For readers eager to understand the baffling mishaps of global and national politics, there’s no better time than now to behold the ongoing fiasco in Washington. The government shutdown has entered its fourth week, and nearly 1.5 million federal workers are the unlucky winners of a free, unpaid vacation courtesy of Congress’s inability to play nice in the sandbox. Adding a sprinkle of chaos, those in the military and even air traffic control are in the mix, anxiously waiting for grown-ups in suits to come to a resolution.
It’s not every day that front pages of newspapers lean towards truthfulness, but it seems the New York Times headline recently bore a refreshing scent of honesty when it directed fault towards the Democrats. They’re accused of doing their very best — or worst — to stop pay for essential workers. Evidently, a select few of the Democrat brigade defied their party line, suggesting there’s at least a faint pulse of dissent amid the rank and file. Meanwhile, Congressman Riley Moore from West Virginia seems less than impressed by Chuck Schumer’s purported leadership. Moore likens Schumer’s apparent hesitance in the face of Progressive competition to a game of political duck-duck-goose.
While Washington’s tug-of-war over federal paychecks holds the spotlight, another story unfolds far from the nation’s capital. The violence faced by Christians in Nigeria hasn’t received nearly the attention it warrants, considering its staggering severity. In neighboring Niger, an American pastor has been kidnapped, allegedly by ISIS operatives. Congressman Moore has championed the need for America to step up its vocal support, urging for Nigeria to be designated as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Persecution of Christians there is reportedly reaching horrifying numbers, with thousands dead.
It sounds almost like a grim playbook from a thriller movie, yet no significant international action has followed. In the first term, the Trump administration apparently recognized the gravity of the situation, but current leadership seems less inclined. Instead, perhaps in a bizarre twist of logic, they’ve linked the turmoil to climate change rather than outright religious persecution. Moore’s criticism of this rationale might tempt one to question whether diplomatic confusion is the new strategy, as opposed to admitting a religious crisis.
With 82% of persecuted Christians reported to have died in Nigeria this past year according to Moore, it’s clear that action is required before those numbers climb higher. The congressman’s plea seems simple: display the courage to speak out and protect those risking their lives. But between bureaucratic gridlock at home and the murky shadows of international policy, it seems the moral high ground remains a tough climb filled with many an unexpected twist. Perhaps soon, reason and action will prevail over excuses, but until then, both Nigerian Christians and unpaid federal employees continue to languish without just recognition or solution.
