Today is the General Election Day here. Now that I live in Mexico, I have immersed myself in Mexican politics. I know as much about Mexican politics as I do about the US politics. I am so immersed in politics, in fact, that I am lying through my teeth, just like politicians do.
Jokes aside, I have been watching and observing, not studying politics per se, but studying people’s reactions to politics. Here are some of the main things I’ve noticed:
Similarities to the US
There are similar attitudes toward politics in both countries, on both sides. Some people think that it is their duty as citizens to vote, and some people think it’s the same dumpster fire no matter who is in office. Some people don’t bother even paying attention to politics, and others regularly protest for the causes they believe in. I get to see the impact of that in the coming days: Chiapas is known for its protests and road blocks. So much so that there’s a Facebook page dedicated to providing information about road blocks so people can plan trips around them.
Differences from the US
In general, political opinions seem to be less divisive here. They’re not commonly brought up, but when they are, people seem to be able to talk about differences of opinions without jumping down each other’s throats. This might be partly because they don’t have the problem of two political parties warring and smear-campaigning against each other. They actually have nine political parties that all have a legitimate platform, which means that the candidates actually have to lift themselves up instead of just putting their opponents down.
A detailed look on their politics…
Sorry, I don’t have one. You’ll have to look somewhere else. For me as a non-citizen, I can’t vote. Even if I could, it would be presumptuous for me to assume that I, having spent relatively little time in Mexico, know best what they need. Perhaps my opinion on that will change when I have kids someday, but for now, I have no intention of really getting involved in politics here.
Then why did I write this post?
Because election days and other politically charged events are a perfect opportunity to show God’s unifying love. For every win, someone else has lost. Someone’s cry is not being heard. Someone’s pain remains unseen. It’s important for the Church to consider this. Especially for those of you in the US. If you’re a Republican, what can you do to meet the concerns the Democrats have about the poor or the minorities? If you’re a Democrat, what can you do to meet the concerns of the Republican working families who are watching with fear as the price of everything rises?
Instead of hating the other side and assuming they don’t see the issues you find obvious, extend the olive branch. Reach across the aisle and really listen—what is it they’re afraid of? What need do they have that isn’t being addressed? And how can you, despite your differences, meet them in that lonely place of fear?
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