A Cynic's Faith

To be an eternal Optimist and a hopeless romantic, I've also become quite the cynic. On the one hand I have faith, believing in things I hope for in spite of a general lack of evidence and certainly not yet seen." Yet there is a great deal of distrust of Government, organized religion and the media. When it comes to these things, "I'll believe it when I see it." After spending thirty years working in all manner of Government and learning how things actually get done, it's hard not to be cynical . My friend Congressman Jack Kingston explained it best one day in his office at the Capitol when he looked at me and said, "When is she going to learn that this place is like Baskin Robibns? You take your number, get what you want and then go to the back of the line and start over." And truth be told, that's a pretty accurate summary of how Government works. I've sat through hundreds of political fundraisers and learned that there is a constituent for every possible cause trying to influence things to turn out the way they want. War or no war? Bomb makers want it because its good for business. Coca-Cola doesn't because it's bad for business ... unless it will open up new markets. I was sitting an an Invitation Only breakfast meeting in D.C. for Senator Johnny Isakson when I learned this. Only twenty-five people payed a $1,000 for bacon and powered eggs served on white linen to have "personal time" with the Senator. My ticket was comped though I was wanting something just like everybody there was wanting something. One side of the table wanted something and the other side didn't. The Senator concluded that both had valid points that he would take into consideration. Cynicism is born out of such experiences. I've also worked for organized religion and discovered that the religion is not so organized but the business aspects are. Mainline churches exist based on how much is raised to buy the Godly amenities desired by the Congregation. Good preaching costs more than bad preaching. Wonderful choirs do too. You pay to get caught up in the Spirit. My long dearly departed homeless friend Chester Fawbush went with me to Mississippi once to give a speech to the Southern Baptist. It was a state convention thing. I spoke and then he spoke. We slayed them in Spirit! Chester was homeless and he got multiple standing ovations and several dinner invitations. On the ride back to the airport, I complimented him on the power of his sermon. Looking at me with a twinkle in his eye and a smile with half-a-mouth of teeth he said, "Ah Mike ... preaching ... panhandling ... it's all the same." It really is. I also dealt with the Media for decades and have mastered the art of the sound-bite. Did you know that most News is designed so a 7th Grader can understand it? Seriously, this was explained to me by long time Newscaster Doug Weathers. At first I didn't believe him but now ... I think they've dummied down. And having knocked around Media outlets from The National Press Club in Washington D.C. to local news giant WTOC, its all really about the ratings. What are you doing to get more people watching? Because the more people that watch ... the more money we're making. News is not understanding about what is going on. It's more about creating News Personalities. How's that for cynicism? And I named names! You know what? I still believe. It's stupid to, I know that, but I do. I believe in God. I believe in love. I believe in good. I believe in good stories even if they're about bad times. People can come together and do very holy things. In the end, we only have each other. In spite of my cynicism, I remain a person of faith. Though I'd really like to see it more than I do ... cause I could use it more than I have it.