Lately I have been struggling to understand the negative emotion, “aversion.” It is never helpful or right to react with our gut to the appearance or behavior of another person. Their choices may be wrong and their use of power unjust. But we must seek first to understand. We must mitigate evil when we can, but not to descend to name calling or shaming. Some of my Facebook friends express an aversion to Democrats, others towards leaders in the Republican party. The partisan affliction that divides our nation has taken up residence in our guts.
So, how do I handle my gut reaction towards President Trump. How do I bring myself to a better place than my friends who felt a similar aversion to President Obama? I must intentionally seek for wisdom, understanding, and truth that can be verified. I must consider justice and compassion to be the right of all people. I must speak for the human family, rather than my party or clan.
When a politician does something that demeans their office, then I am sad and aware that we will be hard pressed to trust the next person that occupies that office. I should keep silent, though, because my aversion only feeds the media frenzy. But, when a politician acts to hurt our democracy, our security, or the progress of human rights for all people, then I must protest as a Christian, a writer, and a citizen.
For example, the Russia Investigation is not about who won the election. It is about our security and the continuance of our democracy. Mueller and those who act as prosecutors on our behalf must treat the Whitehouse fairly and without prejudice (aversion). Some of their witnesses, including President Trump, should be treated as hostile witnesses. There has already been enough smoke for us to suspect a fire. Proving it will take time. In the meantime, I continue to advocate wise policy choices, respect for all those in public service, and a long-term approach to politics.