The IM Writers Association. We aim to create a community of writers who share a common faith and passion for writing that advances the Life of Jesus Christ. #60: Discourse Over DiatribeIDENTITY POLITICS | Mark Boonstra: Let us once again summon within ourselves that unifying mindset. That overriding appreciation for what unites us as Americans.
Listen to our podcast version: Sponsored by Sharie Bukowski. "Observe good faith and justice towards all Nations; cultivate peace and harmony with all. Religion and Morality enjoin this conduct; and can it be, that good policy does not equally enjoin it?" -President George Washington
Discourse over DiatribeIn today’s fractious political environment, we often hear words like “fascist” and “authoritarian” thrown about rather casually. They go hand-in-hand with accusations of being a “racist” or a “misogynist” or assorted other types of “ists” or “phobes.” But accusations and labels of this sort are frequently designed to preempt a debate, not to support an argument in the course of a debate. That is to say, such tactics are intended to avoid the discussion of substantive issues. By affixing a pejorative label on one’s political opponents, the accuser can immediately put them on the defensive, cast them in a negative light, discredit any opinions they might have before they can even be expressed, and ideally allow the accuser to win the debate without ever having to engage in one. A masterful tactic, no?But real and substantive debates are not only worth having, they are also necessary. Indeed, it is essential in a democratic society that we confront the issues that divide us, and that we freely and openly discuss them on their merits. So, have them we must. Doing so allows us to better understand each other’s positions, to learn from each other, to refine our positions accordingly, and possibly even to come to an amicable resolution. Indeed, the most important aspect of such discussions is not what we say when speaking our own mind, but is instead listening to what others have to say. And responding civilly, respectfully, and professionally. As the Apostle James wrote: “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” James 1:19. And as was stated in the Book of Proverbs: “To answer before listening—that is folly and shame.” Proverbs 18:13. But it seems that we have forgotten how to do that in America today. Perhaps that’s because so many of us live in our own little bubble worlds, associating only with those who already agree with us, frequenting only those “media” outlets that espouse what we want to hear, and avoiding any contact that might challenge our entrenched thinking. We seek affirmation rather than challenge. And sometimes we’re too busy firing off missives by text, email, and social media post to engage in actual dialogue.Difficult conversations are, after all, by their very nature, difficult and difficult to have. But their inherent difficulty does not make them any less essential. Our representatives in Congress are no better than the rest of us. In an earlier essay, I asked “Where Have All the Statesmen Gone?” Indeed, they seem few and far between in Congress today. That is in part because our representatives also live in their own little bubble worlds. Too often, the congressional leadership stakes out positions based not on what is good for the country—for We the People—but rather on what they perceive as good for themselves politically. And hypocrisy never stands in the way. Those speeches you see on C-Span? What the cameras don’t show you is that the speaker is the only one in the room. There is no one in the audience. Our Senators and Representatives aren’t debating issues; they are posturing to the camera before an empty room. No, today we live in a “sound-bite” world. A world devoid of substantive discussion and debate, replaced with invective, distortion, and name-calling. Tactics that not only are not substantively persuasive, but that demonstrate the absence of any substantive argument. Seemingly gone are the days when a President Ronald Reagan and a Speaker Tip O’Neill can come together, from opposite political corners, to negotiate a compromise to save Social Security. Or when Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas can engage in a real, substantive, issue-based debate (in that case, during the course of a campaign for the United States Senate). Speaker Henry Clay—who was known as the “Great Compromiser” for his ability to forge compromises over the difficult issues of his day—must be rolling over in his grave (along with many other of the great statesmen of America’s bygone eras). Perhaps we would all benefit from remembering that America was founded as “One Nation, Under God.” And conduct ourselves accordingly. Perhaps we should heed the words of the Apostle Paul: “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.” Romans 14:19. Or recall his direction to the people of Philippi:
And with that in mind, let us recall the words of America’s greatest statesman—President George Washington—who assumed political power reluctantly and who surrendered it eagerly. Who, in taking office, offered his “fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe,” such that “his benediction may consecrate to the liberties and happiness of the People of the United States.” President Washington, in an address to Congress on November 19, 1794, implored: When we call to mind the gracious indulgence of Heaven, by which the American people became a nation . . . . Let us unite therefore, in imploring the Supreme Ruler of nations, to spread his holy protection over these United States: to turn the machinations of the wicked to the confirming of our Constitution—to enable us at all times to root out internal sedition, and put invasion to flight—to perpetuate to our Country that prosperity, which his goodness has already conferred, and to verify the anticipations of this Government being a safeguard to human rights. Let us once again summon within ourselves that unifying mindset. That overriding appreciation for what unites us as Americans: The God-given nature of our rights and liberties.Let us demand that our representatives once again do the same. And with that mindset, let us open our ears to each other. Only then can we work through our differences. And become, once again, One Nation Under God. God grant them wisdom!
Identity Politics, with Mark Boonstra & Dr. Stephen Phinney, is an extension of IOM America’s IM Christian Writers Association. The mission of the authors is to restore faith in God & country. -Mark | Mark’s Substack | Visit Mark’s Website
IM Writers Association is a collective group of Christian writers who support the advancement of the Gospel of Jesus Christ while sustaining an eschatological view of the Holy Scriptures of God.
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