Reflections on the U.S. Election
By electing Donald Trump, the United States joined other nations as part of larger conservative populist movement among the wealthier nations of the world. Orban of Hungary, Le Pen in France, Meloni of Italy, Farage of the UK leading the Brexit movement, the AfD group in Germany, and tight wing groups in the Scandinavian countries. All of these are united against the massive migration of people from poor or conflicted states.
The appeal of such parties is based upon common people’s fears for their culture, their society and the sense of nationhood. This is combined with the economic fears that immigrants will be taking jobs, lowering income, and overburdening the welfare system. When this is combined with high tariffs and other protectionist measures it results in hyper nationalism. At Trump’s victory rally the chant erupts, “U.S.A., U.S.A., U.S.A.”
This coincides with the political activism within the evangelical movement. Where once Baptists and conservative Lutherans stayed out of the political fray, many now have taken leadership in causes from anti- abortion, anti-gay, transgender issues, and even aid to Israel. Ironically, this is happening at the same time many people are leaving the churches. It is almost as if, “since we cannot convince people with the word of God, we will get the government to force people to do what is right.”
Lost in the self-absorption of the rich nations and their concerns for “greatness,” are the refugees from failed states, and the unemployed millions of young people from across the globe. During the colonial era, and after, they were robbed of their resources through exploitation and unfair trade practices. Now with the threat of tariffs on any new manufacturing in their countries, things will only get worse. If now, the U.S. refuses to curb its carbon emissions, the largest in the world, more droughts, and floods will curb their agriculture and add to their misery.
Unfortunately, the refugees, migrants, and their families back home did not get to vote in Tuesday’s election. Plus, the Democrats did not even mention their concerns; that is not the concern of “national” elections. Yet all across the world some Christians, Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Humanists and just plain people are vitally concerned about these problems. Right now, their only recognized advocates come from the United Nations and at times, Pope Francis. While the world listens briefly, the powerful nations shrug off the criticisms, concerned about their own problems and prestige.
Clearly it is time to take the side of the dispossessed in the U.S. and across the world. The U.N. needs a political network that will continue to work for its goals. Concerned people need to recognize one another and applaud each other’s efforts tamp down the climate’s change, employ the poor, and heal the sick. Needed is a New World Society. The internet has already informed the whole world how rich people live and triggers young people to make the trip, cross the borders, and hope for a better life. Maybe the same internet can bring together the people who want to help, have resources to contribute, and can work politically to open up their nations to the world.
More information on this subject in my book, available at Amazon. — Robert Schmidt