I have enjoyed watching politics since I first voted in 1968. I am a registered independent – always have been.  I have sent money to both Republicans and Democrats.

That does not make me an expert on anything but I do have opinions on most things.

But as I watched the last Republican debate I began to despair. Where is civility? Grown men at podiums interrupting each other, calling  each other names, misrepresenting views…there were three exceptions: Mrs. Carly Fiorina (She was not in the last debate. She suspended her campaign.) Governor John Kasich and Dr. Ben Carson. Mrs. Fiorina spoke in previous debates with conviction but she never stooped to distortion.  Like Dr. Carson and Governor Kasich, she did not get into the mud pit, though plenty was slung her way. I would be willing wager that Dr. Carson nor Governor Kasich will ever sling mud or resort to name calling. Governor Kasich has a wonderful temperament – doesn’t lose his cool. No wonder Ohio elected him twice! He seems to be a genuinely nice man. Dr. Carson may be soft-spoken; that does not make him weak. His life story is remarkable. He is brilliant, compassionate and a true patriot. He is more of a philosopher and we  Americans don’t think like that anymore. No. I do not think he will win. Never did think it. He is too much of a gentleman. He has integrity and he knows he is answerable to God. They all are really but it must not be something they think about often.

On the scale of civility Dr. Carson and Governor Kasich lead the pack by a mile. And it really is more like a pack of dogs than grown American men seeking the highest office in the land of the greatest country in the world. What would our great founders, George Washington or John Adams think about all this? I am quite sure they would be shocked and deeply saddened to hear the low-level of discourse that our current politicians are engaged in. They no longer speak of lofty ideals and enduring principles. They seem to seek celebrity more than statesmanship.

The Democrat side doesn’t seem to be as fractious. However, one candidate may well have to answer for criminal behavior and years of cover-up; the other one has dangerous ideas even though he seems to be genuinely authentic. He is quite a contrast to his opponent.

Using foul language is  a sign of weakness. One may promise not to use salty language once they win the nomination but how ’bout practicing now? And how does one make such a change overnight?  Politicians are notorious for making promises they don’t intend to, or can’t, keep. To my knowledge three (there may be others) of the candidates profess a personal relationship with God through Jesus.  Christians should elevate the discourse not get down on the level of the others.

What kind of role models are these men? It’s really a shame. But the Millennials are a generation absorbed in video games and washed in violence. It is a generation that has no prayer in school, abortion on demand and self-concern is the measure of morality. Duty and responsibility are dirty words. Where are our leaders? Who are the good guys – are there any good guys?

Have we gone past the point of no return?  Is there hope? Will God grant us mercy?  Abraham asked God to spare Sodom for the sake for 50 righteous men. Then 45 righteous. Then 40 righteous. Then 30 righteous. Then 20 righteous. Finally only 10. “And he said I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.” Let us pray to be one of the 10 and may we multiply.