Here's what she said:
"Individual rights are not subject to a public vote; a majority has no right to vote away the rights of a minority; the political function of rights is precisely to protect minorities from oppression by majorities (and the smallest minority on earth is the individual)."
This is definitely a statement that makes you think. I certainly had to reread it a couple of times, mulling over the theme and picking out the implications.
But I didn't have to chase it too long. Because there is one solid truth that to me is obvious. There will always be leadership. Period.
No matter what our stance is. No matter what we wish for. No matter what we may desire to believe, there are people in authority. And beyond people, there is a God with ultimate, supreme sovereignty.
To some people, this is a disturbing fact. It is a reality that they believe is the root cause of trouble in our world. Indeed, it sometimes is. There is the sad truth that many leaders abuse their power, cripple the freedom of individuals, and neglect the small voices. But as I dove into this theme a bit, I found the examples of good authority to be more compelling.
In my "Leadership Moments" devotion today, I read about King David. They described his style in this way:
"King David's leadership succeeded through a two-sided coin: his hands AND his heart. He had outward skill and inward integrity."Psalm 78:72 says, "And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."
Pretty reassuring evidence for leadership, don't you think? And look at Jesus! Over 2.2 billion people in the world are Christians, over a third of the global population. They have all chosen to follow this man, accepting his claim as the Son of God and Savior of the world. Let's look at his approach to power.
In Matthew 20:29-34 we have the story of two blind men asking Jesus to restore their sight. These were obviously marginalized and hopeless individuals. Jesus healed them, and they immediately followed him.
Further along in Matthew, in chapter 22:15-22, we find a surprising exchange between Jesus and the Pharisees. He shocks them by saying that Caesar deserved the tax, as it was his authority which claimed it.
Wow. Here is a man who has heavenly power and authority, pausing to heal two nobodies and then acquiescing to an earthly ruler. That flips Rand's view on its head. It also places the responsibility on our shoulders.
Rand says rights protect minorities from oppression. I would argue that Christ protects minorities from oppression.
As Christians, each and every one of us is called to fight against injustice, to elect officials who are capable and righteous, and to assist the needy. Jesus exemplified all of this during his ministry, and continues to call us to do that today as we follow him.
I find it interesting how much value we place on ourselves. My ideas, my needs, my struggle, my purpose. Looking at the 2012 presidential election, we are all looking out for our interests as we choose our next leader. It is fact that our liberties and lifestyles will be governed by the people we elect into positions of authority over us.
I'm comfortable with this though, knowing that Jesus, who is my authority, taught us to understand the purpose and value of earthly leadership. As long as we step outside of the blinders of our perspective, and look at history, the purpose of leadership, and the values that must be protected, we need not fear.
Votes and leaders do affect individual and minority rights. That has always been the case. But if we carefully and responsibly allow qualified, wise people into power, then we need not worry about this fact. Case in point: King David.
What do you think?
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