Today NPR’s Morning Edition hosted five U.S citizens in order to raise the question of how economic issues factor into their voting for this year’s election. Ranging from Florida to California voters shared their concerns and hopes. When asked “Will we be able to leave the country in better shape to the next generation?” answers ranged from a pessimistic no to an optimistic yes.
This Morning Edition struck me as valuable for several reasons. One, we got to hear locals talk fairly reasonably about voter issues from five different perspectives. This healthy dialog was refreshing in the midst of so much political spin this time of year. Two, asking the penetrating question about what state we will leave our country in for our children was very thought provoking. Will we? What do you think? Three, serious concern over national spending/debt was expressed. Iraq is no small player, but debt is from years of overspending. What can we do about this?
Finally, when listening to a voter and small business owner from Jackson, FL I really appreciated his balanced optimism. He thinks we can do better for our posterity but that it will require hard work. His concern about debt was good and he voiced reservation about his candidate—Huckabee—delivering on promises. Realistic. Good.
And then I heard him tether his hope for the U.S. to God’s special favor for our country. He said: “For some reason God still has his hand on this country.” On what basis are we to believe that God “has his hand on this country” more than any other? Should we anchor economic hopes on these kind of theological commitments? Does God give preferential treatment to America? To be sure, this voter did add a voice that is uncomfortably strong in American politics—“God is on our side.”
Is God a politician, Republican or Democrat? Does he have his sovereign hands on this country more than any other? It seems that theological issues are inevitably connected with economic issues, regardless of how we answer these questions. We are citizens, Christian or non, and we have a responsibility to care for our posterity. To do something not only about the economy, but also about the environment, the poor, and the spiritual and moral fabric of our communities. The five views on the economy was a good piece. Here’s to more of them!