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    Who are the NERD fund donors Mr Snyder?

    Raise the curtain.

    A thorough rejection of unity - OR - Climbing the soap box


    By Nick, Section News
    Posted on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 07:34:53 AM EST
    Tags: Obama, unity, abortion, Roe v Wade, Constitution, Bible (all tags)

    It was said on and around inauguration day that the peaceful transfer of power from one man of one party to another man of another party, regardless of his governing philosophy and personal convictions is something unique to our political system and worthy of praise.  All but impossible to lose count early into the morning of said transfer of the number of times men and women from each party, the media, close relations and perfect strangers made the argument, apparently comfortable in their assessment and convinced of its unquestioned validity.

    We want to be gracious, after all, and good sports.  The losing coach always finds his foe at midfield to offer a handshake and congratulations on a "good game."

    I read this one myself on Twitter, on Facebook, on blogs, heard it on the radio, on Fox News, on CNN, on ABC, NBC and CBS, from friends, from family, from clergy, from men and women whose council I have sought and from those who have offered it (sometimes frequently) without request.  

    The philosophy makes some sense.  I understand it intellectually.  The peaceful transfer of power in this nation is something unique in the history of the world.  The supremacy, as Diane Feinstein put it yesterday morning, of the ballot over the bullet is easily and appropriately admirable.  

    In today's culture, where men are more often ruled by their passions and prejudices than by their reason and dependence on natural law, it is easy to see where many would then equate a proper regard for the political wisdom of our founders with a uniquely postmodern, that is, 21st century notion of the "need" upon an electoral setback to offer unarticulated concession and congratulations.

    We risk, though, losing our way and descending quickly and inextricably into the tarry abyss of relativism the longer we surrender our moral clarity and purity of purpose to the sometimes overpowering temptation to appear gracious and united.

    Simply put, unity is not necessarily a virtue.  

    Read on...

    Now, nowhere above did you read me argue that unity is inherently or in every manifestation wrong.  Clearly it is a concept and a state with countless values and benefits evident enough they needn't be articulated here.  When we sacrifice conviction and our willingness to speak forcefully for those without a voice, however, unity becomes a false god worthy of nothing better than a quick and sudden expiration.

    In that manifestation, in the tendency and intention of the political left to use it as a club to silence moral dissent, I reject unity and do so forcefully without so much as a second's doubt or hesitation.

    We have in President Obama a man who not only spoke passionately in favor of and voted, twice, to permit abortionists to murder living, breathing, fully born human beings (for a purpose specifically no deeper than convenience) but one who has pledged repeatedly to make the expansion and solidification of infanticide-protection the first action of his administration.

    You'll forgive me, as a human being, a moral agent (however flawed), if I reject the opportunity to stand united with this man and his personal brand of barbarism.  And if you won't, frankly, that speaks more to the deadness of your own heart than it does to the stubbornness of mine.  

    While a fallen man and one who has all-to-frequently and publicly stumbled, I've never hidden the fact that I am a believer in Jesus Christ.  I recognize Him as my Lord and my Savior, as the only path to God the Father, as the author of life and as my master.  And a master requires obedience.

    When Jesus offers in Matthew 25: 40 the parable of the sheep and the goats He states "truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me."  He speaks of those the world does not esteem, of food for the hungry and clothing the stranger.  Those who do not look after those without a voice or power, he says six verses later, will be cast off into "eternal punishment," whether they claim His name or not.  Obedience is the test and the measure of faith.

    James speaks of these demands (chapter 2, verses 15-17) in one of the most forceful but frequently overlooked passages anywhere in the Bible.  The faith of those who witness a desperate need and do not seek to provide for that need, when able, the author tells us, is dead.

    Tomorrow marks the 36th anniversary of the Roe v Wade decision overturning dozens of state prohibitions on abortion.  The horrors of abortion are not foreign to any of us these nearly four decades later.  Even the President and his legion of supporters are familiar with the process and wanton cruelty by which thinking, breathing  human beings have the flame of their lives extinguished.  

    Whether the abortionist puts an end to kicking legs with the use of scissors and a vacuum, entering and clearing the contents of a small child's skull, uses a saline solution to burn through flesh, muscle and bone as the child writhes in agony or his own hands to rend another individual limb from limb, head from neck, tiny fingers and arms fighting then recoiling until torn from the torso, the simple imagining of the most frequently used procedures across what we describe as "civilization" is enough to induce tears and turn stomachs.  Every time.

