Ideology or integrity?

I wrote the following piece as a response to something a friend wrote in an email regarding the conservative dilemma in the post-Super Tuesday world. If you disagree with me, all the better for spirited conversation but let’s keep it civil.

Hi,
I take it from your email that you don't like McCain, or that you don't feel that he has good character or consistent positions? i would say that is precisely the reason I voted for him in the primary. I like the fact that he has not "pandered" to the conservative or the evangelical establishment and that he has consistently maintained convictions even when they are not popular or politically expedient with the left (anti-abortion, pro Iraq war) or politically expedient with the right (a fair and humane immigration plan, working proactively across the aisle with democrats).

I don't understand why the Limbaugh-Coulter-Dobson crowd hates him so much ...but I suspect it is because, despite actually being quite conservative on many issues, he refuses to cave in to conservatism as an ideology with its “scorched-earth” “take no prisoners” attitude toward all liberals and democrats.

I like Huckabee but I don’t trust him... there were too many ethics questions swirling around about his time as governor... I refuse to vote for another politician because they are "born again" only to be embarrassed and disappointed when they show themselves to be pragmatic politicians who use the “born again” vote for their own benefit. Nevertheless, I certainly liked him better as a candidate than Giuliani or Romney.

I really like Obama ... not so much because of his political positions but because of his seemingly sincere desire to move away from the politics of ”mutual assured destruction” ... 'ideology' on the left, and his attempt to raise the level of civility. Witness the flack he drew for affirming that Republicans occasionlly have good ideas. If Obama faces McCain, I will vote for McCain. If it had been Giuliani against Obama … I would have voted for Obama on the character and conviction issue that you mentioned. Anyone who is concerned with connecting young people to a spiritual life, needs to carefully observe Obama's message and his style.

Also, democracy (something I know that you have reservations about as a system) requires the sharing of power ... periodic alternations of political parties representing interest groups. One party or dominant ideology in power too long ... will almost inevitably become corrupt. In places like Colombia and Spain it has even led to destructive civil wars in the 20th century. If Limbaugh had his way, the democratic party would be totally destroyed and we would have a conservative Partocracy ... probably not a good thing in the long run (in case it does not come through, I am being 'ironic' here ... making a huge understatement of what I actually believe).

A Democratic system require three important values:

-The ability to exercise toleration of opposing beliefs without resorting to violence.
-The ability to peacefully alternate power (check out Kenya)
-Confidence in the overall fairness of democratic institutions.

probably a fourth thing is what is called a civic culture... informed citizens who take responsibility and participate in the electoral process.

What is happening in this election is very healthy and very good for our country and our civic culture... through Obama and Ron Paul, (and perhaps even Hilary) a lot of people who normally don't care about politics have become passionately involved in the political process, especially young people. Thanks to the splitting of the conservative bloc by Huckabee and Romney, the failure of Guiliani and the success of McCain... the conservative power block that was in danger of becoming arrogant bullies (they already are IMHO) and possibly suffering the corruption of power is being broken up and room is created for new ideas and fresh approaches....

my prayer is that the left-right stalemate and extreme ideological polarization in our country can be diminished by a spirited but civil election campaign between Obama and McCain which might help us move the public discourse to a higher more effective level. and may the best "person" win.... (too bad McCain is not a 71-year-old former P.O.W., maverick conservative AND a woman... but I guess we cannot have it all in one election!).

if the contest is between Clinton and McCain ... that’s another story for another day and another post.

In any case, it is time for us who call ourselves followers of Jesus to humble ourselves and pray and repent for putting our faith in faulty and incomplete political ideologies as the ultimate answer for our country and recommit to loving God and loving our neighbor and building bridges instead of walls. And whoever is elected, from whichever party...let us commit to pray for him or her before we begin to criticize.

j