On the evening of Nov. 5, 1963, I cried myself to sleep. I was 11 years old.
The reason for my grief was the election that day of Paul B. Johnson Jr. to become governor of Mississippi. His campaign motto, "Stand tall with Paul," referenced his act the previous year in my hometown of Oxford, when he stood in front of federal marshals as if to block them as they escorted James Meredith toward enrollment as the first black student at Ole Miss. His whole gubernatorial campaign focused on his intention to lead the resistance against outside agitators trying to change Mississippi's "way of life," a code for segregation.
Once again my state had elected the candidate who played the race card with the most vigor. And I cried that night, praying, desperately asking God to help us and to save us from the suffering and continued backwardness that afflicted the place and people I loved.
Despite his campaign rhetoric, Paul Johnson turned into a wise and moderate governor. In his inaugural address he changed his motto, choosing the theme "Pursuit of Excellence." In that opening address, he made this profound announcement: "Hate, or prejudice, or ignorance, will not lead Mississippi while I sit in the governor's chair." Gov. Johnson lived that promise, making no more demagogic outbursts and leading with common sense for the common good. Courageously he fired two KKK members from the Highway Patrol, and quietly, behind the scenes, he cut off the air of the segregationists who had elected him. In 1965 when the U.S. Congress passed the Voting Rights Act, Johnson urged Mississippians to comply. Indeed, he did "stand tall."
Paul Johnson has been coming back into my consciousness as I've engaged in conversations recently about some of the over-the-top rhetoric that has peppered presidential campaigning. I'm being hopeful. Paul Johnson gives me hope. Sometimes politicians will use inflammatory demagoguery as candidates, then become more realistic and pragmatic when the role turns to governance. I hope so, at least.
Some of the most troubling recent demagoguery concerns how we live with others on this fragile planet. Will we regard those from different races, cultures or religions as different, and therefore threats; or as different, and therefore interesting?
Tomorrow, January 6, is the Feast of the Epiphany. Churches in Western Christianity will tell the story of the visitation of the Magi (Matthew 2).
The Magi were foreigners. The King James Version translates "magi" as "wise men." It is likely they were priests of Zoroastrianism, an ancient religion particularly significant in Persia and other areas east of Israel. The priests of Zoroaster were known for their sophisticated methods of tracking the stars and other heavenly bodies. They were respected as the scientists of the skies.
Matthew's story tells that these Magi saw the rising star as the sign of the birth of one born king of the Jews. The Magi traveled to bring the child royal gifts of homage: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When they arrived at the house of Mary, Joseph and Jesus, they were welcomed.
Nativity scenes with the Magi are beautiful symbols. They invite us to imagine a world in which we respect strangers and welcome the gifts and insights of other seekers.
But I'm also struck by the unintended consequences of the well-meaning actions of these wise men. Privileged and resourced, they follow their reasoning into a foreign place where they didn't really know the lay of the land. They make use of their privilege to have an audience with King Herod to ask him about the child born King of the Jews. They think they are helping; they think they are doing what is right and good. But they wreak a tragic violence upon the poor and vulnerable in Bethlehem when Herod later kills all of the infants to prevent another king.
It is a story of such ambiguity. The gentle scene at the manger, symbolizing the peace and respect that can exist across cultures and classes and races. The fascinating picture of obvious power and hidden power finding synergy in the humble place. The recognition that the truth of the sages and scientists from any realm or discipline will ultimately guide any truth-seeker toward the revelation of God, who is Truth itself. And good intentions that turn tragic.
The future is always mysterious. A racist demagogue can become a reasonable leader. The wise and good can create unintentional havoc. We face the future with humility. And hope.
Commentary on 01/05/2016