The healthcare struggle culminating in Sunday’s vote brought out the best and the worst of legislators’ and citizens’ behavior. The worst of the behavior inflicted wounds that not only hurt individuals, but also damaged the nation’s soul.
In some ways, the heat and polarization generated by the healthcare debate can be viewed as an opportunity, an opportunity to expose old wounds that have been festering and need to be healed. When Rep. James Clyburn received a fax of a noose along with racial slurs, when Rep. Emanuel Cleaver was spat upon by a protestor and called “ni--er,” when Rep. John Lewis was called a “ni--er,” it became clear, in ways that perhaps it hadn’t been to all Americans, that racism is alive and well in America and needs to be addressed. When a U.S. Representative shouted “baby-killer” during Rep. Bart Stupak’s speech on the floor of Congress, it became clear that slanderous speech is alive and well, even in the sacred halls of Congress. When pro-choice advocates characterized pro-life advocates as anti-woman and opposed to healthcare access for women, it became clear that intolerance and inability to hear the good will in others’ positions is alive and well.
Racism, slander, and lack of respect for differing views damage the soul of the nation. America was built on the foundation of mutual respect and rigorous debate. When all positions are heard and seriously considered, the nation is richer for it. When some positions are shut out, the nation is impoverished. When people are demeaned because of their race or political position, the nation’s soul is damaged. As Fannie Lou Hamer reminded us, “Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”
The healthcare struggle revealed gaps between America’s espoused values and her lived values. America is not a “post-racial” society. America is not a tolerant society. America is not a society of mutual respect for differing points of view.
This is an opportunity for healing the old wounds that have been exposed, for closing the gap between espoused values and lived values. Will Republican leaders step forward and challenge their followers (and colleagues) on their racist and slanderous speech? Will Democratic leaders step forward and challenge their followers (and colleagues) on their intolerance and blind spots?
It’s time to heal the nation. We face problems of huge proportions. If we can step up to the challenge to address and heal our wounds, the health and energy that will be liberated to engage our problems will be immense. If we can’t, we’re destined to limp along when we need to run.
If you enjoyed this article, see also:
Soulful Leadership in the Healthcare Debate (video)
Soulful leadership 101: What is leadership?
For more info: Margaret Benefiel, Ph.D., author of Soul at Work and The Soul of a Leader, works with leaders in healthcare, business, churches, government and non-profits to help them stay true to their souls. Visit her website.
Comments
Nice big picture perspective! Thanks.
Great article, Margaret, this really cuts to a issue that is core to a lot of problems. Let the healing begin.
Thanks, Bruce and Beth. Yes, let the healing begin.
Thank you, Margaret, for your insightful writing. Regardless of the emotional attachment to the various issues of debate, it does not give us license to be uncivil an inhumane. The rash of hate speech, threats and vandalism is unacceptable and we all need to speak up, speak out and say, “No more!”
Thanks for your comment, Debora. I agree completely.
Margaret, you have expressed so clearly and eloquently the deep wounds ailing our nation, and offered a vision of the America I hope we can someday become. My prayers continue for courageous, visionary, patient leadership not only in the White House and Congress, but in our own communities.
You are so "right on!" This should be required reading across the nation. As that isn't possible, let us who agree with you recommend it to those who will read and actually give it serious thought. Thank you, Margaret! Phyllis
Margaret, I loved your very articulate description of the (one of the) problem that is happening in the U.S. right now. I would add to the list of things that America thinks it is, but isn't really...Christian. This is not Christian behavior that is being exhibited.
Susie, thank you for your reminder that we need to keep praying for our leaders and our communities. Phyllis, thank you for your affirming words and for passing this on. And Judie, you are so right that this isn't Christian behavior that is being exhibited. I just learned of the Civility Covenant, signed by Christian leaders from across the political spectrum. I think it should be required reading for discussion groups in churches all over the country.
Glad that this was shared and out there, sad that is had to be said. YWCA is having a Stand Against Racism day at the end of the month, in many states, including Boston !
Jane, thanks for the heads-up about Stand Against Racism Day. I'll participate.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!