We all have a tendency to blend the gospel to meet our perceptions.
I do not believe most politicians meet my faith ideals (even Romney fell short).
The below distorts the gospel, and I wonder if there is a place to discuss these differences, or is there only debate?
Dear Grandchildren,
Someday when you are older and studying U.S. History, you may wonder how your grandfather felt about political issues during the Trump administration. Well, I wanted you to know:
1. I did not vote for Trump (and I have voted for Republicans presidents in the past and haven’t ruled out voting for a Republican in the future). While there are some elements of the Republican platform that I support, Trump is the opposite of everything I believe. He is the closest example to King Noah in the Book of Mormon of any political leader in my lifetime. Like the people in King Noah’s day, many were blinded by him even though he probably helped some—but eventually saw King Noah for who he really was. As a country, I hope we can do the same with Trump.
2. Further, I worry that Trump's influence on future generations will be more destructive than his presidency. I believe he is teaching people (especially younger individuals searching for a role model of “success”) to adopt tactics such as lying, gaslighting, being unfaithful, dishonest, unkind, not taking responsibility, and creating fear about groups of people where no fear should exist. I hope and pray that others will step forward to be better role models and follow our ultimate role model—Jesus Christ.
3. In spite of all this, I was relieved that Trump survived his assassination attempt, as I felt it would have led to further violence and hate. Trump—like every member of the human family—is a child of Heavenly Parents and my spiritual brother. No one should be killed.
4. I do not support ICE. I am heartbroken that ICE “law enforcement” goes around in masks and can detain people without due process and in such violent and aggressive ways. Renee Nicole Good should be alive today. So many good people are living in fear—and it breaks my heart. That being said, I support our law enforcement officers working within established laws to maintain law and order.
5. My heart hurts for the way we are treating transgender people—perhaps best articulated by the heartbreaking words of Levi Martin (a transgender young man who died by suicide at age 17 in Dec 2022) in his suicide note "I am terrified how we treat transgender people."
My trans friends are some of the finest individuals I know, contributing to society in so many ways. I formed my opinions about trans people by being with and listening to them—not from loud voices trying to gain a fear-based following by demonizing them. Jesus gained a following not on fear—but by love to everyone—especially those on the margins. As I study world history, I see a pattern where we sometimes create community around the fear of others (ethnic minorities, religious minorities, sexual minorities, immigration status, etc.) leading to painful chapters in world history (Holocaust, Bosnian War, Native American Removal, Salem witch trials, etc). I believe are making the same mistake today regarding transgender people. I will continue to do all I can to love and support my trans friends. Please don’t fall into the “trap of unearned opinions.” Learn about trans people—from trans people.
6. I stopped watching cable news. I now recognize during Mitt Romney's presidential run (which I wanted him to win) that I consumed Fox News—not looking for objective content, but rather content that supported my positive view of Romney and negative view of Obama—called confirmation bias. I also watched the right-wing propaganda film “2016: Obama’s America,” which claimed Obama had a secret second-term agenda (completely false). Later, in a moment of deep reflection and spiritual rebuke, I realized I was not interested in an objective facts but in a fear-based narrative that their viewers (like me) wanted. Please be better than your grandfather—look for objective news sources and those that keep you curious and challenge your assumptions.
And if you feel differently than your grandpa—that is OK. Always love you ❤️
I hope you are living in a kinder and gentler world.
Love,
Grandpa ♥️