Introducing a real Reverend

After this post, I will be turning over Less Idiots 6 to the right Reverend John Gillmartin, Pastor of San Carlos Community Church. In the coming weeks I will be adding additional writers to the Less Idiots franchise, and I say franchise jokingly. Gillmartin was one of the names on the very top of my list of recruits, and I have had the pleasure of knowing this man for almost a year now,

When I started Less Idiots I had the sneaking suspicion that real bona fide journalism was dead. I was also keenly aware that America is a divided country, riddled with an us versus them mentality. I believe strongly that all Americans, no matter what their party affiliation is, have valid opinions, and can make significant contributions to improve the welfare of us all. Look at the subject of abortion for instance; you would be hard-pressed to find one single American that would tell you they would like to see more abortions. The very moment you mention the word abortion, both the left and the right immediately assume the battle position, and start screaming, and stop listening to each other. Meanwhile abortions continue.

There are many issues where all Americans are not going to agree completely on every detail, but the vast majority of the problems we confront have the potential for compromise built in to them. We have been ignoring that potential for far too long now. I believe very strongly that laws attempting to regulate the morality of our republic, are doomed to failure, and if one takes a look at prohibition, and the current situation with illegal drugs in this country, there is ample proof that I might be correct.

Gillmartin is keenly aware of my stance on separation of church and state, and for the most part, I think we’re pretty much in agreement on this issue. Separation of church and state not only protects those who have chosen to forgo a religion, but a look at what happened to the Mormons in the 1800s, shows you where separation of church and state also can protect the devoutly religious.

Neither Gillmartin nor I believe that it is wise to attempt to shove one’s lifestyle down the throat of an unwilling participant, but we both agree that this is a two-way street. Somewhere along the way, many of us stopped respecting the lifestyle choices of others, and have made attempts to force their lifestyles upon others. What each person does in their private life, should stay in their private life. Gillmartin does not approve of homosexual behavior, but he is keenly aware that the Constitution does protect these people to a certain degree, and he’s also aware of the odds that he’s not likely to convert all of them over to his side.

Gillmartin is very definitely conservative, but he also has a very open mind, as well as a huge heart. This man truly loves every single person on this planet, but that does not mean that he approves of his or her behavior. I share a belief with him that amongst many other problems that we have in this country we face a spiritual crisis. Faith means many different things depending upon who you are talking to; for some it may mean a regular appearance in church, and for others perhaps a more conservative lifestyle is called for, not unlike the manner in which the Amish choose to live their life. Spirituality for another person might just mean they enjoy gardening. Spirituality is as broad a term as you can possibly find, but when you get down to the core of it, hopefully it means peace. That is something that we truly could stand to have more of right now.

On the larger issues Gillmartin and I are almost in total agreement. We have serious problems with our government; it fails the people on a regular basis. Our political parties pander to the flock, and thoroughly attempt to divide the electorate to maintain their power. As in the case of Representative Foley, we frequently have politicians pandering to their voters, and these very same politicians do not embody the ideals of the voters they are attempting to sway their way.

For far too many reasons, the fourth estate of this country, the Free Press, has been eviscerated to the point where they are no longer capable of doing their job. We have problems with the environment, that present lethal threats to us, and we have problems with climate shifts, that are being ignored. None of our leaders are looking forward to the future we will be leaving for our children, and currently it is a bleak one. It is rare that anyone looks past the here and now, and most of our politicians are focused on the next election.

Gillmartin frequently pokes fun at me, and refers to me as a tree hugger. I have never hugged a tree, well okay once, but five margaritas were involved. The reality is I float to the right on some issues, and I float to the left on some issues. The reality is just like Gillmartin; I am concerned about the future of our country. We are not going to agree on every single detail, but we do not need to. We need to find the things we do agree on and start moving forward towards solving some of these problems that are largely ignored. We are going to have to do this together, and if we choose to demand that everything goes our way, nothing will ever get done. Compromise is a word that needs to be re-introduced along with respect for others. We need to stop yelling at each other, and start listening to each other. This is something that Gillmartin and I have been able to do from the very beginning. If Gillmartin and I can pull this off, what makes the rest of you so darn special, that you do not have to? Take it away Reverend, the floor is all yours.

Note: Gillmartin's column will appear on Monday, and will thereafter appear weekly, unless of course he gets a bee in his bonnet.