Speechlessly Angry
I wish I could find more eloquent words to express my exasperation, but sometimes righteous indignation compels me to not mince words. After working in Washington for 4 months and observing its happenings from afar, I am able to accept the fact that politicians are usually self serving. I understand that we should not be surprised by their Machiavellian attempts to seize more power. I get it. But what members of the United States Congress are trying to do in passing this resolution condemning Turkey makes me sick, and I’m not just being metaphorical. I haven’t reached the point of nausea, but there is a real sensation of weakness in my stomach and and I feel lightheaded as I type these words.
The idea that people in Washington would use our soldiers, national security, and the lives of millions of Iraqis as pawns in the chess game of hatred with George W. Bush and “his war” is one of the sickest, most maniacal, evil stunts I have seen in my short adult life. What baffles me even more is how, here in South America and across the world, these same people are touted as reasonable, merciful, and peace loving while the President is vilified in a way I never knew possible. Yet these same people who insist on passing a meaningless resolution to condemn a genocide of a century ago would readily stand by and watch one take place today in Iraq if it meant the humiliation and defeat of George W. Bush. The perversity and backwardness of the situation goes beyond the cognitive abilities of my finite mind.
When we speak of God righting wrongs and correcting injustice in this world, it goes beyond victims of abuse, neglect, poverty, etc. Injustice happens when good people are persecuted for doing right, lied about, and mocked. Jesus said in Matthew 5:10-11, “God blesses those who are persecuted because they live for God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when you are mocked and persecuted and lied about because you are my followers.” In addition, for those politicians and supporters who are gleefully pursuing our defeat, there will be a judgment more severe than they can fathom. Any short-lived gain from selling their soul and selling out our soldiers and innocent civilians in the Middle East for more votes will seem paltry compared to the hand of the Almighty and his justice.
The disbelief, uneasiness, and sickness I have now is indescribable. It’s similar to the feeling I have when hearing of child molesters, serial murderers, wife abusers, pimps, Al Qaeda torture tactics, or whatever vile, wretched act you can imagine. Those who manipulate the minds of others for their personal gain may be the most reprehensible members of our society. Ideas have consequences and it is my contention that the ideas of elected officials, even in the United States, often prevent people from realizing their potential, enslave them, stir up bitterness and a host of sinful attitudes, and kill millions of people. Ultimately, it is God who sees all and judges the heart. Knowing that, I wouldn’t want to be in their shoes and shame on us if we knowingly support them in any way.
