Trust in Politics
James is walking through the headquarters of Senator Juan DeJesus. He is in the central office, which is lined with TVs. He hears the voice of a CNN reporter. He says that Senator DeJesus was taking money from a Cherokee lobbyist while he was fighting against casinos in Oklahoma. James goes into his little office and closes the door.
James: They're lying. I know it. [Taking out his computer] There's got to be on the Internet about that. [Finds the Oklahoma Gambling Commission's Report]. What? Checks from Cherokee lobbyists found in the office of Senator Juan DeJesus. We recommend this Senator be censored and place on another committee.
[James shuts down his computer and starts shuffling papers]
James has just spent two hours cleaning out his office after finding out the truth about Senator DeJesus. He just wants to go home, get a cup of coffee, open up his Bible, and pray. He stops to get a drink of water and the hall. Senator DeJesus is there and does not know James knows the truth.
Senator DeJesus: [Puts his arm around James's shoulder] I appreciate the hard work my boy. I know what you gave up to put me in office. When we get to the White House, you'll be rewarded for it.
James: [Jerks himself away from DeJesus] No reward can replace what you've taken from me.
Senator DeJesus: What do you mean my boy?
James: Have you or have you not been taking money from the Cherokees while campaigning against the casinos in Oklahoma?
Senator DeJesus: Want a piece of the action?
James: I want my faith in humanity back.
Senator DeJesus: I thought your faith was in Jesus.
James: You preyed upon that.
Senator DeJesus: It's not like I'm a first person to every do that. Can't we just forget about this?
James: if you were the man you claim to be, you give back the money.
Senator DeJesus: You gotta learn to look out for yourself a little more. Don't you realize that if I win, I could make you Attorney General? You could make the reforms we've been talking about.
James: Even if, you managed to get elected, the Senate would never approve me. And even if they did, I could never trust you.
Senator DeJesus: Trust God.
James: I don't think he'd want me working for a man with no integrity.
Senator DeJesus: Maybe you could give me some.
James: No, but I know someone who can. I'll pray for you Senator.
Senator DeJesus: I'd rather you'd organize a campaign rally at your church. I could even apologize.
James: [Walking away] No, Senator. And besides it won't work. If you'll excuse me, I've got to go home and pray.
Senator DeJesus: James, wait! I can put in a good word for you with Judge Abrams.
[James keeps on walking]
At home, James goes straight to his bedroom and gets on his knees.
James: Lord, how could I have been so wrong? Everything he seemed to stand for lined up with your word. I've waited four years for a candidate like this. I thought I was doing Your will. I don't know what to do now. But You do.
Voice of God: How come you've talked to me so little this year?
James: Lord, I was doing your work. I still prayed. And read my Bible.
Voice of God: You used to get up early in the morning when you were in law school spend time with me.
Voice of God: What's the difference?
James: [starts to sob] I trusted him. I trusted him.
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