An Imaginary Conversation at the Iowa State Fair

Photo by Doug Kerr

“Hello, miss? Would you like to sign up to win an iPad or a flatscreen TV?”

“No thanks. It’s against my religion.”

“Really? What religion are you?”

“I’m a Christian.”

“Well, so am I!”

“Your sign says different.”

“Americans for Prosperity isn’t a religious group. We’re an advocacy group trying to educate people about how to improve the economy.”

“You cannot serve both God and money. That’s in the Bible.”

“It’s a reality of life that you need money to live. We’re not worshiping money, just trying to make sure that the rules of the economy are fair so people get to keep most of what they’ve earned.”

“Which people? Jesus said, ‘Whatever you’ve done to the least of these, you’ve done to me.’ My understanding of your organization is that it primarily helps people who already have a lot of money at the expense of those who don’t.” 

“I see. I think that’s a common misconception. You see, AFP is really about helping all hard-working Americans keep more of their money. We want a good environment for business so more people can have jobs. Wouldn’t you agree that’s a good thing?”

“When you don’t pay people enough to live on, when you expect them to come to work sick and work crazy schedules at a moment’s notice and prevent them from standing up for their legal rights, either in a union or a court of law, is that loving your neighbor as you would love yourself?”

“I can see we’re going to have to agree to disagree. Have a nice day. Enjoy the fair.”

“You know, God’s grace is free.”

“Hello, sir? Would you like to sign up to win an iPad or a flatscreen TV?”