Personal Reflections on the 2008 Elections

By Helen Roberts

Because we are a spiritual organization, we strive to remain non-partisan in our publications. We may occasionally discuss current issues, but, as a general rule, we avoid supporting candidates in the Religious Research Journals. Now that the election is over, however, there is less reason to avoid presenting my personal observations about the recent elections. With the caveat that my opinions are not necessarily the opinions of the Religious Research Foundation and/or its individual members, I am now sharing these thoughts with all of our members.

If you have followed the election at all, you have seen that the constant back and forth about issues and personalities has been very draining. Much of this is attributable to the negativity that seems to be attached to all political races. I know of several people who would make excellent public servants but would never run for election because of that negativity. They might work for government agencies, but only in positions acquired without a political process.

And yet most of the leaders of this country have to go through this process: mayors, tax assessors, election supervisors, district attorneys, sheriffs, local judges, state senators and representatives, governors, members of Congress, senators, and those who strive for the most important position in the world - president of the United States. Cabinet members are not elected, but their selection is not apolitical. Even Federal Judges and Supreme Court Justices are often chosen for political reasons. Does it really make sense that our politics are often so negative that good men and women avoid the very positions that control our nation? We have all seen people denied public office because of campaign ads that spread innuendos, exaggerations and blatant lies. Does it make sense that good people who want to serve the public are not given the chance because of the negative politics that can destroy a person’s career and even his personal life?

The only way that negative campaigning will ever stop is for the people who vote to end it. This brings me to my favorite subject, the New Human Society that we hope to see established on earth.

My new book is now complete except for some minor details, and we expect to send a copy to each of our members early in 2009. The book spends a good deal of time explaining Dr. John’s teachings about how the soul came into existence and about the destiny of the soul. Part of that destiny is to partner with higher spiritual beings in bringing God’s Kingdom to Earth by helping usher in a New Human Society – one in which only good is rewarded. We cannot do it all, but we must do our part.

Even though there was a lot of negativity during the campaigns in this election, there were also some very encouraging signs that the New Age that will bring in that society is already here. Yes, you heard me. The Great Event has not yet occurred, but the New Age that will bring in the New Human Society has already begun.

My daughter, Barbara, is a very mystical woman. This is not just my opinion. I first heard it when she received a life reading from Dr. John. Mystics receive their messages from higher realms than those reached by the average psychic. Barbara once told me that when the Great Event occurs, it will not seem to be a supernatural event, but will be within the realm of the possible. For the Great Event to seem natural, the consciousness of humanity will need to be raised. You have heard Tom speak of the 100^th Monkey and of the need for each of us to work on our own personal growth in consciousness – how our individual growth is necessary for the New Age, a prerequisite to the coming of the Great Event.

In Eckhart Tolle’s book, A New Earth – Awakening to Your Life Purpose (Plume Printing, 2006), Tolle speaks of how evolutionary transformation arises when a species is threatened by extreme crises. He goes further to say that the human species is now faced with a stark choice: to evolve or die. His book provides practical tools for raising an individual’s consciousness. Oprah Winfrey hosted an online video course with Eckhart Tolle, who presents his teachings and answers questions from people all over the world. Millions participated in this course. I watched part of it and was quite impressed with the enthusiasm of the audience, as well as with how Tolle’s teachings are compatible with those of Dr. John.

Among many other spiritual leaders, Oprah has presented a number of different spiritual teachings through her book club and website. She has a weekly satellite radio show she broadcasts on the web also, where she showcases spiritual teachings. Often spiritual leaders work with large groups through the internet, publications, and personal appearances. Countless small groups are spontaneously forming for informal discussion of spiritual ideas. I see a hunger for the spiritual, the likes of which I have never seen before. Quietly and not so quietly, there is a movement toward higher consciousness.

In spite of the negativity of the recent 2008 campaign, I observed a growth in human consciousness from that of 4 years ago. The 2004 campaign was based on fear and character bashing to a large extent. Which candidate can prevent another terrorist attack? Which candidate can better conduct the wars that are raging in Iraq and Afghanistan? Did Bush neglect his duties in the National Guard? Was Kerry really a hero in Vietnam? The polls showed that fear mongering and character assassinations influenced many votes. In fact, there is ample evidence that negative campaigning determined the final result.

