When did the word "politics" take on such a negative meaning? When one candidate wants to attack the motives of another, he simply accuses him of making a "political move" or a "decision based on politics." The implication is that the "political" candidate is acting for personal or party advantage rather than for the larger, common good.

Politics did not always have such a dirty name.

The word "politics" is based on the Greek word polis, meaning a body of citizens. Political science is the study of how societies and nations have sought to organize and regulate the common life of the people. Not long ago, politics was a mostly positive term that expressed hope in man’s ability to live with common purpose for the common good. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are political documents with this more hopeful perspective.

The denigration of the word political is an ominous development – a sign that as a people we are becoming skeptical, even cynical, about our ability to live together as a people. Politicians are seen as leaders who are elected simply to bring favors to their special interest groups. Power is considered the ultimate goal, and whatever candidate or party has power is expected to use it for the benefit of allies, rather than for the service of truth to benefit all.

At the heart of the problem is a general doubt about the reality of truth - objective and universal truth. Pope Benedict XVI has referred often to the "dictatorship of relativism" that has poisoned not only religion but the life of nations and politics. If there is no truth that applies to all people of a nation, then politics, indeed, will descend to a power grab. Citizens and their elected officials no longer reach for what is good and true and beautiful; they simply contend over what is best for themselves, or for this or that group.

In this atmosphere, politics is the art of manipulation, as politicians try to get people to their side of the aisle by any means necessary – since there is no common truth to uphold to draw people to their side.

Today, anyone who stands for truth is seen as an "ideologue" or worse, simply misguided.

How can we reclaim politics for the good of our nation? Don’t be surprised if the Catholic Church has a true guide. In posts this week, we will explore how the Church's social justice teachings should guide our lives as fathers for good.

Comments

[John Boudreaux]

I just read an article on Headline Bistro about Caroline Kennedy. She indicates that she supports Gay Marriage. I wonder if she still claims to be Catholic.
30.1% of the members of Congess are Catholic, but how many follow the teaching of the Church.
I believe that any politician that states a religious preference should be held accountable for his or her actions, they should not mislead the voters, if they do not practice their religious affiliation, they should be forced to disclose this publically.

[DavidE]

Start with truth and honesty. Almost all candidates stretch the truth if not outright lie. What I cannot understand is how any Catholic politician gets away with supporting abortion? How and why does the church allow them to get away with this? They should be exposed and ex-communicated if they do not change their position.