Bill's Focus

Asking for America

Part 1: I believe in the Two Commandments:

1. The “Golden Rule”.
2. Leave the Earth a little better place than we found it.

That’s my spiritual “faith”. Do those two and most things fall into place nicely.

I don’t adhere to any other dogma. But I try to live a life with empathy. If I find myself anxious, I might pick up a tattered old copy of the Tao Te Ching. That’s it. It has worked for me.

We can be friends if:

• If your faith incorporates those two commandments. You can believe in a “god” or worship trees. Doesn’t matter to me. Golden Rule for all.
  

• If you believe that “freedom of religion” (faith or no faith) means that there will be a total Separation of Church and State. An impenetrable WALL between our government and any religion. In other words, I demand Freedom From Religion. That is what our Constitution requires. For very good reasons.

  

Part 2: What does your faith say?

I asked Google if all the major religions incorporate the Golden Rule. I found this website which gave me the answer:

Christianity

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12, NIV)

— The New Testament, Christian text

Islam

“The Prophet Muhammad said, ‘None of you [truly] believes until he loves for his brother that which he loves for himself.’”

— [Al-Bukhari], Hadith 13

Judaism

‘That which is despicable to you, do not do to your fellow, this is the whole Torah, and the rest is commentary, go and learn it.’”

— Hillel the Elder in The Babylonian Talmud

Baha’i

“Choose thou for thy neighbor that which thou choosest for thyself.”

— Baha’u’llah, Baha’i prophet

Hinduism

“One should not behave toward others in a way which is disagreeable to oneself.”

— Mahabharata (Anusasana Parva 113.8), Hindu text

Buddhism

“Hurt not others with that which pains yourself.”

— Udanavarga (5:18), Buddhist text

Daoism

“Regard your neighbor’s gain as your own gain, and your neighbor’s loss as your own loss.”

— T’ai Shang Kan Ying P’ien, Daoist text

Confucianism

“Tzu-kung asked, ‘Is there a single word which can be a guide to conduct throughout one’s life?’ The Master said, ‘It is perhaps the word “shu.” Do not impose on others what you yourself do not desire.’”

— The Analects (15:24), Confucian text

Part 3 – This agnostic thinks we need more people of true “faith” in government.

Not so they can preach their version of religion. But because if they are true to their faith they will follow the “Golden Rule”. Treating us like they would like to be treated. That would also include not proselytizing or trying to force anyone to believe in their “faith”. Nobody wants that, right? Refer back to Commandment 1.

Part 4 – Example

In the Texas US Senate race, former Congressman Collin Allred leads in recent polls for the Democratic nomination. He is making a second attempt at the job. He lost in a fairly close race with Ted Cruz. Seems like a standup Democrat. Good resume. Good guy.

But I sure like what James Talarico has to say. Since his recent announcement, he has received a big influx of cash support and his campaign events are attracting big crowds. What is the appeal?

Talarico has served in the Texas legislature. He was a 6th grade teacher. He is young. And he is motivated by his faith. He is studying to become a pastor in the Presbyterian church. Normally the latter wouldn’t get me too excited. Except, when I listen to him, I hear a refreshing voice that is inclusive. I hear the “Golden Rule” values I was taught in “Sunday School”.

Here is Talarico interviewed by Heather Cox Richardson. It’s a terrific piece. Listen to the whole thing if you have the time. But I have it below picking up at the 9 minute point. And at the 14:30 point, he wins me over. At both points he makes my point.

Another glimpse:

Summary: Talarico fights for the working class. 20% of America is doing extremely well. 80% is suffering. That is THE platform that Democrats will win on. He is a unifier. He brings his faith not to dominate. He brings it to help everyone.

Perhaps we should welcome to the public square people of “authentic faith” to face off with those who use their hateful faith as a weapon to dominate and exclude.

What do you think?