    But as the Word says, even the demons recognize God as the Lord and master of the universe.  Knowing, sadly, is not always enough to alter behavior.

    As Christians we are called to speak for those who cannot speak and to fight injustice wherever it is found.  Jesus doesn't give us the option of excuses.  There is only obedience and disobedience.

    Still, many religious leaders ignore the innocent blood of fifty-plus million children spilled by abortionists and their protectors in the halls of power.  Others in the community of believers offer and demand that in this time we stand united with President Obama.  There is a prevalent argument in many fundamental circles today that the Biblical exhortation to yield unto Caesar what is Caesar's and to submit to Earthly authority as God-ordained and established strips us of our ability to forcefully dissent.  

    Many spiritual shepherds advise Christians to avoid politics completely, some suggest that willing submission requires silence in the public square and still others, this week perhaps more than any other in the last several decades, urge their sheep to tacitly ignore, for a time, the faults, and fatal failings of recently elected leadership in the spirit of unity, cooperation and historicity.

    The last suggestion is the most dangerous because it is the most easily accepted.  The message it forcefully and unavoidably delivers, however unintentionally, is that the principles of our faith can be turned off and on based upon the tide of history and the tone of the national political discourse.  

    What each of these teachings ignores is the basic truth that Jesus' demand of obedience has stood for over 2,000 years, outlasting each system of government, each historical movement and moment, each tone and tenor of public discourse and, indeed, times when free public discourse was as foreign a concept as magical flying cars.  What's more, these leaders prove their frustrating ignorance about the very system of government they demand we peaceably allow control over our lives.

    The United States of America is a democratic republic.  The President has the power to govern and leads the executive branch because you and I and our neighbors and friends and loved ones gave it to him.  Whether we voted for him, for someone else or for no one at all, our collective action last November produced this Tuesday's results.  That power is ours.  Foundationally.  

    And we will exercise it again in four years and four years after that and four years after that into perpetuity until we finally hear that long-awaited trumpet call.

    Our government is based upon and relies upon the participation of her citizens.  That's us, boys and girls.  And it is set up in such a way as to handle disagreement and debate.  In fact, it encourages it.  

    If our Biblical responsibility is, as many urge today, that we submit to those who rule over us then we are, by definition, commanded by the Almighty to use the political process, the ballot box, dissent and disunity to advance social justice and the cause of life.

    Doing anything less would be un-American.  Doing anything less would be contrary to Biblical teaching and disobedient to Jesus own specific direction.

    So, no, I won't praise the historicity of the day and the instant in time and I won't sit back and let them enjoy it.  The incoming administration hasn't earned a single moment's moral peace where I have any ability to prevent it.  I'll take a pass when it comes to standing united with this President and anyone else who would defend the rampant and heartless killing of innocent human life.  Won't do it for a moment.  

    I'll tell you what I will do, though.  I'll pray harder than I have before.  I'll pray and put a renewed, reinvigorated, louder and bolder walk behind the talk, doing everything I can every day for the rest of my life, availing myself of all of my political rights to advance the cause of life however I'm able, to protect those who need protection, to speak for those without a voice and to defend kids and their mothers from the ravenous, murderous bullies everywhere from the state House to the White House.

    And while I'm at it I might scribble a letter to the nation's leading schools of theology suggesting they make Federalist 10 required reading.

    < Wednesday in the Sphere: Post-Inaugural Edition | Hope Meets the Real World >


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    Display: Sort:
    Add Federalist 46 (none / 0) (#1)
    by Republican Michigander on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 08:08:32 AM EST
    If the deputy of the Janet Reno, the Butcher of Waco, Eric Holder is confirmed as AG.

    And that's why (none / 0) (#2)
    by apackof2 on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 08:22:17 AM EST
    I can offer no "Congratulations". I can offer none to the (1)enemy(Eph 6:12) who uses B. Obama

    However, like you, I will pray. I'll pray for forgiveness (2)(2 Chr.7:14)for this nation who elected a pro-abort to be her "leader". I will  pray also for B. Obama'a salvation and for the protection of my country and Israel.

    As followers of Christ we pro-actively fight,in the world and on our knees.

    Ronald Reagan said," The cause, not the mechanism, brings and holds the members together. And our cause MUST be to rediscover, reassert and reapply America's spiritual heritage to our national affairs.

    Then WITH God's help we shall indeed be as a city upon a hill with the eyes of all people upon us.

