If you have been following the seemingly never ending political hype, you may have noticed a common response to opposition from individuals on both sides of the chasm dividing Republicans and Democrats.
"I'll pray for you."
Nearly all of the current Republican candidates have dropped the phrase at one point or another but none more so than Rick Santorum. If we were to tally all of the "I'll pray for yous" that Rick has dropped during his campaign, we would certainly be counting a lot of blessings, or so we would hope. As mentioned, I have made note of this phrase being used with surprising regularity, but oddly only in the face of opposition or difference.
According to Dictionary.com, prayer is a spiritual communion with God or an object of worship, as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession. In the face of opposition, I could absolutely understand praying for strength, endurance or the ability to reason with your foe, but in the context of our current political battle, "I'll pray for you" has become synonymous with (and excuse my language) saying, "fuck you."
No one is, or should be, more politically correct than a politician, but this political correctness often serves as a chameleon-esque disguise, masking their true colors.
Even if Rick Santorum is genuinely praying for those who stand in his way of assuming the presidency, I cannot help but wonder what exactly he is praying for. Their well being, enlightenment, understanding? I would like to believe that he is well intentioned but because of is own proclaimed opposition to that which he does not understand or opposes, I would wager that he prays only for change and conformity.
Unfortunately for Rick, differences exist. "Liberty and Justice for all," or so they say. This is but one reason why so many foreigners flock to the United States, having the freedom to live, work, love and worship freely.
When Rick Santorum asserts that he will pray for his opposition, is he giving them a metaphorical middle finger, praying for them to conform to Santorumism, or praying for the good of the world to prevail in however many forms good, kindness and love can manifest itself?
In all honesty, I wish I did not question his or any politicians motivations or reasoning behind what they utter. I wish honesty and integrity were dependable certainties within the ranks of our elected representatives. Unfortunately, I am left questioning.
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