Ramblings of a fool

Here we are again- making our way to the polls and exorcising our democratic rights and responsibilities. The problem for us in Northern Ireland is that many people feel completely alienated from the political landscape and that has laid to a democratic deficit. In the past the reason was the community strife but now it's because the politicians are unable to get round the table. What kind of politicians do we want and what kind of leaders do we deserve anyway? On the one hand we have a whole batch of politicians who want to be elected, want to have the power to radically change the community but who refuse to take their seats in Westminister. They will not even recognise the authority of parliament nor the police but are willing to call for the help of the courts- something, in the heady days of the troubles they refused to do- they call for the "Brits Out" neglecting to understand and accept that there are many people within the island who have come from families who have lived here longer than the age of the American Stte they love to court. Then we have a batch who have refused even to sit at the same table but who today will sit at the table on TV and on Radio talk shows and even to share power at local governmnet level and even during the Assembly but not around the cabinet table. They seem to be more at odds with the other unionist party and the hatred between the two grows with time. Then there are a group of people who talk a lot about democracy and about maing the Good Friday/Belfast Agreement work but who refuse to work with those who want it to work because those they do not trust are not involved. No wonder so many young people refuse to be involved and yet if they do not become involved the problem will only get worse. Which of us are proud of those who cmew to the microphone complete with their stougies [spelling??] either looking suitably smug or downright gloomy? As Christians some of us are embarrassed by the actions and words of fellow believers but brothers are brothers! Which of the parties are doing their best to help both communities, or both parts of this community, to live together in such a way that we can respect each other even when we disagree so profoundly? Who is going to teach us how to live at peace with our neighbour be they Irish, British, British-Irish, Scotch-Irish, or whatever? What about the churches- are we ready to walk a few yards to stretch out the hand of friendship? How come we were able to send great generous amounts of money to help people who are Muslims, Hindus, Jews, Sheiks, athiests etc and yet we cannot live with our neighbours who differ in their view of the christian faith? When are we going to become mature enough to hold on to what we are and what we believe without being sectarian? Is it possible for men and women of faith and good will to create safe places for people to come together and do some real talking? If we were able to do that hen our political leaders would be freer to take the same kind of risks- when are we going to be ready to be fools for the sake of Christ and His people and church?