Andrew Cotto looks for the good in these men of Politics and God.
I’m not a religious person (on paper). My parents, both Italian-Americans and both burdened by the religious dogma of their upbringings, decided not raise their children in the Catholic Church. Unlike many of my friends growing up outside New York City in the 70s, I did not attend Catholic school, nor CCD on Wednesday, or CYO sports on Saturday, and not even church on Sunday or holidays. Formal religion was not part of my life.
But in an informal way, I was taught by my parents and my community, both religious and secular, the benevolent beliefs of the church: Love is conquering force; compassion and mercy and kindness apply to everyone, even those of different beliefs, appearances, and backgrounds; honesty is essential. Goodness as related to God informed our lives. So, while I’m still not a religious person on paper, I’ve had a longstanding appreciation for many of the positive doctrines promoted through religion. And this is why I find the Republican lineup for President so troubling: All three major contenders profess a passion for the teachings of Jesus Christ, yet all three blatantly behave in ways that belie those teachings.
Rick Santorum lacks compassion. A devout Roman Catholic, Santorum seems preternaturally incapable of appreciating any purview other than the one he’s chosen. If you’re not with him, you’re against him. And if you’re against him, you’re wrong on everything from freedom of religion to freedom of choice to freedom of sexual orientation. You also know nothing about economics, the environment, or the pathos of poor minorities—even if you’re an economist, a scientist, or someone from the underclass.
Mitt Romney has trouble with the truth. This man of Mormon faith has persistent problems with honesty. My grandmother would have accused Romney of “Talking out of his hat.” Whether it’s off the cuff or in pre-scripted manner, Romney drops whoppers on his personal past (in an attempt to seem less privileged), his professional accomplishments (his job creation numbers fluctuate wildly), on his political policies (where he changes positions more than a porn star), and on his opponents (where he has no problem painting blatantly false narratives). No wonder he doesn’t do interviews.
Newt Gingrich is just plain mean. This twice-divorced, scandal-plagued contemporary Christian has been born again, but as what? He seems like the same guy that was run out of his role as Speaker of the House for ethics violations, general arrogance, and stunning hypocrisy. The born-again Newt should be humbled, smarter and seeking redemption. Instead, he carpet bombs America, from the poor to the president and everyone in between (with the notable exception of his billionaire benefactor, his third wife, and his credit agent at Tiffany’s) with a pompous contempt that seems more akin to the villains of Dickens (or Roald Dahl) than the protagonist of the good book.
As said, I’m not a religious person (on paper). But I know good. I know that compassion and kindness and honesty are not just tenants of the church but of a decent society as well. These, among others, are the qualities that define humanity. And while politics ain’t beanbag, we should hold our candidates of all parties—regardless of our personal beliefs—to a certain standard of goodness, especially those candidates promoting religion as a major part of their platform.
I wonder if God would approve this message?
—Photo AP
Of course, Rob – you can re-post as much or as little of the article as you like. You may also want to check out a subsequent article that addressed the mendacity of the Republicans in general and Romney in particular. It is here at the Good Men Project, entitled “Elephant on a Hot Tin Roof.”
Regardless, thanks for writing in.
Best,
Andrew
Mr. Cotto by happens chance I stumbled across your article, which I find to be very revealing. I think that since the candidate choice has been made for the Republicans that your comments pertaining to Mitt Romney should be voiced to other such as I, that were not aware of your post until now. I would like to spread your words to others if that is alright with you? I would re post in it’s entirety but since Mitt is now the candidate I would leave out the other two, if that’s OK with you.
And this doesn’t even mention Obama who has had, I think, three American citizens killed without due process, aka murdered. He has failed to close Guantanamo as he promised and is still holding human beings -who even the government agrees should not be held- in prison after years with no due process. His administration assured medical marijuana patients and providers that they would not be targeted in states with laws that allow medical marijuana, and then turned around and went on a spree of busting cannabis clinics in many of those states. I could go on and on here, but… Read more »
Thank you, Pat.
I’d clearly put you in the “good” category.
Best,
Andrew
Andrew,
We must keep looking for “the good”/ It’s the only chance we’ve got. It’s important to keep in min “the greatest good for the greatest number.” How else can we ever move forward.
I look forward to your articles. I read the Domino Effect and highly recommend it.
Thank you, Greg.
I’m glad we share the same sense of WTF.
Thanks for writing.
Best,
Andrew
Andrew, you nailed it. You put into words how strongly I feel about these three individuals during this long and painful process. It will never cease to amaze me that such a large percentage of this country will End up supporting one of these characters.
Thank you, greg
It’s very gratifying to see that your parents raised such a level headed, wonderful child. Keep up the good work.
Love, Poppa
Happy to amuse you, James. Thanks for writing in.
On another note, you know the WV writer, Breece DJ Pancake? He’s one of my favorites.
Best,
Andrew
I’m a little bais when it comes to politics. You see I was raised in a Southern Applachian household. Fundiamentalist, hardly. In fact when you understand that the mountains were settled by German Anarchists and Scottch Irish rebels its a wonder there are any conservative churches in the Applachians as a whole. And since one of our churches was attacked and several people killed by a Christian you can tell I have no liking for any conservative of any religion! But I found this piece amusing!
Great piece of writing. It’s so important for more people to point out the emperor isn’t wearing any clothes if anything is ever going to change. I would question the idea Church is a place where people are taught good. Historically and in modern times much more harm than good is done in the name God and religion. Frankly, these ‘leaders’ from the religious right are behaving much as I would expect them to: In a tightly sealed moral vacuum.
Thank you, Jack.
I hear you on all your points. I just wonder if all the hypocrisy doesn’t resonate with voters.
Best,
Andrew
Well, as long as you don’t expect honesty (of any sort) from your politicians, you have a chance at finding a “worthy” candidate. However, democratic politics being what it is, it is utterly unreasonable, naive and downright stupid to expect a “moral” politician. The game is one of power and winning (generally). If gaining power and winning requires lying, cheating or thieving (the pre-requisites of democratic governments) that is what you will get, morals be damned. I could go on and on and on about this, but I should stop here. Let this be my last word. If you’re looking… Read more »
Thank you, Mrs. Nelson!
I appreciate your support (and taste in writing).
Best,
Andrew
Well said, Mr. Cotto. I love your writing…can’t wait for the new book!!!