However, what I saw in 2008 was that negative attacks often boomeranged on those who attacked. In poll after poll the question was asked about the effect of negative ads, and the response showed that most voters were less likely to vote for the ones who used negative ads in both local and national races. The major factor in the election was a positive one: the desire for change. The question was not which candidate was less distasteful. It was, “Which one can bring the most positive good?” What a refreshing change! We are not there yet, but maybe that day is coming when good men/women will no longer avoid running for public office because of negative ads.

Transparency is one of the factors that helped to decrease the effect of negative ads. In 2004, a rumor could be spread quite effectively without the general public being aware of the validity/falsity of that rumor unless the press investigated and reported the facts. In 2008, millions of internet users spread rumors, but millions of internet users also spread the truth behind false rumors. Transparency actually helped raise the consciousness of humankind by making sure that false rumors were quickly exposed. “Ye shall know the truth and the truth will make you free.” The lower consciousness of past centuries was fed by the scarcity of truth.

Another evidential that human consciousness is expanding was the lack of racial prejudice in the voters of 2008. Over and over I heard pundits talk about the “Bradley effect.” They were referring to Tom Bradley and his bid to become Governor of California in 1982. Bradley was an African-American running against a white opponent. Going into the election, Bradley was heavily favored to win, but he lost. Obviously, many people lied to the pollsters. The pundits concluded that people who would not vote for an African American might not admit it to a pollster for fear of looking like bigots. How refreshing that the so-called “Bradley effect” proved in 2008 to exist no longer!

A third sign of an increase in human consciousness exhibited during the election was the grassroots participation by millions. Americans have been plagued by considerable apathy about who leads our country. By contrast, in 2008, millions listened to debates, discussions, and speeches about candidates and issues. Record crowds stood in line for hours to hear more than one candidate talk about what he/she would do if elected. Record numbers donated their time and their money to campaigns. Voters stood in line for as long as 8 hours to vote on November 4. There was more enthusiasm about and participation in this election than we have seen in many years.

In the past, special interests have decided elections. We have not reached the stage that special interests no longer play a part in political campaigns, but as more and more Americans of all ages show their interest and their support in our government, the day will come when special interests will reflect the will of the people.

The New Human Society that the Great Event is to usher in is to be a grassroots effort. Every person who strives to raise his own consciousness is part of that effort. So is every person who selflessly participates in our government, whether that participation is by running for office, taking a position in our government, working in a campaign, or simply making informed decisions and voting when we are given that opportunity. We are to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

So far my reflections have been generalities about the election. I also want to share my thoughts about some of the more spiritual aspects of Barack Obama’s candidacy – things to keep in mind that we might want to preserve in our future politics.

I first heard of Barack Obama when he gave the keynote address at the 2004 Democratic Convention. In a country divided by disagreement over the war in Iraq, tax cuts for the wealthy, efforts to privatize social security, abortion issues, gay rights, the shame of Abu Ghraib, the injustice of Guantanamo, the righteous indignation at the corruption of leaders of our country, the greed of war profiteers, the reports of invasion of privacy...the list goes on…in such a divided country, I felt a thrill when I heard the words, “There are no blue states, there are no red states; there is just the United States of America.” Wow! I was born in 1932, so I remembered and longed for the days when America was not divided but fought together for the right to life, liberty, and happiness. Those days had disappeared, and I was intrigued at what, if anything, this man could do to bring them back.

I had felt that no one party had the monopoly on good. Each had strong and weak points. If this man could see the good in common with both republicans and democrats, he might be able to help heal that divide. How great it would be to have cooperation between parties instead of competition. In the New Human Society, men and women will work together toward a common goal, emphasizing cooperation. There will be healthy competition that encourages growth rather than the “dog eat dog” jungle competition that we have experienced for too long.

I began to follow Obama’s career because I felt he might be a part of America’s future. I learned that in Illinois he formed his decisions by first listening to the people. When there was a vote coming up on a farm bill, he went to farms and talked to the men who lived the problems that birthed the farm bill. Then he came back and talked to other experts before he voted. I liked this way of evaluating issues by looking at all sides. The opposite of the “tunnel vision” that Dr. John so often speaks against! Perhaps the day will come when politics no longer represent the tunnel visions of certain ideologies.

His slogan, “Yes, we can!” is the optimistic approach of the New Age. Realistic optimism is what the future should hold for us. What of importance has been accomplished that was not first envisioned with the spirit that it could be done?

