09/29/2024
CHOOSING THE LESSER EVIL.
I was struck recently by comments made by Pope Francis on his return from a trip to Asia. He was asked to offer guidance to Catholic voters in the United States on the upcoming presidential election. Pope Francis responded that both candidates “are against life: the one that throws out migrants and the one that kills children.” He added, “I can’t decide; I’m not an American and won’t go to vote there. One must vote. One must choose the lesser evil.”
But what does it mean to choose the lesser evil and how does one decide? I suggest you draw up a list of questions for each candidate. Before you vote, check how many of the questions the candidate has answered, and answered to your satisfaction. Then vote for the lesser evil. In my judgment, it is better to vote for a known rather than an unknown evil. Here are my questions for the candidates.
To Vice-President Harris:
1. What is your pitch to moderate and conservative voters? You had an extremely progressive record as San Francisco District Attorney, California Attorney General and United States Senator. With the electorate so evenly divided, how would you reach out to Americans who are socially and economically conservative? How would you embrace them in your administration and recognize their values and concerns as you shape policy?
2. What did you know about President Biden’s health and fitness for office? You had lunch with him weekly. When did you notice his decline? What did other Democrats see that you didn’t see?
3. How do you define religious freedom? As a Senator you sponsored the “Do No Harm Act” which critics claimed would strip the heart out of religious freedom protections. What would you do as President to protect the rights of religious people to live out their faith as they choose?
4. What will you do to decrease the national debt? The Biden Administration has added more to the debt than any four-year term in history. The idea that we can spend more to bring down inflation is not economically feasible. What steps will you take to reduce the debt?
5. Do you consider inflation a serious threat to the American economy? Under the Biden Administration, inflation has risen by 21% and energy and utility costs have risen by 31% - the largest increase since the days of Jimmy Carter. Some people are actually choosing between heating and cooling their homes and purchasing medicine and food. Almost everything is more expensive now than four years ago. How do you propose to reduce the level of inflation to less than 2% per year?
6. What’s the U.S. role abroad? Is it acceptable to you for Iran to have nuclear weapons? Do you believe Israel should remain a Jewish state? How would you bring peace to Gaza and the release of the hostages? You have supported a “two state solution” that would establish a Palestinian state. Would a Palestinian state include Hamas who are resolved to destroy Israel? Would you send American troops to defend Taiwan if China invaded? Would you give American missiles to Ukraine to attack Russia and are you concerned that Russia might retaliate with nuclear weapons?
7. How will you approach immigration? Under the Biden Administration with you as Border Czar, over ten million people have come into this country, many not properly vetted. Central Americans are now a minority of migrants. The majority come from other parts of the world, including China, Russia, Africa, Haiti and Venezuela. How many migrants can our country handle each year without an undue strain on resources? What would you do to control the border and limit the number of people entering the country?
8. What is your plan for Social Security? You have promised to strengthen and protect it, but how? Would you increase payroll taxes to the highest earners?
9. How do you explain your change of positions on major issues? In your 2019 campaign, you were against fracking, supported the twelve trillion dollar Green New Deal, endorsed defunding the police, supported legalized drugs, endorsed a measure that would cease prosecuting shoplifters who steal less than nine hundred and fifty dollars, established a bail fund for rioters, arsonists and looters in Minneapolis, co-sponsored with Senator Bernie Sanders a bill to establish a government-run health care system abolishing private insurance, endorsed taxpayer funded transgender surgeries for convicts and undocumented immigrants, and supported an electric vehicle mandate and the confiscation of guns. You say your values have not changed. Then what made you change your mind on these issues or do you still support some of them?
10. What is your relationship with God like? You identify as Baptist, though you rarely attend church. What role does faith play in your daily life? How does that affect how you view people around you?
Now, for former President Trump.
1. What will you do to unite the country? You pledged to be President for “all of America.” What does that mean? Why should Americans believe that you are interested in representing your political opponents?
2. What will you do to decrease the national debt? In your term in office, you oversaw the largest single increase in the national debt in history, partly because of the response to COVID. Are you concerned about the national debt, do you see it as a threat to the nation’s future, and how would you respond to it?
3. How will you support families? What federal policies would you promote that encourage maternal health, active fatherhood, accessible childcare and support for women who choose to have a child? Do you support a $5,000 child tax credit, as your running mate has proposed?
4. You have said that abortion is a matter for the states, but would you veto any attempt at a federal ban on abortion? Do you support IVF – in vitro fertilization – as a right for women in all states? And would you under any circumstances attempt to outlaw birth control or any form of contraception?
5. How would your second term immigration policy differ from your first? Would you welcome Christian refugees into the country who are fleeing religious persecution? How will you combat the coming U.S. labor shortage which could be solved by high skilled labor visas – like the one your wife Melania received? What did you dislike about the Senate’s bi-partisan solution?
6. What is the U.S. role abroad? Is it acceptable for Iran to have a nuclear weapon? What is your plan for peace in Gaza and release of hostages? What is your strategy to bring an end to the conflict between Ukraine and Russia? Will you send American troops to defend Taiwan if China invades?
7. How will you deliver on your promise to cut taxes? Your 2017 tax cuts expire in 2025. How will you negotiate tax cuts if Democrats control either the Senate or House?
8. What about the U.S. democratic process gives you hope? Will you accept the results of the 2024 election? If you are declared the loser, will you encourage your followers to avoid violence?
9. What is your plan for Social Security? You have promised to strengthen and protect it, but without new payroll taxes how can that be done?
10. What is your relationship with God like? You were raised in the Reformed Church of America under your pastor Norman Vincent Peale, though you now occasionally attend an Episcopal Church with your wife. What role does faith play in your life? Does that affect how you view the people around you? How have the two assassination attempts changed or added to your faith perspective?
These are my questions for the candidates. Above all, I want a President who possesses integrity, authenticity, veracity, a selfless commitment to serve the country, and who has that combination of leadership and humility to guide the nation into a hopeful and positive future. Sadly, as Pope Francis has said, in this election we have to choose the lesser evil. But choose we must.
NB: The most helpful resource on how to vote this election cycle is Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. I highly recommend it to Episcopalians and other Christians who are willing to think theologically and practically about our election choices. You can download the manual for free at the USCCB site or simply type in the title and you will get a link to download it. If you cannot access it, just let me know and I will email you a copy.
