When a politician gets harassed walking out of a documentary about Mr. Rogers’ legendary kindness and tolerance, you know politics have become a dumpster fire yet again.
You’ve heard all the stories on their own, but combined, the breakdown of civility is distressing. It’s gotten so bad (and weird) that a burnt, decapitated animal corpse was left on the porch of a Department of Homeland Security official, and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao physically protected her husband, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, from protesters.
Roughly a year since Congress came together to call for civility after one of their own was nearly shot and killed in a politically motivated attack, you would think every member of Congress would condemn the deteriorating standards of conduct. But then, Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., said, “If you see anybody from [the Trump] cabinet … you get out, and you create a crowd, and you push back on them, and you tell them they’re not welcome anymore, anywhere.”
Perhaps more important than the rising hate and incivility on the Left is how the Right responds to it. And if others follow President Trump’s example, we’re in trouble.
The wise response to Waters would have been to ignore her, pray for her, or even call for more kindness than she deserves. But, of course, President Trump responded with an insult.
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, an extraordinarily low IQ person, has become, together with Nancy Pelosi, the Face of the Democrat Party. She has just called for harm to supporters, of which there are many, of the Make America Great Again movement. Be careful what you wish for Max!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 25, 2018
In Matthew 5:38-39, Jesus (probably the most civil person who ever lived, having died so that God would forgive the sins of all, even those who hated him), spoke about revenge. “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.”
If Jesus saying so isn’t reason enough for you, think about what’s more likely to change the mind of your harasser: Insulting them in return, or being so nice they become ashamed of their conduct?
As Proverbs 25:21-22 said, “If your enemies are hungry, give them food to eat. If they are thirsty, give them water to drink. You will heap burning coals of shame on their heads, and the Lord will reward you.”
Rather than tweeting disgust and giving more attention to haters who spout vitriol, highlight those who are being civil and kind. It’s not all that hard to find, even in politics. President George H.W. Bush on Monday met with someone he called his “great friend”: President Bill Clinton.
Special visit today with a great friend — and now, a best-selling author. Luckily I had a freshly laundered pair of @BillClinton socks to mark the occasion. pic.twitter.com/v9jb4sRexh
— George Bush (@GeorgeHWBush) June 25, 2018
Clinton, you may recall, defeated Bush in the 1992 presidential election. On the ensuing Inauguration Day, rather than lash out or hoping Clinton would fail, Bush left Clinton a note in the Oval Office wishing him “great happiness,” writing “don’t let the critics discourage you or push you off course” and “I am rooting hard for you.”
If there were ever a time Clinton felt guilty for his campaign’s attacks on Bush, it was probably the moment he read that note.
So, if protesters show up on your doorstep, invite a few of them in for food and drinks (after security has cleared them). If political opponents crash your dinner out, give them a seat at the table.
And if you get harassed walking out of a Mr. Rogers documentary, buy your enemies a movie ticket — apparently, they desperately need to learn the film’s lesson.
