in·dif·fer·ence - ap·a·thy - dis·en·gaged

in·dif·fer·ence - lack of interest, concern, or sympathy.

ap·a·thy - lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

While some label a group of Americans as indifferent or apathetic, let me give you another option.  There is a “silent voice” that is disengaged.  The “silent voice” waits.

dis·en·gaged - emotionally detached.

There is a growing group of individuals who are disengaging from the partisan political system that has taken over American politics and is making its way into the country’s social institutions – the church included.  There is a growing group of people that are no longer interested in the bitter partisan arguments that have taken over the ordinary conversations that used to happen on the front porches and in the community coffee shops.  There are groups of people who are fed up with the bitterness that has taken over.

As this year’s mid-term election season kicks into gear with primaries and the fall general election, many have no hope that partisan political discourse will do anything but increase in its bitterness, half-truths and out-right lies.  Many also know that those engaged in these partisan political discussions will continue to lay out their arguments in hopes of engaging the indifferent and apathetic.

Reality is – the disengaged no longer believe that candidates are being placed on the ballot with the purpose of being a voice for the people.  Rather candidates have become mouth pieces for the partisan, loud and extreme vocal voices of the extremes.  Candidates of the 2-party system cater to their extreme base in order to be elected and re-elected with little consideration for the growing “silent voice.”

The system is coming to a breaking point.  There is a large group of people in the middle trying to figure out what’s next that is becoming the “silent voice” of the American political system and social institutions.  The what next is still to be determined.  

The silent voices of the indifferent and apathetic as the extremes would like to label the group in the middle, are waiting as the “silent voice” of these systems.  Waiting for a voice that isn’t the extreme partisan voice of those on the edge.  Waiting for a candidate that is a voice for more than a particular wedge issue that has become an easy sound bite for social media and the 24/7 news cycle.  Waiting for an election that isn’t about voting for the best of two least effective candidates and not a vote against another candidate.

I am fully aware that many will read this and jump into their partisan political base talking points.  I am aware that there are those who disagree with what is said.  I am also aware that there are those who are the “silent voice” of a political system that is broken.  The “silent voice” of a political system that needs candidates that aren’t catering to a partisan political base and partisan political action committees.

There are growing groups of people looking for social institutions that are a community, gathering together for the common good.  Where people gather for healthy interactions and conversations that grow one’s self personally and spiritually.  That the gathering isn’t about who is for or against -  who is voting yes or no.  

People are looking for a place that people can gather and be challenged in healthy ways and still believe there is place and space for each person.  That there is less judgement and and more grace and mercy.  That words are used to heal, not destroy.  That memes and quotes would be given consideration as to the harm that will be caused.  

A community where one finds a space where ears - hear and eyes - see and hearts - love.  The day will come when the silent voice speaks.  The silent voice waits.  The silent voice waits for that is yet to be.