Why don’t we in the USA talk about politics in the language of the heart? If we cannot be heartbroken, for example, that the wealthiest nation on earth is unable to summon the political will to end childhood hunger here and now—how can we create a politics worthy of the human spirit, one that has a chance to serve the common good? It is sad to think that the answer may be NO!

Christianity, Judaism, and Islam are viewed as proponents of war by some because a few of their alleged adherents engage in hateful and violent behavior that distorts and defies the values they claim to represent. All the major religions of the world at their core, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, are committed to compassion, hospitality, and love.  In this fact lies the hope that we might reclaim their power to help reweave our tattered civic tapestry. When we (citizens of the USA) forget that politics is about weaving a tapestry of compassion and justice on which everyone can depend, the first to suffer are the most vulnerable among us—our children, our elderly, our mentally ill, our poor, and our homeless. As they suffer, so does the integrity of our democracy. Reweave our tapestry.

As Americans, we should all be opposed to autocratic political leadership and authoritarian rule.  But this seems to be the direction for the USA.  Our leaders are disrespecting the rule of law.  Personal recognition and gain seem to be the focus and this political idolatry accompanies a false and unconstitutional notion of authority. Our elected officials are called to serve our citizens not engage in tyranny.  Let’s rid ourselves of leaders who put ideology ahead of governance.  At least throw out the crooks and thieves in Congress. And there are many!