Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Flames in Ferguson

Ferguson Police Officer Darren Wilson is both a police officer and a symbol. As a police officer, he was taken before a St. Louis County grand jury for the death of Michael Brown. After several days of deliberation, the twelve-panel jury saw no grounds for indicting the officer for the shooting death of Michael Brown. 

Brown was shot to death by the police officer following a confrontation with the officer. From information released by the St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Brown was at fault in that he accosted a uniformed police officer in a marked police car. The police officer contended that “he feared for his life, that he had never before seen such aggression directed towards a police officer.” 

As a police officer, Darren Wilson was set free. He was not freed because he was white. He was freed because as a police officer he was within his rights to defend a personal threat and a threat to his authority as a law enforcement officer. 

However, as a representative of a system of power, he is still being tried. This time the trial is taking place on the streets of Ferguson. Opportunists, angered by a system that targets minorities and uses excessive force to subdue them, have resorted to violent protests.

In order to understand this tragedy, many persons must be blamed. Many in the media must be blamed for the use of inflammatory language, totally unrelated to the facts of the Michael Brown case. For example, to describe the victim as “an unarmed, black eighteen-year-old,” or as “a gentle giant” is to suggest to the reader that an innocent and gentle teen was overpowered by “a white armed police officer.” Such descriptions appeal to the emotions and are not intended to provoke thoughtful analysis of what actually happened. 

Some of the local and federal politicians must also share blame for the flames in Ferguson. Rather than use the occasion to foster healthy dialog and defuse tension, politicians chose to encourage peaceful protests. Many knew that peaceful protests would not be possible. Then why did the politicians not encourage more civil discourse? Why did the politicians not assure the people of Ferguson that the judicial system was designed to bring about a just result? 

Why were people not reminded that many changes in a civil society begin at the ballot box? When people choose not to vote, they should not blame others for their negligence. Elected officials appoint persons who they believe are suitable to serve. When we elect officials of our choice, we are more likely to see civil servants reflecting our choices.

For instance, 70% of the residents in Ferguson are black. However, in 2013, less than 12% of blacks, eligible to vote, actually cast a ballot. The result, Ferguson's black majority is minimally represented in its government. Ferguson black residents need to reshape their city’s electoral landscape – legally, that takes place at the ballot box and not through violence on the streets. 

In a recent Early Voting appeal in Ferguson, citizens were reminded that five of its six city council members and 94% of its police force were white. The appeal went on to say “...if we want a better, safer future for our children, it’s up to us to vote for change. The choices may not always be perfect, but the cost of inaction is simply too great.”  

In the absence of responsible citizenship, the Justice Department has begun a federal probe into whether police officers in Ferguson have used racial profiling or overly aggressive force. The Civil Rights Division is also investigating whether Officer Wilson violated Michael Brown’s civil rights. 

Whatever the political outcome, the parents of Michael Brown will continue to carry the pain of losing their son prematurely. As expected, they were disappointed with the outcome. Very maturely, they appealed to protesters to channel their frustration in ways that will make positive change.  

They further appealed to everyone to “join with us in our campaign to ensure that every police officer working the streets in this country wears a body camera. We respectfully ask that you please keep your protests peaceful. Answering violence with violence is not the appropriate reaction. Let’s not just make noise, let’s make a difference.” 

The Browns are echoing a Christian theme – we should make every effort to live at peace with everyone. In his letter to the Romans, Paul said, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge...but leave room for God’s wrath...do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:18-21). 

I wish for you and everyone in Ferguson, a blessed thanksgiving. Upon arrival to the United States, the first four thanksgiving celebrations my family and I observed were in St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the gloom, I am confident that there are still more good things for which we can be thankful.

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Fair & Free From Fear

The 2014 midterm elections have gone – however, not the memories. This was my first time voting since my recent status as a citizen. As a novice to the process, I have very much for which to be thankful. 

For days I prayed that the elections would be fair and free from fear. From all appearances, it would seem as though my prayer was answered. In my community it was a quiet day – I discovered many persons had opted for early voting. I was among the 43% of Floridians who voted.

Nationally, voter turnout in the elections was terrible. Imagine, only 36.3% of eligible voters cast votes. The New York Times reported that this election was the worst turnout in 72 years. Only the 1942 election (33.9%) had a lower rate of voter turnout. Voter turnout is usually measured as a proportion of registered voters rather than of those eligible to vote — and census numbers show that more than 70 million Americans of voting age are not registered voters. 

With a voter turnout of less than 36%, one questions the moral basis for the claim that the winners got a clear mandate to rule. Interestingly, if the Constitution required a simple majority for election results to be valid, many elections in America would be cancelled for the lack of a quorum. 

In addition, the Center for Responsive Politics, a nonpartisan Washington group whose job is to track political spending, estimated that candidates, parties, committees, outside groups and donors spent at least $3.67 billion on the 2014 midterm elections, some $40 million more than what was spent in 2010. 

Pollsters contend that most persons did not vote because they “just couldn’t be bothered”. Say what? Do you know how many countries would love to have an opportunity to vote in elections that are free from fear? Even many persons within developed countries wish they had an electoral system like the United States. For instance, whereas the US Constitution has established limits and specific times for elections, many countries within the Westminster Model face sudden elections, with the timing often favoring the ruling government.

Apart from having one of the best electoral systems in the world, I am especially grateful for the recent midterm elections for a number of reasons. One was the sheer demeanor displayed by congressional candidate Dan Bongino. He lost to Democrat John Delaney. 

