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THE QUESTION
Fear and Anger
Fears about the economy. Anger on the campaign trail. Which concerns you most? How should we respond?
Posted by
David Waters on October 14, 2008 10:23 AM
FROM THE PANEL
Pack the Bags and Fold the Tent of Fear
Of course, to be fair, hatred and xenophobia are hardly new to American politics. It's just that they have been so masterfully used to anesthetize the electorate for the duration of the Bush years that it's kind of like that shocking and disorienting sense of having awakened up from a bad, bad dream.
Posted by Andy Bachman, on October 20, 2008 8:26 AM
Don't Panic, But Do Mind Your Own Business!
Many of us are taught to worry globally, and behave parochially, so we can avoid meaningful change locally. By worrying about the global economy, I can ignore my own wasteful use of personal resources. I rage against Wall Street, when in reality I should go cut up my credit cards.
Posted by John Mark Reynolds, on October 20, 2008 1:29 AM
Reject the Politics of Hate
Those of us who lay claim to some form of spiritual leadership should absolutely condemn the tactics of personal attack. We should call our politicians and our communities to think, speak and act from our best selves, not our worst, from respect and compassion, not from stoked-up rage and hate.
Posted by Starhawk, on October 20, 2008 12:56 AM
No Political Savior
Anger on the campaign trail is closely related to fears about the economy. People see everything that they've trusted in collapse, and they are mad at politicians. Unfortunately, they're also looking for political savior--and there is none.
Posted by Charles "Chuck" Colson, on October 20, 2008 12:09 AM
The War of the Gods
The lifeblood of a democratic society is its continuing capacity to engage in thoughtful, open, candid, substantive, debate and discussion. Neither public life, nor church life, nor the media encourage and support the forms of discourse a democracy needs.
Posted by James Anderson, on October 17, 2008 3:26 PM
McCain and Obama: Two Lonely Souls
I watched the third Presidential Debate and I saw two lonely human beings. Who, if anyone, is pastoring -- truly caring for -- the spirits of these two men through this stressful time?
Posted by William Tully, on October 17, 2008 2:14 PM
Misplaced Faith
One reason so many are angry with politicians not of their persuasion is that they tend to put too much faith in them.
Posted by Cal Thomas, on October 17, 2008 11:17 AM
Obama and McCain as Panderers-in-Chief
Telling us the truth, even when it hurts! Every mess we are in right now, from the war in Iraq to the meltdown in the markets was driven by leaders on both sides of the aisle who told us what they wanted to be true, instead of what was. Both candidates are doing the exact same thing.
Posted by Brad Hirschfield, on October 16, 2008 11:40 AM
Racism and Rage: A Bad Mix
Nobody wants to say that THE ISSUE underneath the rage is racism. What happens is Obama wins? What happens if he doesn't?
Posted by Susan K. Smith, on October 16, 2008 12:33 AM
Crisis as a Test of Faith
Ultimately, the restoration of calm will send fear and anger back into their hiding places. Assuming that we have legitimate elections and market stability in the near future, most people will stop being triggered by stress.
Posted by Deepak Chopra, on October 15, 2008 12:35 PM
The Economy and the Campaign: The Death of False Gods
We should have a funeral for two dead false gods, the market and the American empire. (They died at the same time; in fact, they killed each other.) Then we should have a party to celebrate their deaths.
Posted by Willis E. Elliott, on October 14, 2008 2:59 PM
The Worst Angels Of Our Nature: Rage And Racism On The Campaign Trail
Any politician who provides fuel for the worst sort of American fire, or remains silent in the face of bigotry and threats of violence, is a disgrace to this country.
Posted by Susan Jacoby, on October 14, 2008 2:04 PM
Calming the Perfect Storm
Don't be complicit in helping create the perfect storm of a politics of fear and anger. Do what you can to still the waters of hatred and strife.
Posted by Susan Brooks Thistlethwaite, on October 14, 2008 1:23 PM
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