To the editor:

In response to, “The election: A Christian perspective:”

Dear fellow Christian, a gentle reminder that Christ does not choose leaders or vote in elections. In fact, there is no campaign that Jesus endorses, ever.

There has been no evidence of election fraud during this election. None. Period. While the election didn’t go how you wanted that does not mean there was fraud. I guarantee you the election didn’t go how I wanted four years ago, but guess what — Trump took office. Because that’s how elections work in this country. People vote. The votes are counted and in this election recounted (more than once) and certified. Crying and trying to bully democracy out of the hands of the people is not the will of the people, it is what children do when they lose — they throw a fit.

The state of Georgia has a Republican governor, a Republican Secretary of State and the Republicans hold the majority in the state house and senate — a trifecta of control. Did they like the election results? I don’t know, but I do know Biden, a Democrat won any way. Because people voted.

Having a sitting president call head election officials in the state AFTER the vote has been certified is not only unprecedented, it would be unlawful.

You mentioned America’s prosperity and peace. Let’s review: George Floyd was brutally murdered this year in our state, signaling we have a LOT of work to do to make Minnesota live up to our ideals of it being a peaceful, welcoming place for everyone; the US boasts the highest level of economic inequality compared to the other top seven global economies — in essence the rich get richer and the poor get poorer; we’re ranked 27th in the world for education and healthcare — 27th! Depending on who you are, the America you experience can be very different.

You mentioned another world: that sounds nice and I hope you’re right, but in the meantime, this is the one and only planet we get to live on. To quote a fellow Christian, Pope Francis: “Global warming continues, due in part to human activity: 2015 was the warmest year on record, and 2016 will likely be warmer still. This is leading to ever more severe droughts, floods, fires and extreme weather events. The world’s poor, though least responsible for climate change, are most vulnerable and already suffering its impact.” “…For human beings to contaminate the earth’s waters, its land, its air, and its life — these are sins.”

How about we lean into a strong Christian foundation and practice love. Let’s remember that Jesus didn’t vote for anyone nor do I imagine he is anywhere wringing his hands over a mortal election. So, while you’re praying, I’ll be praying also. And when I stop, I’ll be using my two hands to work every day to save a planet we’re hell bent on destroying faster than most of us will be ready for the heaven you hope for.

Megan Benage

New Ulm