When Obama was attacked by negative ads showing hateful remarks from the pulpit by his preacher, Rev. Wright, Barack countered by giving a beautiful speech about racial relations in the United States. What an astonishing response to negative attacks! How totally different from the usual responses to such bitter criticism.

I observed how Obama stirred the youth of the country to the point that they were persuading their parents to listen to him. Our youth are the future of America and the hope of the New Age. They are primarily the ones who will build and inherit the New Human Society. At age 76, I am heartened when I see young people taking hold of their country!

Our last Journal in 2007 presented a message from Hopi Elders that has been circulated in spiritual circles since September 2001. It follows:

To My Fellow Swimmers:

There is a river flowing now very fast. It is so great and swift that there are those who will be afraid. They will try to hold on to the shore. They will feel they are being torn apart and will suffer greatly. Know the river has its destination. We must let go of the shore, push off into the middle of the river, keep our eyes open, and our heads above the water. And I say, see who is in there with you and celebrate. At this time in history, we are to take nothing personal, least of all ourselves. For the moment that we do, our spiritual growth and journey comes to a halt. The time of the lone wolf is over. Gather yourselves! Banish the word “struggle” from your attitude and your vocabulary. All that we do now must be done in a sacred manner and in celebration.

WE ARE THE ONES WE’VE BEEN WAITING FOR.

During the campaign, I heard Obama say “We are the ones we’ve been waiting for.” He repeated this on a number of occasions. Each time it was in the context of people working together for a common goal. I thought of the Hopi Elders and our own personal share and responsibility in building the New Human Society. It will not be accomplished by one person – not even the Person of Jesus the Christ.

When the election was over and America had chosen our 44^th President, I watched for hours the crowds who listened to his acceptance speech. Tears came to my eyes when he said, “If you did not vote for me, know that I will be your President, too.” He spoke of how he would make mistakes, but he would always be open and honest. Millions of people watched and many cried.

Perhaps it is even more important that race was not an issue for many voters. While a majority of African Americans voted for Obama, African Americans comprise about one-eighth of the US population. That means that the majority of Obama’s supporters were white people – as was evident from TV coverage of his rallies and speeches. This means that a vast number of white Americans did not vote for or against Obama based on his skin color, but based on their assessment that he was a good man and would make a superior president. For those voters, Obama’s race was not the major consideration; they voted for who he is, not how he looks.

I am reminded of Dr. Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech when he said 45 years ago, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.” Republican, Democrat or Independent voter, who among us does not share that dream for our children and our country? I believe in 2008 we have taken a clear step closer to being the America of Dr. King’s dream.

Michelle Norris (an African-American) of National Public Radio talked of how African-American leaders are moved by one of their own having been elected to the highest office in the land. She also reported that African-American youths had found a new sense of dignity and purpose.

A Caucasian friend of mind remarked last week that she usually was ignored by African-Americans she encountered while shopping, but that she had received a lot of smiles and friendly gestures since the election.

A sense of optimism about the future of America has been expressed over and over by people from all countries, in spite of the world’s economic crisis and the two wars in which we are engaged.

You may not have supported Obama, and you certainly may not agree with his policies. In our country, we don’t have to agree with each other. We are a country filled with diversity, and that diversity has enriched us in many ways. However, I trust that Americans will unite now in support of our new President, just as John McCain and many other republicans intend to do.

There are many challenges facing President-elect Obama – perhaps more than any American president has ever faced. But he certainly has the support he needs to accomplish what he promises. A record four million people are expected to attend the January 20th inauguration! Compare this to the 2^nd largest number of 1.2 million for Lyndon Johnson in the 1960s.

Barack has already given his first weekly radio message to Americans, putting it on YouTube for everyone to see. (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/11/15/obama-urges-congress-to-m_n_144035.html) His office has announced that Obama will appoint a Chief Technology Officer to bring the internet into our Government, allowing all Americans to ask questions and make suggestions about their government. These are signs that his campaign promise of honesty with American people will be kept.

We will see what the Obama Administration will bring. I expect we will go forward with fewer negatives in our political process, with more racial equality, respect, and harmony, with a spirit of optimism about the future, with more transparency and honesty, and with more determination to build a better society of cooperation and responsibility and a firm foundation upon which to build the New Human Society.

May God bless us all as we move forward, as individuals and as a nation, further into the new spiritual age that beckons us.

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