Sandals at the Gate

The last time I wrote a letter to the President of the United States, I was in fifth grade. I must admit, I did it only as an assignment for school, and I am reasonably sure that the President at the time (Gerald Ford) never actually read it. As I recall, he was quite busy at the time.

OK... now for a serious admission. You and I could not be more different. You are a Republican and I am a Democrat. You are admittedly a conservative. I am a liberal. You are a rather self-styled southerner and I am probably what you might call an effete, intellectual northerner. But you sir and I have one thing in common. We both claim to be Bible believing men. So, I figured, if I was going to write you a letter – I might as well start with common ground.

Speaking of common ground, sir, I recall some years ago when you ran for President, you claimed to be a "uniter and not a divider." What happened?

I know that things are not going very well for you right now. I know your poll numbers are pretty bad and that you have an awful lot on your plate... what with the War, the ports deal fallen through, the Katrina aftermath, and all of that. I imagine that you are really under the gun. But I still appreciate your taking the time to read this.

On the subject of uniting and not dividing... when all of the dust settles from the stuff I just mentioned... had it occurred to you yet that we all still have to live together in this country? I don't remember this country being so divided in all my years. And sometimes it seems that our differences are irreconcilable. I always believed that one of the primary responsibilities of our leaders was to help us find a way to live together in spite of our differences. Ronald Reagan, although not one of my favorite Presidents by a mile, managed to unite this country in a common sense of mission and purpose. And even though I didn't agree with his particular views and policies... he did manage to help us all get along. Has it occurred to you yet how you might accomplish this in your remaining time in office?

So... here we are. Two Bible-believing men, looking out at our beloved nation – I'm sure you and I can agree that we both love this country – and I wonder... have things turned out the way you wanted when you took office? I mean... the God I know has made abundantly clear his preference for justice, mercy, peace and most importantly... love of neighbor. When I look at our country today I see neighbor pitted against neighbor, a nation rife with intolerance and intransigence. Sorry sir... that means stubbornness. I know you aren't fond of fancy words and prefer straight shooting.

It seems to me that there has been a terrible break in civility in our America. People talk in terms of problems instead of solutions. Folks are edgy, angry, and uncompromising. And now, there are some pretty crazy folks out there. Emboldened by your example, they seem to envision an America that is good for some but not for others. A place where only certain folks have rights and others do not. These folks would seem to want to make certain of the rights that we have always taken for granted in this country contingent upon agreeing with their positions and policies. Is this what you had in mind when you took office?

America was founded to be an example of that shining city on a hill. You remember, that place where civic tolerance, freedom, and equality were supposed to shine so brightly that the whole world would take notice and (perhaps) truly believe that God was with us. America was supposed to be a place where everyone was welcome... a haven from persecution and oppression, a place where all were welcome at God's table and we could, at worst, agree to disagree.

A lot of people in this country (I must admit, I am not one of them) would like to see you as Moses... you know... the law giver? Someone who united us as a people, led us through dark times to a place of new freedom and security as a nation. But increasingly, you seem more like Pharaoh. For you see... God hardened his heart. Why your hardness of heart Mr. President? I do so hope it is not that we, instead of standing in for Israel in this story, are standing in for the part of the Egyptians. For we know what happened to them in the story and I am afraid I am not ready to lose our firstborn children.

Speaking of which, Mr. President, we have lost over two thousand of our beloved children already. And while you have smote the Babylonians, more than 100,000 of their own innocents (by some estimates) have also perished. And with no end in sight, and no longer any clear rationale for the continued bloodshed, I wonder how this fits in with the Gospel? Didn't Jesus say "whenever you did it to the least of these, you did it to me"?

I would like to think that, one day, the war will be over, terrorism will be diminished, and the march of freedom and prosperity for all people will prevail... in Iraq and here at home too. But when that happens, what will be the State of our Union then? What will it profit us to rule the world and remain divided at home? We all still have to learn to get along... that is unless you really do mean to make America a land of freedom and peace only for those who agree with you and your policies? And what of the rest of us, Mr. President? Will God ever be pleased unless we take care of the least among us? Will God be satisfied that we are righteous only when the powerful prevail?

At what cost, Mr. President, your stubbornness? At what cost do you invest in keeping us divided as a nation for the folly of temporary power? And what of those righteous folk who do not agree with your current policies? Remember the prophets, particularly Micah, Mr. President.

"What does the Lord require, but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God."

It seems to me, sir, that this is a lesson that the whole country could use right now. And we sure could use a shining example of it, sir. And I can think of no one in a better position to show us... if you're up to the task. And if you're not...

Then I pray that God will show us mercy and forgive us... for we know not what we are doing.

Sincerely,
Br. Karekin M Yarian, BSG
an unapologetic, God-fearing, liberal follower of Jesus