Have we lost our way, America?
To the Editor:
As I ponder the implications of the presidential election, I have to ask myself and I ask you to think about what the outcome means in the larger context of our values as a nation.
I grew up in a home where our entire family was deeply involved in the practice of our faith. Love of God and care for others was at the core of our upbringing. Central to our values was the love and compassion demonstrated in the parable of the Good Samaritan and the answer to the question of “who is my neighbor?” Also central to our beliefs is the message of Matthew 25, where it is clear that our stewardship of God’s gifts requires compassion for all others. Jesus puts no conditions on His love; we are called to do the same.
At home and at school, I was taught that honesty matters. Like all midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy, I lived by the Honor Code — it is wrong to lie, cheat or steal. I served 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps where decisions are based on core values of honor, courage and commitment. One of the key leadership traits for Marines is integrity.
Given the precepts that shaped my life, how can I rationalize the results of the presidential election? Even more importantly, how can I explain to a younger generation that we elected as our leader someone who routinely lies and demeans others? If this election normalizes that kind of behavior, how can we expect anyone to live by the values that are at the heart of every major faith tradition; values that are basic requirements for every member of our Armed Forces? Are actions which are unacceptable for you and me OK for the President?
As a Christian, I believe in an Awesome God who is all loving and all forgiving — not defined by any parameters set by me or anyone else; God’s love is far beyond anything our small minds can imagine. God asks us to accept others as they are — to accept others as we want to be accepted — we are all flawed and imperfect. Shame on us if we fail to honor that expectation. Shame on us if we don’t respect all life. If we focus on one issue like abortion but ignore the issues of poverty, homelessness, health care, immigration and the death penalty; if we fail to respond to challenges that affect all lives, can we truly call ourselves pro-life? Shame on us if we close our minds to these concerns.
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Yes, there are a lot of issues that confront our nation. Certainly, there are no perfect candidates, but for all my neighbors, Christian or not, who supported Donald Trump, I ask you to consider if his words and actions truly support the intent of the two great commandments — love of God and love of neighbor. I don’t believe Jesus put limits on that love. Do we?
Joe Buranosky
Whittier
