By John Q. Hosedrinker 
Senator Joni Ernst’s callous dismissal of concerns over Medicaid cuts, stating “we’re all going to die,” sparked outrage. Her subsequent apology, delivered from a cemetery, and invocation of Jesus to justify preventable deaths, further alienated constituents. This reflects a growing trend among some white evangelicals to redefine empathy as sinful, justifying cruelty as a form of “compassion.” Ernst’s actions highlight the GOP’s increasing Christian nationalist bent, forcing adherence to a death-embracing ideology regardless of individual beliefs.
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Joni Ernst’s recent comments, casually dismissing the suffering of others with the phrase “we’re all going to die,” reveal a disturbing undercurrent within a certain segment of the MAGA movement. This isn’t merely a callous disregard for human life; it’s a twisted perversion of Christian compassion, weaponized to justify inaction and cruelty.
The statement itself, delivered with a chilling nonchalance, acts as a shield against any criticism of policies that negatively impact the lives and well-being of many. It suggests that concern for healthcare, environmental protection, or even basic safety precautions is futile because, ultimately, death is inevitable. This fatalistic worldview conveniently absolves one of the responsibility to alleviate suffering or improve the quality of life for others.
This seemingly simple phrase, however, operates on a much deeper level. It’s not just about accepting mortality; it’s about using the inevitability of death to rationalize indifference to the suffering of the less fortunate. It suggests that any effort to improve lives is ultimately meaningless, and therefore unworthy of consideration. This is a dangerous ideology, one that easily justifies inaction in the face of profound human need.
The invocation of Jesus Christ as a solution only adds another layer to this unsettling narrative. By suggesting that accepting death and finding solace in faith is a sufficient response to systemic inequalities, Ernst effectively shifts the focus from societal responsibility to individual salvation. This diverts attention from the need for concrete action to address pressing issues like healthcare access and environmental protection.
This approach directly contradicts the core tenets of compassionate Christianity, which emphasizes love, empathy, and the responsibility to care for the vulnerable. Instead of offering comfort or solace, Ernst’s words inflict a spiritual and emotional blow, minimizing the very real struggles faced by countless individuals. It’s a rhetoric of spiritual comfort used to avoid addressing real-world issues.
The hypocrisy is striking. The same people who champion this philosophy of “we’re all going to die” rarely apply it consistently across the board. They don’t typically abandon basic safety measures like seatbelts or medical check-ups. Their concern for mortality seems to vanish when their own comfort or wealth is at stake. This selective application exposes the true motivation behind the rhetoric – a cynical justification for maintaining the status quo and prioritizing the interests of a privileged few.
The comparison to the Russian military’s disregard for civilian lives in Ukraine is apt. This “we’re all going to die” mentality reflects a similar callous disregard for human life, a sense that some lives are simply less valuable than others. It’s a toxic brew of fatalism, religious rhetoric, and political opportunism, designed to silence dissent and justify policies that exacerbate inequality.
The unsettling truth is that this philosophy isn’t merely a fringe belief. It’s a pervasive ideology gaining traction within certain political circles and influencing policy decisions. The casual acceptance of suffering in the name of faith is both alarming and deeply problematic. It suggests a moral bankruptcy at the heart of this brand of political activism. The callousness inherent in this rhetoric should be a warning sign, a stark reminder of the potential consequences of embracing such a nihilistic and morally bankrupt worldview.
The problem isn’t just with Joni Ernst herself; it’s with the broader acceptance of this ideology within the MAGA movement and its willingness to utilize religious faith as a tool to justify inaction and indifference to suffering. It’s a disturbing trend that deserves careful examination and vigorous opposition. The consequences of embracing this kind of fatalistic worldview are far-reaching and potentially devastating. It erodes compassion, discourages meaningful action, and ultimately serves to perpetuate inequality and suffering. This is not simply a political issue; it’s a moral one that demands our attention and our unwavering opposition.