Voters’ Pamphlet – Photo (c) 2012 John M. Kingery
The Spin Cycle – Election 2012
The last debate is over and with it the election season is winding down. As Americans and Catholics, we have been through a very long spin cycle. Our diversity have been turned into poisonous division by the political parties and professed believers. Key of principles of Catholic teaching, subsidiarity and solidarity have been misunderstood and misused. The poor and vulnerable have been for the most part ignored.
Subsidarity is not synonymous with state rights or rugged individualism – the cult of the individual. It is a reminder that we are to focus upon protecting and serving the needs of each human being. The Catholic Bishops in 2007 wrote
“The principle of subsidiarity reminds us that larger institutions in society should not overwhelm or interfere with smaller or local institutions, yet larger institutions have essential responsibilities when the more local institutions cannot adequately protect human dignity, meet human needs, and advance the common good. “– Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship (no 48)
Solidarity does not mean socialism or promote an overreaching of government – the cult of the collective. It is a reminder we have responsibility for all brothers and sisters. When one of us is suffering, we all suffer.
Subsidarity and solidarity are complementary. The Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church states it well –
“Solidarity without subsidiarity, in fact, can easily degenerate into a ‘Welfare State’, while subsidiarity without solidarity runs the risk of encouraging forms of self-centered localism. In order to respect both of these fundamental principles, the State’s intervention in the economic environment must be neither invasive nor absent, but commensurate with society’s real needs” (no 351)
A true understanding of subsidarity and solidarity can help us to insure we and candidates do not ignore the most poor and vulnerable. Pope Benedict wrote in Deus Caritas Est –
“Catholics may choose different ways to respond to compelling social problems, but we cannot differ on our moral obligation to help build a more just and peaceful world through morally acceptable means, so that the weak and vulnerable are protected and human rights and dignity are defended” (no 20)
As you prepare to vote, consider the following questions.
Will this candidate serve all including the poor? As Proverbs states, “When the just flourish, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people groan.”
Will this candidate most importantly be a servant? Jesus said, “Whoever wishes to be great among you will be your servant.”
How will this ballot measure affect all in your community and state?
Participate and vote.
In Christ and Peace,
John