Election season

We are in the midst of elections. Great Britain, France, and the US are all in the midst of elections. Are there some larger trends we can discern?

If we were looking at France, we might announce a lurch to the right. Marie Le Pen’s far-right party is leading after the first round of votes. This is a first – a far-right party leading in France. France is historically a more progressive country, founded on liberty, equality and fraternity. Le Pen’s populist party is anti-migration and favours economic protectionism.

Hungary and New Zealand are on similar paths. Some conclude that common sense prevails over political correctness and identity politics.

Except – in the UK the conservatives have been in power for 14 years, and it looks like they are about to get trounced. Labour looks set to govern. Granted – it is a Labour party that is more centrist. But British politics is shifting in the opposite direction, moving from the ‘right’ towards the ‘centre-left’.

Which brings us to America. The American elections are difficult to fathom. Are they primarily being fought on ideological grounds – conservatives versus progressives? Or are they being fought on personality lines? Vote for Trump – he is a leader who can cut through, versus vote for Biden – he is not a narcissist or unhinged like Trump.

If there is a common thread, perhaps it is that incumbency is a disadvantage. I sense that people have two notions. First, the idea that politicians should be able to make a difference. Second, they are disillusioned with the current batch of politicians. So let’s vote them out – the other side might do better. Perhaps that is part of what is going on.

Modern politics - no, modern life is complex. The sense that the future will be better than the past is in decline.

Christianity offers a creation with grounding principles, a future of hope, and a present with purpose and direction. Vote for whoever, but live for Jesus.

Rev David Rietveld
Acting Rector