Whither U.S. Politics? Wisdom and Love For the Human Person

I have lived long enough to see many changes in the political landscape of the United States of America. We have a new regime today, a “united front” of all sorts of people who have aspirations for power, along with others who move with the wind, and others with whom I agree regarding many of the social evils of our time but who (in my opinion) also have many blind spots. 

I too have blind spots. One of the reasons for dialogue is that we can enrich one another’s perspective regarding the common good and the ways we can serve the common good—which is the good of persons-in-communion. The work of politics engages and has an impact on human persons. It is an art, not a science. It’s guiding light is wisdom. Do the current artisans of USA politics possess wisdom or seek wisdom?

Perhaps the weight of events in the coming years will drive them to seek wisdom, to pray for wisdom. It is my prayer for our political leaders, for other world leaders, for the peoples of my country and the world, for myself. Most of us don’t hold political office. We elect representatives, which means we have a responsibility to hold them accountable to recognize and respect the dignity of every human person without exception. Political wisdom in today’s world will not emerge without a foundation in love for the person.

This is the particular challenge that today’s leaders must take up. Do they have any awareness of this responsibility or any capacity for it?

Now is not the time to shout “hurrah!” We must remain attentive, to hold these new leaders accountable for how they use their power. In particular, we cannot ignore the immense suffering that will come if they fulfill their plans for “mass deportations of millions of ‘illegal’ immigrants.” Dare we wash our hands of any concern for the poor and powerless of this hemisphere and inflict further sufferings on them? Is there no path to “documented permanent residency” (or some other equitable status) for those who have long lived and worked here and contributed to the wealth of this nation? Can we adequately secure our borders, protect ourselves from criminals and terrorists, and also have a generous and welcoming immigration policy?

Lord, convert our hearts to Your Wisdom, that we might adhere to Your Merciful Love and grow in love for our brothers and sisters, especially regarding the poor, the sick, the elderly, migrants and refugees, unborn children and their mothers, the homeless, the dispossessed, and all who bear heavy burdens. Lord have mercy on us all.