Progressive politics is giving me flashbacks

Democrats and progressive Christians are replaying a failed tactic of the 90's.

Have you ever played the game “Whack-a-mole?” Basically, the task is to “whack” these moles that pop their heads up at various locations and speeds across the game board. No matter one’s speed or skill, it’s a losing endeavor—it’s impossible to whack all those moles!

The progressive movement in America seems in my mind to be playing a—losing—game of whack-a-mole. It seems as soon as we successfully “whack” a mole down, whether it be related to fair wages, climate change, or reproductive rights, another mole pops right back up, somewhere else across the country.

Now, I want to be clear that these things I’m somewhat caricaturing as “moles” do indeed need to be “whacked.” I’m fully in support of things like fair wages, climate health measures, or reproductive rights. I just think we’re going about it the wrong way.

These past few weeks have given my some major flashbacks or “triggers” perhaps some might say to my childhood and youth growing up as a fundamental Baptist, some of which I discussed in a recent podcast with fellow pastor Dennis Sanders.

Recently I was reminded of the phrase I heard repeatedly back in my youth during the 90’s when I was a proud member of the pro-life movement; “you can’t legislate morality.” That sure didn’t stop us from trying back then (and still by some today obviously). As much as back then myself and my then cohort ignored those critiques, I wonder if the reason back then we ignored them was for much of the same reasons it’s easy to do so today.

Bringing real change in people takes time, effort, and relationships.

It’s much easier to organize enough of our own people to implement change and impose it onto others.

But what I’ve learned from those in community organizing is that real change comes from developing relationships, investing time, and putting in the work of building bridges.

I do understand that sometimes for the sake of unjust and oppressive systems, outside intervention is needed; I’m thinking of federal intervention in the south during Jim Crow. And obviously, hindsight it 20/20, it’s sometimes hard in the moment to decipher what’s emergent and what would be better served through time, relationships, and effort to bring change.

After Joe Biden’s recent SOTU speech (which I thought was very good), I noticed much celebration on Twitter regarding his advancement of many progressive economic talking points, such as fair wages and corporate profits run amok. But, the more I thought about it, I sort of felt like this is all a losing battle, it’s a game of whack-a-mole.

Until we can convince corporations and CEOs that profits are not more important than people and planet…

Until we can convince the ultra-rich that wealth isn’t something to be hoarded but to be shared…

Until we can convince the population that the planet deserves protecting because it’s the only home we’ve got…

Until then, corporations and CEOs and so forth will continue to find ways to exploit people, exploit the planet, and harm others. No matter how many laws we pass, they’ll just continue to be one step ahead.

So, what do we do then?

Well, there certainly is precedent for some “whacking” of moles. The hysteria by some on the right over trans kids & youth could be putting human lives in danger. While in the long run, relationships and conversations are helpful, it’s likely immediate steps need to be done (I’ll leave specifics to those more attune to the issue than me).

And more broadly speaking, I’d like to see more bridge-building and relationship seeking. I changed much of my views thanks to the time, patience, and conversations of folks who were willing to sit, listen, and talk with me about these issues. I think change ultimately comes this way.

While this is the harder path, the reality is that the energy and effort demanded via the constant “whacking” of moles will eventually leave even the most ardent activist exhausted and burned out. There will always be issues demanding our attention.

I believe a future is possible where corporations see themselves as fellow citizens and members of the community, where the rich see their wealth as a gift whereby to serve others, and where people see the planet as a God-given resource that must be cared for and graciously stewarded.

Until then, I suggest we take the time and effort to create relationships and conversations with those who think differently than us, and pray for the wisdom to know when there are issues demanding our actions immediately.

In the end, I may be wrong. But this is what I’m thinking right now. How about you?