In his concession speech, Bongino revealed that his wife had been experiencing health issues, which had forced him to limit campaign appearances. Upon learning of her illness, Bongino’s opponent, responded with a handwritten letter “expressing his heartfelt concerns for my wife and my family, given the circumstances we were dealing with.” Bongino graciously admitted, “I never forgot that, it reminded me that although our wonderful country is currently marked by passionate political differences, these differences should never become personal.”

Yes, that happened in America, and I wished it got more press. I could also say the same about Mia Love from Utah. For years I have followed this 37-year old political leader. On her second attempt she won her seat to represent her district – she is the first black female Republican in Congress. 

In response to a journalist who attempted to credit her gender and ethnicity for her success, Mia Love responded, “This is historic but it’s not because of the color of my skin - it’s historic because Utah has decided to elect a person based on their principles.” She represents a district with fewer than 2% of black voters.  

Both in the case of Mia Love and Tim Scott, it would seem as though an increasing number of Americans are prepared to vote for character rather than color. Scott is the first black lawmaker elected to both chambers of Congress. He represents South Carolina, a state with just about 28% black citizens.

Another interesting record was broken in Iowa. Joni Ernst’s win makes her the first female combat veteran to get elected to the Senate and the first woman in Congress from that state. Another first among women, was Elise Stefanik, 30, who when elected, became the youngest female member of Congress.

In addition, 37-year-old Arkansas GOP Rep. Tom Cotton winning a Senate seat makes him the youngest member of the upper chamber. Although she will not be in Washington, Saira Blair, just eighteen, won the election for West Virginia’s 59th House District. Still a freshman at West Virginia University, Saira became the youngest state lawmaker in the nation after sweeping 63% of the vote.  

I suppose by now you understand why I am so thankful after the midterm elections – ethnic walls are continuing to break down, gender equality is more evident and our youth are continuing to assume positions of leadership. I thank God that He has allowed me to participate in such an electoral system – not perfect, but certainly fair and free from fear.

Monday, November 3, 2014

Why Should I Vote?

One of two responsibilities of U.S. citizens is to vote in federal elections. Although the law does not require citizens to vote, it is obvious that voting is a very important part of any democracy. By voting citizens are participating in the democratic process.
Among other things, the democratic process requires citizens to elect eligible fellow citizens to represent their ideas – in essence, to form the government. This government is “for the people”, meaning that the sole purpose of government is to act in ways that benefit citizens.

In my last commentary, I contended that the words “we the people” in the opening sentence of the Constitution meant that people set up the government. Basic lessons in American Civics would confirm that the government works for the people and protects the rights of people.

The Founders of the United States decided that this country should be a representative democracy. They wanted a nation ruled by laws. In a representative democracy, the people choose officials to make laws and represent their views and concerns in government. Hence, elections is the mechanism provided by the Constitution to ensure that citizens can elect leaders of their choice to govern.

When eligible citizens fail to vote, they are abrogating a primary responsibility of citizenship. Whereas the government is responsible to ensure that every citizen can vote, it is the responsibility of every citizen to vote. Hence, to choose not to vote when one can vote is irresponsible. 

Because millions of Americans will be voting on Tuesday, it is easy for some to conclude that their single vote is not needed - that is illogical. The truth is, every vote counts. Ask the people of Zanzibar (now part of Tanzania, Africa). On January 18, 1961, the Afro-Shirazi Party won the general elections by a single vote/seat. The seat of Chake-Chake on Pemba Island had been gained by a single vote. According to the Guinness World Book of Records, that was the closest general elections ever recorded in the world.  

Some of us can remember the Presidential Elections of 2000. Then, President George W. Bush won the election by a margin of just half of a percentage point of the 110 million Americans who cast votes. The message is simple – every vote counts. 

I have met American citizens who decide against voting for some of the most trivial reasons. Some contend that if it is not a Presidential Election, then it is not important. That is not true. Electing persons to Congress is as critical as electing a President. As a matter of fact, congressional representatives are closer to my community than the President. 

The Framers of the Constitution believed that short two-year terms and frequent elections would keep representatives close to their constituents, public opinion, and more aware of local and community concerns. One can therefore understand why the population of a state determines the number of representatives in Congress. In this way, states with many people have a stronger voice in the House of Representatives. 

For a moment I must comment on persons who choose not to vote because candidates do not represent the preferences of the voter. In such cases, it is possible that the prospective voter did not influence the process of choosing the candidate. Furthermore, no candidate will ever represent all the preferences of voters. Most times one elects persons who best represent their preferences.

Far too often we choose candidates because of political party affiliation and not the personal suitability of the representatives. For me, parties do not vote on my preferences, representatives do. Agreed, political parties provide the platform for representatives. However, it is representatives who govern and are accountable to citizens.  

I now have my Voter Guide and will continue to study how candidates view my preferences. I will also be studying state constitutional amendments that are on the ballots. Studying the issues is critical for me, if I am going to register my preferences on Tuesday. 

As a Christian, I have too much at stake to take federal elections lightly. The New Testament encourages me to pray for political leaders. The purpose for prayer is to ensure “that we may live peaceful and quiet lives...” (1 Timothy 2:2). That objective requires more than closing my eyes in a prayer gathering.

Desiring leaders who can facilitate a peaceful and quiet lifestyle requires me to influence the choice of those leaders. In addition, that requires me to hold those leaders accountable for the lifestyles they promised. For me, the voting booth provides an excellent venue to accomplish my goals. In addition, because it is the responsible thing to do, I will be casting my first vote in America on Tuesday morning.