy. On the Right, I hear shrill calls for "personal responsibility" and "traditional values" and passionate calls for an end to the globalism and socialism infecting our institutions.

Behind all the debates is an issue that our late-modern mindsets wrestle with: who is responsible? Am I supposed to apologize for the Manifest Destiny ideology of the 19th century that destroyed our indigenous nations (including my own Cherokee ancestors)? Are Sarah Palin's old political ads a direct cause of murder in Arizona? The middle-class, English-bred suicide bomber in London - was he oppressed by capitalism? Why is it that a majority of poor people around the world are religious and do not kill each other? When the Right blames "government" aren't they implying that our choices as voters have been unwise? When the Left screams for "fairness" on the radio, aren't they admitting that they cannot communicate as well and have failed to win the hearts of the many in our nation?

All of these question beg the real issue - we are confused about the nature of personal and social responsibility. All the political posturing in the world will not reduce deficits, stimulate wealth creation, awaken personal accountability and refocus us on the things that matter. All the calls for traditional values, however well-intentioned (and I agree with most of these values), will not extricate single moms from the consequences of unfaithful ex-spouses.

The answer is to move beyond the either/or fallacy of our sound bites and affirm the both/and realities. Human beings are depraved and dignified, capable of absurd evils and altruistic efforts. We are sinners and saints, unique creatures and swayed by the mob. We can transcend our differences and we often retreat behind our worst prejudices. We are a paradox to ourselves. As a Biblical Christian, I believe that these attributes are the result of our unique creation in the image of God and our corrupt, fallen nature and rebellious decisions. Such theological reflection is for another space. In this essay I want to offer ways that people of all faiths or none can forge a better future by living with the tension of personal and social responsibility and historical and existential contexts for our issues.

Here are some concrete proposals that require a both/and approach:

• Global poverty is personal and structural, philosophical and political. Powerful people and systems DO conspire to keep entire nations serving the greed of multinational corporations who care little for compassion, freedom and opportunity. At the same time, affirming a strong work ethic, the value of private property, strong familial loyalty and sexual restraint does make a difference in transforming entire regions.
• America's slavery to the global bankers can end quickly, if we will take our medicine and like our parents in WWII, accept serious short-term sacrifices to ensure long-term liberty. An immediate 10% cut in all spending, the end of tax-funded public pensions and serious business acumen applied to all aspects of federal and state government will move us forward. No one has to starve and no veteran need be without help. Creating wealth is the way forward, not overtaxing the productive.
• Public education requires as end to parental abdication. Almost all families can send kids to school with a bowl of oatmeal inside, a peanut butter sandwich in hand, adequate sleep and a clean body in clean clothes. The cable may need to go and life may be simple, but children ready to learn and parents alert to the content of that learning will keep educators accountable and focused. Our children need less "global citizenship" and more math, reading and science.
• "Civil" public speech will never be perfectly attained, but we can make progress if our "public servants" hold themselves accountable to live within their budgets, stop their ad hominem attacks and form private/public coalitions to solve real problems. The brainpower, resources and will are waiting to be synergized.

We do not choose our DNA or early geography; but we can make the most of daily opportunities. We cannot control the foolish decisions of others; however, we can act reflectively, even in the opposite ways of those who have hurt us. We can live simply so others may simply live. We can choose fidelity to our spouses and integrity in our private and public lives.

We are responsible. Let's take the power of this and start creating a better future today.

Civil Speech

The horrific tragedy in Arizona is being exploited by politicians who want to restrict "violent" rhetoric - and in the process irrevocably change the intent of the First Amendment.

Throughout our history, we have confronted directly subversive and violent threats to people and our nation. The Courts have consistently ruled that there are limits to free speech - but very few and only in serious situations.

The problem is simple: who decides what is threatening? What words or symbols are off limits? As I survey the web, there is as much hatred on the Left as the Right, in fact, direct threats of murder and images of mayhem are much more prolific from the Left than anything from well-known conservatives.

If you restrict communication you have to go all the way. ALL religious symbols are out - after all, they might make someone uncomfortable. No more Che Guevara posters - he was a hero to some and murderer and thug to others. No rainbows - they might be offensive to conservatives. While we are at it, let's lower all US flags, since it is a symbol of colonialism. Oh yes, Mexican flags are prohibited too, for they incite hatred from some corners.

