This Fourth of July was a sad reminder of what we once were: A nation founded on the democratic principles of being able to pursue life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. For everyone.
While not exactly ever realized, it was a formidable goal. And we were once ranked in the top five for democratic governments in the world. We are no longer even listed as a “full democracy.” We are a flawed democracy, no longer listed in the top twenty, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit.
With the passing of Trump’s “big, beautiful budget,” the dream for democracy in the U.S. has vanished. We now will see the largest reversal of resources in American history, from the poor to the rich. Some estimated 20 million people will lose their healthcare benefits with upwards of an estimated trillion dollars being cut from Medicaid.
Cuts to SNAP will leave countless low-income families, including children, without adequate food resources. It also will double the budget for ICE agents, who mercilessly carry out Trump’s insane immigration policies.
For anyone calling themselves Christian and supporting such a budget, there is a simple truth to your acceptance. The bible is clear, in hundreds of passages, that the poor are favored over the rich. Exploiting the poor to give more to the rich is a cruel and moral failure. The 25th chapter of Matthew ends with a judgement against those who would take from the least of these.
I have known many conservative Republican’s over my life and career as a Knox County Board member. They were all good people, for the most part, intent on working together with democrats to do our best for Knox County citizens.
Today, I can hardly believe that they would support Trump’s “rich man’s budget.” As hard as I try, I cannot come to terms with it. Both Knox County and Galesburg are currently locked into right-wing, Heritage Foundation policy.
We are caught between purgatory and hell. Christian nationalism seems to have nothing to do with democracy. Watching out for your neighbor, demonstrating compassion, helping those in need. None are found in right-wing policy.
Right-wing Republicanism now has more to do with racism, authoritarianism, bigotry, and exclusion. The entire Republican Party has bought into Trump’s delusional, dictatorial beliefs. It’s hard to explain. Many Christians have turned to a “religion of whiteness.”
This is a dead end run towards dictatorship and autocracy. While it will not forever survive, it will do a lot of damage in the meantime. Religion combined with political ideology adds up to nothing but stink. The smell of superiority.
So if you are claiming to be a Christian, and you hear your preacher singing praises for Trump and his supporters, it is time to look for a new preacher and church. He or she is more interested in political ideology than theology.
Don’t fall into despair. Be hopeful and optimistic. This will be a long battle. Never be afraid to make noise. Stir up “good trouble.” Christ is calling to you.
You can become a right-wing Republican, or remain one, if you like, but I wouldn’t recommend it. At the least, find a new social director, one not so intent on dictatorship and Nazism.
Bruce H. Weik was a longtime columnist for The Zephyr and is co-creator of Many Paths Galesburg since 2019
This article originally appeared on Galesburg Register-Mail: Many Paths: America is a flawed democracy | Opinion
Reporting by Bruce H. Weik / Galesburg Register-Mail
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
