A while back, I quoted Liberation theologian James Cone on the idea of human beings, especially the oppressed, not needing any elite persons to do for them what they can do for themselves. I think it bears repeating:
“Because the socioeconomic condition of poor African-Americans is worse today than during Martin’s and Malcolm’s time, many hope for charismatic leaders with spiritual power and intellectual insights which transcend capabilities of ordinary human beings. Charismatic leaders, however, cannot liberate black people from their misery. They may even hinder the process. Thus, it is important to emphasize that Martin and Malcolm, despite the excessive adoration their followers often bestow upon them, were not messiahs. Both were ordinary human beings who gave their lives for the freedom of their people. They show us what ordinary people can accomplish through intelligence and sincere commitment to the cause of justice and freedom. There is no need to look for messiahs to save the poor. Human beings can and must do it themselves.” page 315 in Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare?
This analysis can apply to anyone of any race, creed, class, or gender. Perhaps there are those on the who see President Barack Obama as The ONE to liberate the U.S. from its oppressive history, or maybe its Hillary Clinton for the PUMAs or Ron Paul, Sarah Palin or Mike Huckabee for the Tea Party. These are all just ordinary human beings, each uniquely equipped to engage the public and put forth public policy proposals.
I, personally, identify with many sympathies in the PUMA/NO Deal Democrats as well as the Campaign for Liberty. It is not about defending a single person, but the principles, that a movement stands for. As a student of history, I have been an admirer of William Jennings Bryan, Frederick Douglass, Henry Cabot Lodge, and Ralph Nader for what they stood for in the face of adversity; their ideas do not know any party lines. Sorry Donald Trump, but politics is not about a popularity contest. As a Christian, I know that God is hidden in ambiguity, and does not pick one party or the other, but there are principles that one can be guided by, religiously, and vote accordingly. The way that the U S American politics works, I know there is a dualism, where people only see red, blue, or purple, but that is not how the Commonwealth of God works.
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I believe that for all the good these charismatic leaders do – they definitely hinder the progress. I can imagine the few who are focused on progress feel like they’re “kicking against the pricks”. Our leaders seem more focused on driving their own agendas than actually leading. Rather than being bipartisan or strategic – they would rather be “principled” and small minded.
Hopefully some more clear thinkers who have no need for affiliation rise up in the political and cultural landscape. Right now – they all look like more of the same to me.
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