The Lost Sheep of Democracy

The Lost Sheep Of Democracy

In the realm of governmental systems and societies throughout history, democracy stands out as having a natural alignment with the principles of the kingdom of God. This is because God embodies justice, and democracy inherently opposes injustice. According to the United Nations, democracy provides an environment that respects human rights and fundamental freedoms, allowing the people's will to be freely expressed. It is firmly believed that in a democratic society, all individuals should be guaranteed freedom of assembly, association, private property, freedom of expression and religion, the right to vote, and citizenship rights. A nation cannot truly exemplify democracy if certain groups are deprived of justice and equality. Former President Jimmy Carter says, “The best way to enhance freedom in other lands is to demonstrate here that our democratic system is worthy of emulation." Therefore, it is imperative that we look for those who live in our nation as lost sheep (the least of these).

God is my Shepherd according to Psalm 23. Jesus, as the Shepherd of the kingdom of God, had the primary duty of caring for the kingdom's sheep. The Bible teaches that Jesus is the good Shepherd who sacrificed His life for the sheep, emphasizing the importance for Christians to care for one another, especially the most vulnerable. In a democratic system that upholds the fundamental rights of all individuals, it is essential for us to be aware of the social and spiritual well-being of those in our democracy like lost sheep.

Who are the lost sheep of our democratic system? 

Over twelve million individuals from various regions worldwide have joined the ranks of the low-income population in the United States. It is possible that some of you are unfamiliar with this demographic. The low-income group comprises individuals living below the poverty threshold. Presently, in 2024, there are more than 37 million individuals residing below the poverty line in the United States. The situation is further complicated by the fact that among this population, undocumented immigrants are not only living below the poverty line but are also the most disadvantaged and vulnerable of the group. This is due to the restrictions they face despite being permitted to work in the country, they are deprived of many democratic rights, such as equal opportunities and limitations on various activities. 

For example, one of the most crucial and democratic events we hold in our nation is the election. It is during the election period that we offer our people the chance to express their views and opinions by participating in the voting process to choose their representatives. Voting stands as the foundation of our democracy and the essential entitlement upon which all our civil rights are based. Ronald Reagan once stated, "The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished." Nevertheless, history reminds us that there was a period in our history when many Americans were deprived of this right.

The 15th Amendment, approved by Congress on February 26, 1869, and ratified on February 3, 1870, granted African Americans the right to vote.

Today, although the voices are diverse, the call for justice remains the same. There is a new group of people in our country who are now seeking the right to vote.

Millions have toiled for years to rebuild our nation and society, yet have limited access to the benefits of democracy. They are disenfranchised and excluded from various opportunities. It was unjust to deny people the right to vote then, so why should it be acceptable now? What was wrong in the past is wrong today. Denying Americans the right to vote was wrong, and it is equally wrong to exclude millions who have resided in the country for years. We must reform the system to ensure equal opportunities for all.

Who will leave the 99?

In the Gospel of St. Mark, Jesus shared a parable emphasizing the importance of caring for one another. "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep."

Living in our country without the right to vote, freedom of speech, or equal opportunity renders a person the lost sheep of democracy.

Therefore, upon reflection, we recognize that just as Jesus tends to the sheep of the kingdom of God, we must also shepherd our fellow man who have been residing in our democracy without some fundamental democratic rights.

During this election season, we penned this brief essay to remind our government and those in authority of democracy's duty to the low-income individuals of the United States, particularly those who have lived in the country for years without voting rights.

We aspire to inspire change towards a fairer system that uplifts immigrants by providing equal opportunities to all. The cry for justice cannot be ignored in a democracy. Thus, we are committed to preserving the hope of immigrants by any means necessary.