“No one is talking about politics.”
I saw this assessment of a community’s response to the devastating devastation caused by Hurricane Helen, and it struck me that people can put their differences aside in a crisis.
Being able to work together despite our differences in what we believe about the world is truly something to celebrate. In the most dangerous moments, most of us want to make sure everyone is safe and has something to eat.
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey
But something feels wrong about stopping talking about politics. At least it’s dishonest. In fact, it can be life-threatening.
What does “talking about politics” mean to you?
To me, “talking about politics” means talking about how we are governed – how our government acts, and whether that enhances or hinders our well-being. I will.
To me, “talking about politics” means talking about whether the vision we live together is one that celebrates governments that use the power of our taxes to fund safety nets and disaster relief. Masu.
For me, “talking politics” means recognizing that less funding for FEMA and NOAA will make it more difficult to understand and respond to storms. And many more people will die.
To me, “talking politics” means talking about how properly funding infrastructure, health care, and public education impacts our ability to survive and thrive.
For me, “talking politics” means exploring the relationship between philanthropy and justice, and thinking about how governance can balance the inequalities and contradictions of philanthropy.
For me, “talking about politics” means acknowledging that D-SNAP food relief saves lives.
So when we talk about FEMA, the National Guard, D-SNAP, SNAP, school lunches, school rebuilding, NOAA, unemployment benefits, public transportation, Medicare, Medicaid, all the safety nets, regulations, government resource provision, this includes rebuilding. Also included. Roads — it’s going to be needed, we’re talking politics.
And we can choose the vision we want for how we are governed in our lives together. Politics chooses that vision.
I choose safety net. And I’m talking about politics because I believe that’s how we talk about whether and how people continue to live in this country. Because most of us want to make sure everyone is safe and has something to eat.
Also, please do not spread false rumors. That’s unseemly and downright dangerous.
Mary Elizabeth Hanchey is an intentional interim pastor based in Durham, North Carolina. She is a pastor, musician, author, advocate, coach, and consultant. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill, her J.D. from UNC School of Law, and her master’s degree in divinity from Duke Divinity School.
