Do America Need Good, Honest, Men of Integrity?

This is one of the saddest times that we as American’s have had to witness, especially people of color. You see most minorities wanted to believe that the horrible events of racism, hatred, and inequality were hopefully coming to an end. We thought all the years of suffering and feeling invisible was now in the rear-view mirror (Gen. 15: 13; Exodus 12: 40).

A few years ago, traumatic experiences began to reappear in constant and rapid succession. There was one death after another where African American males were killed on the spot. It was painful enough when it was males then, we saw females who were murdered, even in their own homes. To make bad matters worse we were overwhelmingly blinded sided by a worldwide pandemic. Again, minorities are disproportionately affected (Gen. 15: 21; Exodus 1: 1-10:5).

We had hoped and prayed that even though we had lived through such difficult times, our children would not witness such blatant disregard for the life of people of color.  They heard minorities beings referred to in the most despicable, vicious manner (Luke 6: 46). They saw unarmed young African American males killed unjustly for the so-called stand your ground law. This law on its face was designed to discriminate.  Many young African American males were killed during the arrest, on the way to jail, or while incarcerated. It was apparent the Police shot first and asked questions later (Acts 9: 1-3; Exodus 1: 1-10:5)).

The brutality was not hidden many times it was caught on video of someone’s cellphone as it occurred. No people of color were excluded.  The Hispanic brothers and sisters were disgraced by being called rapists and murderers. Islamic people was called terrorist and haters of America. The most well-known athletes were called sons of Bitches. Women were referred to as dogs. The most selfless and honorable of all are our troops. They were being called losers and suckers (Psalm 94: 21; Ephesian’s 4: 15).

We heard it said that the life of the elderly if necessary, could be sacrificed for younger people. We saw the disabled laughed at and made fun of. We saw young children ripped from the arms of their parents and left to be used and abused by their adult captors. We saw people kept in cages like wild animals for no justifiable reason other than the color of their skin (Matthew 25: 40-43). In short, we saw decency taken off the table and be replaced with indecency.

We have witnessed precious truth and integrity sacrificed on the altar of lies, deceit, money, and prejudice (James 3: 14; Proverbs 22: 22). Parents have gotten lost in search of an answer to try to explain the loss of morals, values, and respect to their children. Having high moral standards was once essential in a leader is now considered unorthodox. It seems that truth, and respect, love thy neighbor and honor have been replaced by evil intentions and a thirst for power (Proverbs 22: 22).

The question is where are our leaders, Democrats or Republicans. They are supposed to be our guardians, protectors, and our standard-bearers. Where are the ones who said they went to Washington to do the business of the people? They fill their pockets (Proverbs 22: 22) and simply say whatever it takes to get elected for the next few years but do nothing to make a real difference in the lives of American Citizens. These leaders are from the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives, Democrat, and Republican.

Where are these men of honor and integrity? Where are the good, courageous, men who speak the truth (Matthew 12: 38)? Where are the men who call out evil and dishonesty, and who will speak truth to power?  Their behavior shows that they have forgotten the reason for their call to duty. They have forgotten that they are there to serve the people and make sure that the words “liberty and justice” for all is fully enacted. They say there come to the halls of justice to do what the people want. They have forgotten they are not there to simply look important and make lots of money. They are not working for their constituents by spending their times arguing and fighting like little children. These questions must be answered to bring civility back to the halls of our congress and save our democracy (Philippian’s 4: 8).

One of the most relevant answers came from Edmund Burke who was allegedly its author. The words are so impactful and so true today that they must be repeated over and over until they become a part of the fabric of this nation. They must be imprinted in the very hearts of every leader. John F Kennedy quoted them best, “THE ONLY THING THAT IS NECESSARY FOR THE TRUMP OF EVIL IT FOR SO-CALLED GOOD MEN TO DO NOTHING” (1 Kings 18: 21). In other words, for evil men to be able to accomplish their purpose good men only need keep quiet (James 4:17) and do nothing! The alleged author Edmund Burke further concluded that when bad men work together, the good must join forces; or they will fall one by one. He said it is a merciless sacrifice in a disgusting conflict (Mark 12: 38).

In conclusion, these good men must not simply be leaders in name only, they must stand up despite their political strip and be a light to the world (Luke 10: 33-36; John 1: 4). They must be courageous and bold and forever speak out against all forms of injustice and the evil that exist in our society (Hosea 8:9; Luke 6: 45).