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HomeCommentaryReligion and the Democratic Process OR The Politics of Fear

Religion and the Democratic Process OR The Politics of Fear

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By Joe Niemiec

I remember the riots of the early ‘60s Civil Rights movement —  the late ‘60s antiwar movement — and yet today’s politics of fear, racism, hate, and disrespect are beyond anything I remember in the past.

When I step into the polling booth, (or submit mail in ballot in Washington State), I can’t help but take my religious beliefs with me—they are an integral part of who I am. What I do not have the right to do is use fear and intimidation to try and change the mind of other voters and/or keep them from voting.

In news clips this week, I saw two different candidates have a person of color removed from their rally and a third candidate step away from the mic and allow someone else have their say. So guess what direction I’m leaning?

I spent nine years serving in the Marine Corp and did so to protect the rights of everyone; not just those with whom I agreed. I voted for Nixon twice and then saw him leave in shame…knowing that was the natural course of history. I have never experienced the nationally-accepted disrespect of others that I am witnessing right now.

I hope people do take their religious values into the voting booth — the values taught by the Christ, the Buddha, and Mohammad and not the values of fear, racism and hate.

Joe Niemiec
Joe Niemiec
The Rev. Joe Niemiec Jr. began his spiritual quest in 1986 when he walked out of a Houston jail and was struck by the realization that his life was in shambles. He began his quest for ‘getting back on track’ with 12 step programs, followed by learning and practicing meditation with a local Redding, California, teacher.

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