    Ronald Reagan, 1977
    40th President of the United States

    (1)For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

    (2)If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land

    Unity for me, but not for Thee! (none / 0) (#3)
    by Theblogprof on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 09:07:46 AM EST
    A post I wrote this morning:

    http://professorpundit.blogspot.com/2009/01/unity-for-me-but-not-for-thee.html

    "Isn't it funny how fast a tune can change? Take for example the MSM's gushing, fawning over Obama, and their persistent calls to "unify!" "Be a citizen of the United States, not a Democrat or Republican." Funny how that was missing for the last 8 years. It's like a we moved to another planet with sand dunes and big worms and "the sleeper has awakened!" Case in point, Mitch Albom's show yesterday evening:"

    Unity (none / 0) (#4)
    by Brady on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 02:19:55 PM EST
    Don't interpret unity to mean abandoning your principles or not criticizing policy proposals.  We can't have a healthy democracy unless there is disagreement and debate.  But we can put aside partisan politics without abandoning our principles.  With the abortion issue, injecting partisan politics into the debate is not only disingenuous, it's also counter-productive to limiting abortions.

    This is especially true when we take a look at the impact of recent Presidents and their political parties.  The President's greatest impact on abortion is nominating justices to the Supreme Court.  Since Roe v. Wade was decided, we have lived under 24 years of Republican Presidents and 12 years of Democratic Presidents, and 4 of those were under pro-Life Carter who didn't nominate any justices.  All 9 U.S. Supreme Court Justices have been nominated and confirmed following Roe v. Wade.  Seven of the 9 have been nominated by Republican Presidents.  We were told that when GWB ran for President and ran for re-election that the future of Roe v. Wade depended on his victory.  Despite having a pro-Life majority on the court, Roe v. Wade appears as secure today as ever.

    Women don't decide to have an abortion or not have an abortion based on partisan identification.  Most abortions result from economic pressures and ignorance.  We need to focus on limiting the number of abortions by tackling these two causes of abortion.  And this must occur across party lines.  It means not only funding abortion alternative centers and promoting adoption but also supporting family planning, comprehensive sex education and contraceptives that are actually contra-ceptive.

    It means recognizing the conflict between being pro-Life but supporting policies that make poverty harsher as well, with low minimum wages, opposition to maternity leaves, and lack of health services and insurance. In combination, these policies make ideal conditions for promoting abortion, as one can see from the contrast with countries that do have comprehensive sex education and universal health care.

    Unity on the abortion issue means reaching across party divides to focus on policies that combat abortion by tackling the causes of abortion rather than using the abortion issue and related social issues as politically partisan wedge issues.  This is the post-partisan politics and type of unity President Obama is talking about even though his views on abortion may differ from yours or mine.  Even with Obama, there are plenty of opportunities for Democrats and Republicans to work together to reduce the number of abortions, performed in this country to a lowest rate we've seen since Roe v. Wade.

    Dignity and respect - not false unity (none / 0) (#5)
    by chetly on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 04:39:38 PM EST
    There's a lot in here, but I think I disagree in general tone with the thrust of the piece. You're obviously right to defend disunity and dissent, but I think that's the wrong focus, at best.

    Some conservatives insisted upon unity with Bush after 9/11 (certainly, there was no fairness or unity before then), and to some extent it was there for about 18 months.  I don't think conservatives were ever right to ask for "unity" - let alone demand it.  Democrats and liberals were right to protest those who tried to shut down debate with calls for "unity" (what many of those same individuals didn't show is respect or dignity in their ceaseless and highly personal attacks on Bush from day one). I want dissent from both sides, but I also want it with the recognition that we're still all Americans with much in common and with respect and dignity.  Often, disagreement is falsely equated with disrespect for emotional or tactical reasons, but that is not logically or practically necessary.

    I do think that what we should demand is dignity and respect from both sides, even in disagreement.  The "losing coach" doesn't go to mid-field after the loss because they are "unified" or happy about the loss or even believe the victor was better (and often sports, like life, doesn't reward the "better" team, except in a sort of "definitional" way if you define victory as better on that given day) - they go to mid-field out of respect and with dignity. I'd note that winners can just as easily show disrespect and lack of dignity in winning, as well.

