- Feb 5, 2002
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Votes were still being counted in one gubernatorial race days after the November midterm election this year as I watched an ad that was new to me. The Republican candidate for governor in Arizona was dressed in all black, stilettos and open-fingered gloves, and was wielding a sledgehammer to televisions. A former local news host, she declared that metaphorically this is what she was going to do to her former industry and its fake news.
Making the post-COVID rounds, I noticed a lot of FOX News watchers — maybe especially men — were fans. But watching that particular ad and other campaign interactions, I couldn’t help but think: This image might just be the opposite of feminine genius. We aren’t meant to use our sexuality as a bludgeon. And there was a slight temptress-ness about it, too, which might not be the beautiful modesty and tender leadership we women are called to. I don’t live in Arizona, so forgive me, but I was a wee bit relieved when she lost, even though I’d love that state to continue with conservative leadership. But as Christians, the whole package matters.
No candidate is perfect, but increasingly, in recent years, Republicans seem to be attracted to, well … bullies. I understand the instinct in a way. People are fed up with the culture and our politics — and for sure our mainstream secular media. Mad as hell and not going to take it any more might be the phrase. But as I’m constantly reminded as I’m preparing for weekly confession (I write for Our Sunday Visitor because I am a sinner in need of Jesus Christ, Our Savior), wrath is one of the Seven Deadly Sins. And I see in my own life when I succumb to anger over how insidious it is. Yes, there is injustice. And one of the gravest evils in our nation today is abortion. Isn’t that the chief reason so many of us find ourselves so often voting for Republicans? I work at a conservative magazine and nonprofit, so there’s obviously more to it for me, but if I’m honest, I am often a single-issue voter (though I’ve had my struggles in recent years).
Continued below.
Making the post-COVID rounds, I noticed a lot of FOX News watchers — maybe especially men — were fans. But watching that particular ad and other campaign interactions, I couldn’t help but think: This image might just be the opposite of feminine genius. We aren’t meant to use our sexuality as a bludgeon. And there was a slight temptress-ness about it, too, which might not be the beautiful modesty and tender leadership we women are called to. I don’t live in Arizona, so forgive me, but I was a wee bit relieved when she lost, even though I’d love that state to continue with conservative leadership. But as Christians, the whole package matters.
No candidate is perfect, but increasingly, in recent years, Republicans seem to be attracted to, well … bullies. I understand the instinct in a way. People are fed up with the culture and our politics — and for sure our mainstream secular media. Mad as hell and not going to take it any more might be the phrase. But as I’m constantly reminded as I’m preparing for weekly confession (I write for Our Sunday Visitor because I am a sinner in need of Jesus Christ, Our Savior), wrath is one of the Seven Deadly Sins. And I see in my own life when I succumb to anger over how insidious it is. Yes, there is injustice. And one of the gravest evils in our nation today is abortion. Isn’t that the chief reason so many of us find ourselves so often voting for Republicans? I work at a conservative magazine and nonprofit, so there’s obviously more to it for me, but if I’m honest, I am often a single-issue voter (though I’ve had my struggles in recent years).
Continued below.
Will they know we are Christians by who we vote for and why?
Kathryn Jean Lopez reflects on the recent midterm elections and what they reveal about the state of our nation: “No candidate is perfect, but increasingly in recent years, Republicans seem to be attracted to, well, bullies. I understand the instinct in a way. People are fed up with the culture...
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