Let's not stop with symbols. Any strong personal attacks are off-limits. Since "ideology" is now a swear word, all philosophical speech should be banned. For good measure, we must not allow any critiques of ideas, except for the "decency panel's" enemies.

We must at all times condemn wanton violence and hate-filled speech, but we must not allow ANY elite to restrict our ability to debate fundamental ideas and issues, lest we devolve into an impersonal Orwellian state. Oh wait! That might be the agenda of the Left - keep any dissent quiet if it questions your agitation! Isn't it amazing that the Left makes heroes of people who assault police officers, call America a "land-grab" and lionize radicals who subvert our cherished norms? Of course the Right overgeneralizes as well, using the globalist/Marxist label indiscriminately.

What is the way forward? Principled action on common concerns, vigorous debate on all ideas and issues and universal commitment to peaceable debate. Sarah Palin is no threat to anyone. Neither is Keith Olbermann. Glenn Beck will soon be a memory and the Huffington Post will fade into obscurity someday. Others will emerge to continue our great tradition of open debate.

Civility is not blandness. We must debate our deepest differences freely without fear. My stance for Proposition 8 in California (supporting traditional marriage) is shared by billions of people of all religions. My convictions are not hate-filled or intolerant. I live next door to folks who disagree passionately; however, we are good neighbors and enjoy the fruits of our work. I am not inciting violence by having a conviction. Conversely, colleagues and friends who support Obamacare are not all Marxist subversives who hate America. I think they are misguided (they share the same opinion of me!), but we can debate over pizza and keep helping the poor.

I have the honor of meeting people from across the nation and around the world every week. The genius of our First Amendment is still alive - real freedom. We must desire for our opponents the same rights we claim for ourselves.

Christmas Affections

I am heartsick and hopeful as I pen these words. Colleagues and friends have shared tragic stories of emotional and physical pain. At the same moment I am absorbing their concerns, I am happily awaiting the arrival of my adult children for Christmas. My heart is bursting with gratitude for my family and breaking with empathy for some friends.

The affections of Christmas have always been paradoxical. Michael Card said it well in one of his songs, "Behold the mystery, fantastic and wild: a mother made by her own Child." We have angelic choirs viewed by humble shepherds. We have aristocratic scholars from Persia dealing with a devious King Herod. The family dwelling was full of older relatives, so Jesus is born in the first story room with the animals and sleeps in a feeding trough. The newborn King, the Savior of the world, will evoke worship from the humble, provoke an evil King to murder, move the hearts of an elderly prophetess and prophet, and ultimately split history in two as he grows and fulfills his mission to atone for sin and bring eternal hope.

These paradoxical affections are also fueled by current events in our nation and around the world. The followers of the Bethlehem Babe are growing in number around the globe and transforming the social and spiritual landscape in scores of nations, even while the entire Christmas Story is scorned in the elite corners of the West. Thousands of innocents are dying at the hands of murderous thugs while arrogant fools debate on how to spend money we do not have. At the same time, millions of people are giving sacrificially so that the victims of earthquakes, hurricanes and tsunamis can have water and food.

All of these feelings incite a deep longing for peace, rest and stability. The promise of Scripture is clear: there is a Day coming when swords become plowshares, lambs and lions lie down together, and there is no more war and want. As a follower of Jesus Christ, I am invited to bring this future into the present. Christianity is not a nostalgia trip. It is not a romanticized look back. God's kingdom in Jesus Christ is a reign of joy and justice perfected in the future and participated in today. Every reconciled relationship is a window into a Day when all tears are gone. Every child fed and loved is a glimpse into the glory of heaven. Every war that ends anticipates the Day when the King of Kings ends all wars.

How will I celebrate Christmas? I will enjoy family and friends and laugh as much as I can. I will pray for my colleagues and friends and try to help. I will feast on great food and help make sure others are fed. I will love my wife and kids and seek to build communities where no one is a stranger. I will long for heavenly peace and do my best to bring it on earth. I will demand integrity of politicians and be honest in all I do.

Christmas affections are powerfully paradoxical. We have Eternity stepping into time; the Almighty is forever a human being. We discover that real authority begins with service. Transformation is not just behavior modification. We need a relationship with Christ, a loving community and personal purpose to be whole people.

Merry Christmas friends - may we all celebrate and serve in a spirit of faith, hope and love.