    That said, I see nothing wrong with (and think it is important to actually do) praising the historicity of the moment and letting the other side have their day or enjoyment. First, this inauguration is different than say, Bill Clinton's, or any Democrat.  Even in losing, the Republicans can lay positive historical claim to creating the moral (and legal) conditions in America necessary for a black (or bi-racial) man ascending to the office. For without the Republican Party, we'd neither be a nation nor free from slavery. But we shouldn't need that claim or historical fact to allow others their enjoyment or respect for at least the positive parts of the moment.  Indeed, the comparison to the position in history, slavery, and respect for the dignity of all individual human life should not be lost - the very positive TV ad by the Catholic council that praises the moment of the first black president arising from a single mother's life choice and struggle is far more effective than sour grapes. In biblical terms, one can praise the positive (or recognize the beauty) in anything (including the mostly ugly) while still recognizing that everyone is an imperfect being living in sin and that there is the possibility for redemption for all through forgiveness.


    Chetly Zarko
    Outside Lansing & Oakland Politics

    Amen! (none / 0) (#6)
    by Wendy Day on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 08:54:53 PM EST
     
    We must listen to, talk to, and find common ground with liberals within our circle of influence. There is common ground to be found, just ask. But I for one will not, ever, back away from my principles.

    I propose a simple platform:
    Less Government
    States Rights
    Protect the Kids

    Most people can agree with these, especially when you ask them what the government does well- which is nothing.

    Nick is right. If we can't agree not to kill babies, what else is there?  They are framing the issues, that is why we are losing.  Abortion is a racist, for-profit, and manipulative industry.  Pro-choice advocates often say they want less abortions.  Obama's move to overturn the Mexico decision will increase abortions. They also say that the issue shouldn't be decided by Washington.  They are right- it should be a state decision. So let the states decide.  Many pro-choice folks believe that abortion is illegal after 12-weeks.  Not true! You can have an abortion up until the day your baby is born.  Fifty percent of our country has no say whether or not their children are aborted.  Is that fair?  Why are men forced to pay child support but can't say a word if the mother of their child chooses to have that child killed?  Protect the kids, I say!

    We need leadership that has a strong rudder in place and knows where they want to go. They need to march unapologetically to the right. Be kind, serve, speak truth, and keep marching.
    Thanks Nick! You are a leader.

    • Two points by chetly, 01/22/2009 10:19:10 AM EST (none / 0)
    Nailed it (none / 0) (#7)
    by irishduke on Wed Jan 21, 2009 at 10:41:06 PM EST
    Nick,

    This a very powerful  piece you have written here and I compliment you on it's thoughtfulness and purpose.

    I do stand in unity, as I think all Americans should have yesterday in the transfer of power from one individual to another.

    This DOES not mean I support one thing that President Obama does or will do. I will not act the fool like those who made asses of themselves with their hate and actions towards President Bush. Nor will I act in any disrespectful manner towards the office which Barrack Obama now occupies for four years.

    I once thought as those who believe as President Obama does, that abortion was just a CHOICE. MY conversion was made when I allowed myself to listen to what the Lord was telling me and also by  His putting people in my life to help guide me and understand His word.

    So even though I stood proudly yesterday as an AMERICAN watching him become President, I today stand today to oppose this President on those issues that we must oppose him and those who agree with him on these issues.

    We must do so forcefully, but with a calm, cool intellect so to help to bring the word of the Lord to their hearts. And we must pray that they hear it as fervently as you have suggested. If  this is done, Miracles are everyday occurrences.

    Thanks again for this piece Nick, I'm going to post it in a couple of places, I believe as many people as possible need to see this!!!    

    Tom LaDuke

    You are right (none / 0) (#9)
    by Wendy Day on Thu Jan 22, 2009 at 02:49:50 PM EST
    Would I trade universal health care for children in exchange for ending abortion?  Yes, frankly.  

    I agree that we can find some common ground on which to stand. In fact, what I am learning is that there is more common ground than we think with most liberals, if we talk to them without the catch phrases that usually accompany issues like abortion. You are right about looking beyond the stated position and into the reasons behind the stated position.  Without doing that, there can be no influence.

    Unity (none / 0) (#10)
    by michiganmav on Sat Jan 24, 2009 at 06:16:04 AM EST
    The Cheyenne Social Club

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=datnDNLYHNg

    In real life they were best friends, Henry Fonda, a Democrat, and Jimmy Stewart, a Republican, but rarely did they talk politics. The story goes that once, when they were younger, they tried and it turned into a fist fight. They never discussed it again.


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