Why Do They Argue?

There is probably no greater turn off than a political debate – in my mind. Last evening I saw a snippet of our Ontario’s leading politicians as they stood in front of TV Cameras and tried to explain their points of view. A snippet was enough. There is likely nothing more frustrating than watching – or listening – to grown men talk at the same time and not listen to each other at all – while expecting the audience to make a decision which of them is ‘right for the leadership role’ of our province. How could anyone decided to vote for one of these characters after listening to what they offered in ‘a snippet’.

The Toronto Star this AM states “Tag Team Blasts McGuinty”. Below the title there is a photo that tells the whole story. The NDP Leader is shaking hands with the Conservative Leader (they are called Opposition Members in Ontario) – with the Liberal Leader looking less than impressed in the back ground looking at his two opponents reaffirm each other. Mr. Frank Gunn (The Canadian Press) caught this beautiful photo.

The Star and has caught the feeling of the evening well. It is a professional wrestling display – a funny tag team of monstrously funny, theatrical men in skimpy costumes, over acting roles that aren’t really themselves. Only difference is that the politicians had their clothes on…but by their talking at the same time, making stupid comments about each other, and not listening – they pretty much were theatrical men in skimpy costumes. They were showing their true self I am convinced.

The really sad part is that one of these dudes will lead our province with all its wealth and ability. Have you ever wondered why we sometimes are in trouble in so many areas? Well when we choose ‘a funny tag team of monstrously funny, theatrical men in skimpy costumes, over acting roles that aren’t really themselves’ – you have problems.

I can see why young people today are turned off with politicians. Old guys like me are as well. In a family, around a table, if we all yell at each other and never listen, and always try to prove that you are right and the other guy is wrong – it is called a family feud. And family feuds are not something that you would normally attend. In fact most people react by looking away on our street when someone is fighting with a spouse – or maybe even call the police.

A sign I saw last week summed it all up for these politicians. It says, “Remember, as far as anyone knows we’re a nice normal family”. When I saw it I took a photo – hope it shows up here.
One question – “Why do they argue?” If you have ever attended “a political something” you will notice the participants almost always argue. Can someone tell me why?

Wouldn’t it be something if the leaders put aside their great ideological differences and said, “What ever the outcome of this election is, I want you to know that we will work together for the good of our country.” Let me tell you… the person that actually says that WILL GET MY VOTE!

Instead we have actually four main parties in our province – including the Green Party. One of the four will be accidentally elected I am sure. The other three – if elected – will become what is lovingly known in the democratic, Canadian way – “Opposition Leaders”.

Now take this into a local family and appoint one person the leader – and all the others the Opposition. How far into a week will the family get before the tension is too great. Family members will move out very soon after the designations are made.

I apologize to Family for comparing it to Politicians.

Where could God fit into all of this yelling and hollering? Do you think that He could help politicians? Now I know that is a leap – but maybe he could. I am sure that if you were invited over to you local politician’s home for BBQ – he or she might be normal. Actually they are nice people when you get to know them on a personal basis.

Instead of being turned off completely last evening I prayed for my local politician and asked that God would bless him and keep him with a clear mind. I asked God to help him be more normal when the rest are screaming at each other. In fact as I prayed I felt compassion for the man that leads our area. God keep him as real as he is when I talk with him.

~ Pastor Murray Lincoln ~