Many Iowa patriots who support Christian and family values are not conservatives

Partisanship and tribalism have dominated politics in America for too long, and the results have often not been in the best interests of our country. But does it have to be that way? Do we have to remain mired in a political quagmire where our elected officials are unable to make independent decisions and instead play to a real or imagined “base?”

Or can we instead recognize that, as Americans, many of us have much in common. I would like the elected officials who represent me, a lifelong liberal, to know that I am a Christian, a strong believer in family values, and a very patriotic American. Let me elaborate:

Faith: Statisticians estimate that there are more than 200 million Christians in the United States. Many of those Americans, me included, do not consider ourselves to be “political evangelicals,” but our faith is strong. We were raised in Protestant or Catholic parishes where we learned the Golden Rule at an early age. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you” guides many of our lives.

I had great admiration for the young pastor in the country protestant church that my family attended. He had gone to the South in the mid-1960s as a “freedom rider,” as did many other young Christians in that era. Racism had no place in our church, then or now.

Politicians: Do not make the mistake of thinking that all Christians hold conservative political views.

Family values: Some politicians seem to believe that the term “family values” refers to a particular set of beliefs held by a conservative segment of our society. Although I am a political liberal, I join many others in believing strongly in a broad set of family values which includes acceptance of all my neighbors, regardless of race, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation, a commitment to doing what I can to feed the hungry, being faithful to my wife, taking care of my children, participating in my community and speaking up when I see a lack of justice or fairness.

Politicians: Do not make the mistake of believing that those of us who hold centrist or liberal political beliefs are somehow opposed to or lack commitment to family values.

Patriotism: The Far Right has commandeered the concept of patriotism and often called the most radical among them “the greatest patriots.” But political moderates and liberals often have extensive knowledge of our nation’s history, hold a deep commitment to the U.S. Constitution, revere the icons of our democracy such as the U.S. Capital and the Lincoln Memorial, feel pleasure and satisfaction when they cast their ballots and share a profound love of their country.

Politicians: Do not make the mistake of accepting a shallow and uninformed definition of patriotism.

And, finally, do not make the mistake of thinking we are socialists if we want better highways, safe bridges, public transportation options, clean drinking water for all Americans, action on the climate crisis, and high speed internet throughout our country. We are patriotic Americans, fervent believers in democracy, who want a country that will be as good for our grandchildren as it has been for us.

Ralph Plagman is retired after a 49 year career as a teacher and administrator for the Cedar Rapids Community Schools. He is a lifelong Iowan, a proud Democrat and a father of four.