Washington DC - left out again

As many of us went to the polls yesterday to vote for senators and representatives, U.S. citizens living in Washington DC were once more left out.  Yes, as incredible as it sounds, people living in DC have no representative in congress (other than a Delegate who can’t vote on the floor, only in committee).  How is this democracy when we arbitrarily disenfranchise 550,521 of our own citizens.  There are more people living in DC than there are in Wyoming (population 479,602). Vermont, Alaska, North Dakota have similar populations.  All of these states have one full member of the house of Representatives, plus two senators.  How could this be.  Is this not taxation without representation.  Did we not learn anything from the American Revolution which was fought to give every person a voice in our democracy?  Could it be that Washington doesn’t count because Washington is 57% African American and everyone knows African Americans overwhelmingly support democrats.  This is an travesty of justice and must be addressed. Otherwise, we need to go ahead and turn in our “democracy credentials.” 

 

Rev. Clayton Childers

Director, Conference Relations

United Methodist General Board of Church and Society

(202)488-5642

 

How would you describe yourself?

My daughter, Carly, asked me the other night how I would describe myself politically. That wasn’t an easy question. I don’t have much trouble having an opinion on most any subject (whether I know anything about it or not) but often I am reacting to others, not taking a personal stand. Many people would probably categorized me as a Liberal but I have become uncomfortable with the label. Why? Because it is so often understood as meaning 1) cavalier, or anything goes 2) irreligious, or theologically anything goes, 3) in most of the world economic liberalism is understood as being economically hands off, or laissez faire. Generally, I prefer the word “progressive.” I like progress. I believe in moving on, moving forward. Plus, it is a nice contrast to the conservative movement which is so often focused on returning to the past, recovering or reestablishing a by-gone era. I don’t want to go back. With all of our problems, we have made great strides on the role of women, racism, sexism, human rights, civil rights, labor rights, social equity, caring for creation. But everyone one of these many gains is in danger of being lost. In fact they’re being lost daily. We have to be eternally vigilant standing up for the progress we have made. We need to teach our children how important these gains are. And we need to fight to preserve them.

Back of the Bus

Recently I spoke at a Peace Conference at Southwestern University at Georgetown Texas, near Austin. In a workshop discussion I suggested that "I know this may sound 'illiberal' but I beleive that some religious beliefs are better than others." (There were murmers among the liberal listeners). But I then plunged ahead by saying that many religions teach that women are inferior to men, that they must defer to men, that there are roles they are not allowed to fulfill, they are not allowed to talk in public or be in places of authority over men, Etc. Etc. I think this is poor theology compared to other religious teachings that support full participation by women in society, and full equal rights for females. In fact, it is more than poor, it is oppressive.

Response? One liberal woman suggested that this sounded very judgmental to her. We may disagree with other religious beliefs but it is not our place to "judge" these beliefs.

But what do we say when certain beliefs are so hurtful to people. What would you do with those Chrstians who taught that blacks are inferior to white people and should be given second class citizenship. Are we to stand by and say that just because their religion teaches this we should support their being pushed to the back of the bus. Response: Maybe they need to be at the back of the bus. Maybe God has a purpose for thier being at the back of the bus. Maybe God wants them to learn humility or some other lesson by being their."

This is outragious theology to me. That God ordains persecution of people as a means of teaching them lessons. Though I hear it quite often. It reminds me of the predestinarian theology that says some are ordained to be of higher caste in society while others are chosen to be peons. This kind of thought can be used to justify all manner of oppression and there is no way to challenge it because "God said so."

We have a long way to go but one of the challenges is simply accepting that there is good and bad theology. Until we accept that some theological teaching is better than other we will be stuck with the status quo and no way to grow beyond it. The ones who most benefit and have the greatest interest in this approach are the ones who are currently privileged by society. Maybe a start would be taking a hard look at who benefits from a theology that locks in place our current power/class/race/gender structures.

60's Child

I grew up as a white male Baptist in the South during the 60s and 70s - during the days of integration and during the Viet Nam war. Both of these facts have impacted my life.

I was blessed to have two parents who had move beyond much of the racism that plagued our region and were courageous in their words and actions. they were willing to work with people and this was especially seen in their work - both educators. The schools were the main front in the segreation battle and we needed progressive people willing to stand up for the rights of everyone in the community to a decent education. This attitude was pretty non-conformist. It was, in historic perspective, countercultural, in fact in some circles it still is. We have a long way to go if we are ever going to create a society in the US that sees liberty and justice and dignity for all.

The Viet Nam war also was a major influence. My heros were the students marching in the streets, challenging the actions of our national leaders -saying things like "Never trust anyone over 30." I'm way past 30 but I still admire the marchers, the non-conformist the students in the streets who "distrust authorities." I am continually amazed at how we repeat the same mistakes we make in the past. How our government continues to present itself as being of such high principles, a leader of the free world, herald of democracy and then relies on lies and violence to accomplish its aims. We will never gain respect in the world until we can actually live up to the high ideals we profess. Liberty, justice and dignity for all - even those in other lands.
Even when it may not be in our own national interests but it is in their national or even personal interest. So many of our actions are driven by economic interests but cloaked in the language of our ideals. I think the world may be catching on.

Undocumented workers

Once again I spent a good bit of time in my Social Principles training session at the Chevy Chase UMC UMW luncheon last Saturday highlighting the current debate over "illegal immigrants."

Why do we call them "illegals" anyway? I've been stopped for speeding a couple of times - it's illegal but no one goes around calling me one of the "illegals." But these people who come to the US because 1) its too dangerous to live at their homelands or 2) they can't make a decent living for their families in their homelands or 3) they are recruited by US farmers (the farm laborers) or US industries (the high tech immigrants) and then they're condemned for being here.

How many times in the scripture do we read of people doing the exact same thing. Seeking a new life, better life, safer life, food and security. Jesus and his family fled to Egypt for his safety. Moses and his followers fled from Egypt for their "promised land". Joseph got sent away to Egypt but ended up doing alright for himself anyway. Later his dad and brothers immigrated to egypt in search of food. That's the way things have been forever and a day and for about that long their have been judgmental people on the recieving end of the immigration equation saying - "Don't give them a thing. They're like stray dogs, feed them and they'll never leave." As a Christian I can't say that. Again - we need to ask ourselves - What would Jesus do? That's a ligitimate question for anyone who says they want to be a follower of Christ. What would Jesus do?

Ready to have my say

On my desk is a quote from a decent poet (Henry Van Dyke) - "The woods would be a quiet place if the only birds sang were the ones who sang best." So this will be my song. Maybe not the most polished blog or the most profound but it will be things I like, things I'm pondering. Thoughts I'm working through.