Conventional wisdom says that moral issues trump economic issues and that Karl Rove's strategy of painting President Bush as a moral champion among men was cunning given the state of our economy. I disagree and feel there is something deeper in human nature at work here. This is in fact an old story many of us have heard before. The most famous version goes something like this:
In a land far way...And so it was that a good man whose best efforts to help us love each other culminated in his brutal crucifixion, which we called justice, while a homicidal maniac was delivered unto the people with great affection.
In a time long ago...
Walked a man known as Jesus of Nazareth.
But he was an idealistic dreamer that told the rich to provide for the poor, kicked the money changers out of the temple, and disseminated a lefty peace-nick message of forgiveness and brotherhood.
Predictably, for monied elites cannot exist in the presence of awakened compassion, the Romans (an imperialistic empire expanding itself into the Middle-East) jailed the Lamb. Soon men of influence argued that placing Jesus of Nazareth in jail was too lenient, too "soft on crime". This is because appeasing those that feel threatened by love and charity takes much violence. So, Jesus was brought out and beaten without mercy, but the sandal-wearing (ancient flip-flop) hot-head failed to show the proper respect for authority and was sentenced to death row.
Pilate, the governor, was accustomed to releasing a prisoner at a festival which was then taking place, furthermore, Pilate's wife was said to have been distressed at Jesus' treatment for having committed non-violent offenses. So Pilate went before the people and gave them a choice. On the left he placed our weak forgiver of sin and on the right he placed a homicidal maniac called Jesus Barabbas (who was strong and believed in killing). His question was simple, "Whom shall I release for you, Jesus Barabbas or Jesus who is called the Messiah?"
As Pilate made his way to his seat of judgment, the chief moralists, traders, and political consultants worked the crowd. When Pilate asked for their vote what he heard from the throng was "Barabbas!"
Surprised, but probably not too surprised for that is the way of men, Pilate asked, "Then, what shall I do with Jesus who is called Messiah?" The infamous response was, of course, "Let him be crucified!"
There is simply something attractive about a violent maniac to the mobs of men, and like those before us we chant, "Barabbas!", and "Let him be crucified!" whenever we are threatened by those that preach the golden rule in the face of the rule of gold.
Since it is Sunday, let me include these words from the 1st letter of John...
God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God, and God abides in them. Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear; for fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not reached perfection in love. We love because he first loved us. Those who say "I love God," and hate their brothers or sisters, are liars; for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen. The commandment we have from him is this: those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.
Let me also include, for comparison's sake, these words from our recent "moral victor":
"I'm a war President. I make decisions here in the Oval Office with war on my mind."
- George W. Bush -
So, my liberal friends, when people are asked to choose between a man that preaches cooperation and alms for the poor and a man of violence, do not be surprised when the people choose the latter, since that has been the way of man for thousands of years.
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