Like most of us, I had never even heard of Kyrsten Sinema until a few weeks ago. It happens that the daughter of a good friend of mine shared a room at the Air force Academy with Kyrsten’s opponent, so he was watching the results closely, being strongly in favor of the Democrat. This got me interested enough to check out her Wiki article which impressed me with her unusual background and credentials. I’ll append the email that I sent him at the end.
For those who want an introduction, there’s a one minute clip from her acceptance speech in this N.Y. Times article.
I’m personally convinced that the transition from our original national motto, “E Pluribus Unum” to the one adopted by a unanimous senate in 1954, “In God We Trust,” marked a transformation in our society at a deep level . This official motto of the United States, I would argue, did subtle but palpable damage to our first amendment proscription of establishment of a religion. The“God” that this motto now promotes our trusting, is far from without legal-political consequences. The defining quality of a group of religions that adhere to this motto are referred to as “Abrahamic.” The link describes the word represents Christians, Jews and Muslims, but excludes almost half of the population of the world. If the proclamation of this motto, and the cultural enforcement of it, is not the establishment of a religion, then this constitutional phrase has no meaning at all. (*see comment by acting AG in appended letter)
Kyrsten, is an adroit politician, where the first rule is “one must win elections.” Those people who choose this profession are mere mortals, rather than philosophers or poets, but those who for personal gain or for humanitarian ideals choose to to run for office, be castigated by opponents, win some political goals but lose many more. I think to survive youhave to have a deep residue of confidence, so much so that you aren’t forced to respond to those who go for your weak spots.
Among Kyrsten’s many rare qualities, is one that is unique (in the true sense of the word) -- her public response to the religious question. Ironically this is now more fraught than her acknowledgement of her being “bisexual” It is well conveyed in this HuffPost article from her winning a seat in the House of Representatives in 2012. Kyrsten Sinema, Arizona Democrat, To Replace Pete Stark As Sole Atheist In Congress. Her pragmatism demanded that her public image of her religious beliefs be as quoted from the Huffpost article that conveyed a passing of the torch of secularism from Representative Stark to Sinema — who as of today, may be the first such secularist in the U.S. Senate--- if we exclude our founding fathers!
While Sinema’s campaign was initially unavailable for comment after Tuesday’s election, spokesman Justin Unga said Friday that Sinema does not consider herself a nonbeliever, adding that she prefers a “secular approach.’’
“Kyrsten believes the terms non-theist, atheist or nonbeliever are not befitting of her life’s work or personal character,’’ Unga said in email. “She does not identify as any of the above.’’
That’s good enough for me, as that first rule of politics, “getting elected” allowed her to say only as much as she needed, accepting that she wasn’t going to get the votes of fundamentalists anyhow. How she lives her life is more meaningful than what is printed on her campaign literature in concluding that she is in the secular camp.
I wanted to get this posted as soon as possible, since as many of us are agitated and distressed by the actions of our current holder of the highest political position of our land, Kyrsten Sinema’s elevation to the senior house of our national Congress provides some hope, that we may look back at these difficult days from a better place.
Notes:
From Wikipedia article on Abrahamic Religions
As of 2005, estimates classified 54% (3.6 billion people) of the world's population as adherents of an Abrahamic religion, about 32% as adherents of other religions, and 16% as adherents of no organized religion. Christianity claims 33% of the world's population, Islam has 21%, Judaism has 0.2%[12][13]
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Edited letter to my friend: Ken,
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Wow, one amazing character. If I give you a hard time when we are having heated discussions, consider it only a tiny warm-up of how she could cut you (or me) into little pieces if we were to challenge her. There are many with a Ph.D or JD or MSW, but don't know of any with all three.
While she has tons of accomplishments this is what really impresses me:
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Sinema is now the only openly non-theist or atheist member of Congress
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Kyrsten seems like she could be the kind of plain speaking character who could capture the public's imagination. This combined with brains and guts, could be the formula for making it it to the very top. I do have some connections with atheist groups that are active in national politics. While few people admit being atheists, and it may have hurt her if she had made a big deal out of it, I will guess in a decade or two, it could be in style, just like being gay and smoking grass is now.
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Maybe I will have that heart valve repaired and take that new discovery to "prevent alzheimers" so I could be around to be one of her groupies.