LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Leaning on ‘your version of the truth’

To the editor:

Given the slant of the supportive editorial to a previous one, I have a few comments.

First, I have always found that one who professes to know the word of God and quotes scripture in the form noted here usually knows the words but rarely lives by them. It is a tool to control those around them and to combat the narrative on any thought contrary to their own beliefs.

In this case, the orator of the word speaks his truth in support of another, saying preachers should stick to relaying the word of God to their flock and never get involved in matters beyond the pulpit. (I am thankful Martin Luther King Jr. did not think that way.)

Yet evangelicals, now known as Christian nationalists, would have their form of the word touted on high at every governmental event by individuals completely devoid of aspects of the faith they claim to espouse. These same folks support the policies of their idols that are in direct conflict to the teachings of faith we all know.

Of course, one knows that there will be a sentence or two somewhere in the Bible that can be distorted to support whatever policy, and is thus heralded in every writing, interview, and sermon to keep the version of your truth intact.

We now have this hydra rearing its head in our community. I note the comment, “They have no experience, yet you put them in office.” Once again a new standard for a certain group of leaders versus others.

I could be wrong, but political leadership is not a real class taught in school that qualifies one to actually be effective day one in office. Don’t get me wrong: I am not a Heard or a McCoy fan. Neither am I a detractor. I am a voter. The election was held, the leader was selected, and regardless of what your feelings are about that, it is what it is.

We have a national example of what happens to all citizens when, as you say, “the inexperience, failed people, with poor leadership skills are elected.” If the electorate believes that to be the case here in Albany, then act in due course. Unlike in the example, we don’t have to wait four years, or for the findings of the federal or state Attorney Generals to act.

But let’s not burn the barn down because the horse got out.

— Michael Harris

Albany