If Not “Democrats” and “Republicans”, Then Who Are We?
The tagline for the 2014 midterm election could be something along the lines of, “GOP dominates,” or “Obama’s disapproval ratings fuel Americans to vote.” In essence, the Republicans gained majority in the Senate, now controlling both of the legislative branches in Congress. Republicans also won the governor’s race in Massachusetts, Illinois, Arkansas, and Maryland—states which historically have leaned Democrat.
Is the fact that midterm elections swayed heavily to one direction a sign of more confidence in that party? Or does it ring deeper, stemming from a sense of disappointment and frustration among all Americans?
Although disappointing to Democrats, a complete upturn of the dominating party isn’t new. Over the past 20 years, it has been a pattern for us to latch on to anything but our most recent governing party.
It’s natural for people to want to feel hope, direction and purpose in their leadership, but is the pendulum swinging between two parties ever going to be enough to guide our nation to its ultimate purpose? What is it that we really need to look to in hopes of a better nation, and a better world?
We Are in Need of Something Greater
Father Moon, founder of the Unification faith, addressed this matter several times at peace assemblies and even the United Nations, explaining that we can’t solve all the world’s problems with politics alone. “Historically, human beings have been attempting to overcome conflict and pursue peace through economic, political, diplomatic and military means. However, such methods obviously do not provide fundamental solutions, as we are still struggling with many unresolved problems,” he said in 2001 at an assembly entitled The Search for Solutions to Critical Global Problems.
There is a key element that guides humanity in the direction of peace and prosperity, and that element is God. In his autobiography Father Moon says, “I have lived my life without ever letting go of that hope and always kept alive the dream of peace. What I want is to wipe away completely the walls and fences that divide the world in myriad ways and to create a world of unity. I want to tear down the walls between religions and between races and fill in the gap between the rich and the poor. Once that is done, we can reestablish the world of peace that God created in the beginning.”
If Not “Democrats” and “Republicans”, Then Who Are We?
Consider the scenario of holding a political conversation with someone of the opposing party. Do you feel a sense of warmth and closeness, or more of a wall between the two of you? When we define ourselves too heavily by where we stand politically, not only are we creating a barrier, but aren’t we just missing the point? Instead, we should honor our identity as sons and daughters of God as the core essence of our being and the most lasting way to unite.
The reality is, however, that America is a nation based on Christian ideals where we no longer can talk about God freely and openly. In an attempt to fill the vacuum of religion, it seems that we have been glorifying our politicians, making them our source of hope and placing unachievable expectations upon them. But even great politicians and a harmonious government cannot fulfill our own responsibility! If we are a people proud of our freedom, independence and compassion, a nation strongly rooted in God, then don’t we feel a greater calling to truly love each other and serve the world instead of just getting stuck on either side of political lines?
Ultimately, the calling for Americans doesn’t just align with the winning political party. We’re bigger than that. God’s Hope is for America to unite as one family under God and recognize its value as a free, prosperous and God-centered nation that can lead the world. In that we can trust, have hope and unite.