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From the President:
In Defense of
Human Dignity
Some of the most egregious Supreme Court decisions in US history have been ones that favor corporate interests, institutional privilege, and governmental power, over the dignity of human beings: Dread Scott v. Sanford; Plessy v. Ferguson; Korematsu v. United States; and Buck v. Bell. These are just a few of the most problematic decisions that had horrendous effects on vulnerable populations.
So it was with the Citizens United decision that has granted unlimited power to the wealthy and allowed corporate interests to use their money to influence elections. The consequences have been legion and the overall impact has been disastrous. Add to the billions of dollars now swaying elections, the incalculable harm being done by social media algorithms, and it is hard to remain hopeful for a democracy that seems less and less in the hands of people. It’s hard to see a future where human dignity of those whom Christ calls the least of these, isn’t trampled upon by the most powerful.
There was a time when people were optimistic about the possibility that the courts would save our democracy. But that hope wanes each time the Supreme Court issues a decision that upholds some of the most autocratic and undemocratic impulses in our nation’s history. At this point the only thing that can save us is the most basic and fundamental component of democracy: The vote.
Our faith in Jesus Christ compels us to do all we can to help those in need and to ameliorate the condition of the least of these. Those of us who consider ourselves Disciples Advocates must do our part to encourage people to vote, and to protect and defend people’s rights to vote. Voter registration and voter education is key to free and fair elections. Inspiring people to make a difference by voting is the last stand and our best hope and saving our democracy and to aid those being trampled upon by policies that inflict harm and create more poverty.
If you are not yet registered to vote, please do so. If you are registered to vote, make sure you know about the requirements and laws in your state around what is necessary to cast you vote. Most importantly, we must all commit ourselves to educating others, registering others, and assisting others in exercising their right to vote.
Next year’s elections will be critical. Our last line of defense for democracy and our last line of defense for human dignity, is to vote.
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