As citizens, we have tolerated the devolution of our republic into cults of personality. Rather than a spirited contest of ideas among a self-governing people, elections have become a spectator sport complete with pompoms, jerseys, and cheerleaders.

The result? We’re all losers.

National cable news shows, ratcheting down their content to the lowest common denominator, put forward every question as the Elephant Team versus the Donkey Team. Yay Elephant Team!

When it is revealed that an Elephant Team member wants to fund abortion, raise taxes, and strip people of their due process rights? The predictable response is, “Hey, at least they’re not a Donkey!”

We must do better.

The politicians of both teams, er, parties, absolutely love it. They spoon out political pablum and pretend it’s an ideological steak dinner.

And we’re to lap it up? Frankly, we should vomit it out.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22, we read, “Test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.”

That should be true of everything, but especially in the most practical application of the working out of our faith in the public square. Too many of us unquestioningly accept the false narrative of Elephant versus Donkey. We accept evil as long as it comes packaged in the appropriate colors of our political team.

There is a disturbingly high number of “Elephants” actively seeking to replace our system of God-given self-governance with one of godless socialism—or, at least, they are unwilling to fight that godless takeover being executed by the Donkeys.

We have seen instance after instance of Republican lawmakers who would pedal us just a little slower toward the evil destination of a big, abusive, socialist state. Sometimes they themselves are deceived, worshiping the false gods of “statesmanship” and “compromise.” Others simply believe themselves ethically fit to be masters—intending to be benevolent, perhaps, but masters nonetheless.

As citizens, we must look past the packaging. We must put the promises of politicians to the test, examining what they have actually done or failed to do. We must reject those who actively conspire against us, and hold on to those who seek what is good.

By doing so, we will advance the cause of liberty for ourselves and our children.

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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