A Message for the Thoughtful

When I observe the shenanigans in Washington DC - on both sides of the aisle - I feel like I am living in an M.C. Escher print or a Salvador Dali painting. Nothing is as it seems. We have Nancy Pelosi berating Republicans for adding debt that our children and grandchildren will have to pay back to China. Of course, her leadership only added about $3 trillion to the price tag! We have "conservatives" making sure their earmarks are in place. It feels like Nero is fiddling while Rome burns.

I do tilt a bit toward the conservative side; however, our problems are not solved by histrionics or vague appeals to principles. President Obama meets with sympathetic billionaires while small business leadership is ignored. Meanwhile, extending the current tax rates becomes a flash point for berating the rich, while basic economic realities are ignored and our foreign policy is in shambles.

The Holiday Season of good cheer is not the time to introduce austere realism, but here are "thoughts for the thoughtful" that I hope will stimulate intelligent and passionate communication from the grassroots to the "representatives" in Washington, D.C.

• Americans are allergic to socialism. We are not adverse to government activity, but we have an organic allegiance to personal liberty and property.
• Americans do not want to be part of a "global governance" scheme where self-appointment elitists (Soros, et. al.) tell us what we must do as a nation.
• Americans are compassionate. We want to help those in need and the unemployed need assistance and training.
• Americans love the military. Waving flags, wistful strains of Taps, and the courage of women and men stir us deeply. We also want our troops fighting battles they can win. Bring them home with dignity, Mr. President.
• Americans are self-starters. We want equal opportunity, not a system rigged by social engineers.
• Americans are religious, but they do not want a government cowering in the face of radical Islam or regulating what can be said in the public square. We are especially upset that Judaism and Christianity can be excoriated while Islam gets a free pass from the Left.
• American love scientific and technological innovation, but not at the expense of humanitarian principles.
• Americans are learning to leave racism behind and live joyfully with diversity. We do not need to be reminded daily of past transgressions. We want to build a better future.
• Americans believe in traditional marriage. Utah left polygamy behind in order to enter our Union. Redefining this term will ultimately open a Pandora's Box of confusion and state control.
• Americans are tolerant. People of all faiths or none, and people of all orientations can live peaceably with their deepest differences. This is what the First Amendment is about.
• Americans are children of immigrants and we are hospitable. We just want entry and participation to be legal, safe and non-subversive of our national principles. Secure borders and opportunity for all the "huddled masses yearning to be free" are compatible.
• American believe in balancing the checkbook, even though they have been on a credit-card binge for half a century. Hopefully our leaders at City Hall, State capitals and in Congress can set a new tone.

As we welcome longer days, remember the courage of the Maccabees and celebrate the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, let's open our hearts and homes, looking for ways to encourage each other, honor the dignity of each person and create a better future.

The Perception Wars

We now have a President in favor of tax breaks for all...and the Republicans are again on their heels in the perception game. Add to this the earmarks that even Rand Paul is approving and you have the pathway to a Democratic victory in 2012.

The lack of courage by both sides is appalling. Democrats will not fight for their constituencies and the newly-elected Republicans seem unwilling to make the hard choices that will turn the economic ship around for the long-term.

We do need dynamic dialogue that will forge new solutions. We should not expect much of a lame-duck session close to the Christmas break. We should be alert, however, to Executive Orders and appointments that circumvent normal channels and represent the despotic tendencies of those afraid of losing power.

There is no way forward without serious sacrifice, including deep cuts in certain facets of military spending, major adjustments for Medicare and Social Security and an overhaul of federal and state public employee pensions. Our elected officials should not be set for life for serving a few years in Washington. They should not receive waivers from the new health plans. At the same time, we do need oversight of corporate ethics, banking practices and reasonable environmental policies that allow for wealth creation without regulatory strangulation or rapacious exploitation.

As we make systemic adjustments to global economic realities, we need to re-empower local and state governments and remind ourselves that we are a nation conceived in reverence for God and respect for the sovereignty of the people. We need to retrain millions for the 21st century and invest in the future. Our path ahead is difficult but doable and "politics as usual" will not work. I call on millions of Americans to have the courage to speak out, act compassionately and generously and hold our leaders accountable for OUR national checkbook!

Today is December 7th - a special tribute is due to all veterans and to the surving WWII vets that witness to a courageous moment in our nation's history.