REUTERS reports that in the weeks following U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris’ selection of Tim Walz as her vice-presidential running mate, supportive Democrats say he is a ‘model of masculinity’ for modern America, a man comfortable reporting to a woman and who is capable of using his ‘white privilege’ to boost women of color and promote reproductive rights while also enjoying hunting, fishing and fixing cars.
Georgia delegate Cameron Landin (20) tells REUTERS, regarding Walz, that “he’s doing masculinity the right way” and that “he is playing a supportive role to Vice President Harris…while not necessarily trying to take over and dominate.” Minnesota podcaster and newspaper columnist, Sheletta Brundidge, said regarding Harris and Walz, that “she’s Gladys Knight and he’s the Pip.”
The REUTERS article may be read in full HERE.
My brothers and sisters, there is much that could be said regarding the ongoing political battle and upcoming election this fall for U.S. president (and therefore, vice president), but what struck this writer about this particular article is the relatively in-your-face and pejorative view of masculinity and the invoking of so-called ‘white privilege’.
There is a stated effort to laud Walz for establishing ‘a return to normality’ by being a white male who is willing to be subservient to a woman of color. Please understand that I have absolutely no issue whatsoever with a woman (of any color) running for political office or otherwise taking a leadership role in society; however, it is very interesting that there is an undercurrent of support for Walz BECAUSE he presents the lack of any threat to Harris or because he wouldn’t be too much of a free thinker who might disagree with any of Harris’ decisions.
Do we want any of our politicians to simply be ‘yes persons’ for the sake of obtaining office and power, and to be thrust into national prominence to push an ideological agenda while in office? I say that this sort of leadership may hold short term benefit in a political sense, but represents toxicity in the long run. Strong leaders intentionally surround themselves with the most experienced and intelligent persons possible, for the greater good and to assure that no single person can operate in a vacuum, making every decision, as is the case with dictatorial socialist or communist leaders.
Yes, a vice president needs to be generally supportive of the president to avoid disfunction, but the REUTERS article underpinning this commentary is a bit challenging or concerning as it references the ‘evolution’ of men in society to be less dominant and more subservient as a highly positive development. We should cherish the contributions of both men and women, in light of the scriptures and living life from a biblical worldview, which is God’s will for mankind. Merit should be the determining factor for electing governmental leadership.
Let’s never forget that no matter the problem or issue of life, the Answer is always Jesus!
The bible tells us to pray for our leaders (see 1 Timothy 2:1-3). Let’s pray that God’s will is done in the upcoming U.S. General Election and that a godly view of leadership would prevail. The bible makes it exceedingly clear that men and women are both equally cherished by God and have been given somewhat differing gifts, such as the compassion and maternal role of women as helpmates in marriage (see Genesis 2:18).
Here are the above-referenced scriptures:
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions [emphasis mine], that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
Genesis 2:18 (Amplified Bible)
“Now the Lord God said, ‘[i]t is not good (beneficial) for the man to be alone; I will make him a helper [one who balances him—a counterpart who is] suitable and complementary for him.’”