Consequences

I was just thinking about - - -

As this day unfolds, the Iowa Caucuses will take place and the preferences of possibly 300,000 people will be recorded and known. Whether or not that will make a statement about the political bent of the nation remains to be seen. The overall concern is in terms of what each candidate is bringing to the table and whether or not the many promises made can develop into actualities. The typical Iowa Caucus-goer is alleged to be more knowledgeable and sophisticated than many other primary voters but they will have to make a choice based on what each candidate has stated. The bottom line is IF any of the promises will ever become realities, or will these empty and hollow statements, aimed at saying what people want to hear, only breed more cynicism down the road.

The other concern is the "Class" approach of some of the candidates. One used to speak of the Two-Americas (Those who have and Those who don't); another touts ideas that admittedly our government cannot afford (Medical Care for everyone; Educational Grants for all the poor; Special Considerations for the Immigrants - legal and otherwise; etc.). There is an almost sadistic approach that goes on. Those making the promises are trying to gain advantage by securing more votes. And - who are the subjects of that appeal? The gullible; the poor; the disenfranchised; the ignorant; the Illegals; etc.

The further concern is that some guileless politicians make their appeal through various churches in our country - some talking the talk to gain the vote, but surely not walking the walk - just using people as a means to an end.

There are fascinating words by and about Jesus Christ recorded in Luke 4:17-22,

And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, "Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing." And all spoke well of him and marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth...

The adage speaks directly when it states: "Actions Speak Louder Than Words." There is a slight variation of that thought in the words, "What you are speaks so loud, I can't hear what you say." And one other thought: "The hollow log always makes the most noise." The poor, disenfranchised, gullible or ignorant often grasp for the political rhetoric as their "hope" and "way out" of their circumstance or consequence - and too often, they are disappointed once again.

The challenge should be to return to the basics of educational standards and requirements; a work ethic rather than government give-away programs; etc. Newt Gingrich has developed a Platform of the American People. It can be viewed at:

http://newt.org/tabid/102/articleType/ArticleView/articleId/3102/Default.aspx

The statement is as valid today as when it was first uttered: "To whom much has been given, much shall be required." We need to be wise and compassionate and committed to making a positive difference in our culture and world.