This morning I would like to both double down on my remarks in yesterday’s column and walk some of them back (see, Sound Minds and Freedom).

There are several reasons for this. First, this is a fluid situation we’re in right now. Then, I am always learning, rethinking, evolving, reevaluating, and finessing my thinking when it comes to my approach to anything. I have a lot to learn and I am often wrong. But then again we all do, and the sooner we acknowledge that and grow together then the sooner we will solve the challenges we face.

Double-Down:

My double down is vis-à-vis the idea of personal freedom. Freedom is as much about us as it is about me – probably more so. Every individual right we have must be exercised in a way that demonstrates care for our neighbors. This is why I love the biblical mandate for mutual submission. The Bible tells us that Christ died to give us freedom, then goes on to teach us to use that freedom for the benefit of others, not ourselves.

Walk Back:

My walking back comes more as a clarification. As much as I recognize the health risks of COVID-19, I also understand the health risks that come with unemployment, financial hardship, loss of insurance, dashed hopes and dreams, despair, depression, and anxiety. I also see the collateral damage of revenue deficits leading to lost jobs in the public sector, lost confidence, lost belief, and lost initiative.

There is so much at risk on both sides of the equation, and there are no easy solutions. This is why our politicians (all of our leaders) must stop the political gamesmanship and work together to help this nation, and the world, move forward with confidence.

We need one another. We need to see more selflessness in Washington and less hunger for power. I want to vote for people who have no reason to be afraid of the truth and who have no agenda other than the good of the American people.

Leadership Defined:

Forgive the liberty I am taking here, but I want to substitute the word “Leaders” for “love” in the following passage. I believe this would be called “Good Government.” And, of course , leaders who do not love their people are likely not leaders at all.

“Leaders are patient and kind. Leaders are not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Leaders do not demand their own way, are not irritable, and keep no record of being wronged. Leaders do not rejoice about injustice but rejoice whenever the truth wins out. Leaders never give up, never loses faith, are always hopeful, and endure through every circumstance” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7, with apologies to the Apostle Paul).

Here is the passage in bullets:

• Leaders are patient and kind.
• Leaders are not jealous or boastful or proud or rude.
• Leader do not demand their own way, are not irritable, and keep no record of being wronged.
• Leaders do not rejoice about injustice but rejoice whenever the truth wins out.
• Leaders never give up, never lose faith, are always hopeful, and endure through every circumstance.

In hope – Derek