February 2008 Archives

I recently read a TIME magazine article that praised President Bush's efforts in Africa. It was so refreshing to read something objective and honest about the president from mainstream media. Bush is truly doing some great pro-life work on that continent, but he's getting little press about it. His policy towards Africa, which is outlined in more detail at www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/africa/, has been successful in helping that suffering continent with democracy, poverty, and saving lives.

It is sad that I've met many people who have such a hatred for Bush despite some of the great work he has done. I understand disagreeing with some of his policies, especially his policy on Iraq. But from what I've observed he seems to be a man of faith who tries to do what is best with the information he has. I judge this on what he has done for the abortion battle, embryonic stem cell research, Africa, and immigration. Even on Iraq I believe his main intent was to protect U.S. citizens from the destructive forces of Al-Qaeda. Surely he didn't go to war just so he could become unpopular.

So this article is to help give Bush credit where credit is due. I hope and pray the next president will continue Bush's pro-life successes.

Have a fruitful Lent,
Daniel

Our site went down for almost a day due to spam attacks on our blog. So we've pushed out a newer version of the software that should help going forward. But let me know if you notice any problems or issues with the site - I may have to change some things with the new version of Movable Type.

And thanks for taking the time to read and comment on our blog.

God bless,
Jay

Personally, I feel that social issues are the key to a good presidential candidate. If they can stand firm to the values I agree with, I believe we’ll get through most things. But if they simply ride the tide of populism, they can be manipulated (and the minority is sure to take the brunt of the attacks). If they disagree with me on key issues, I simply can’t vote for them. Period.

I think it’s worth noting a comment just made on our site by Ed:

Even if he does not have a chance according to the wisdom of man. My vote will count as a vote for God. Some may say if you vote like that you will be wasting your vote and maybe even hurt your party's chance to win. I thought of that. It would make sense if I were only concerned with the here and now. But I am not. I have an eternal perspective that allows me to look past this life. At best, man will live an average 70 years then the only thing that will really matter is Gods plan. Why not support what God supports now?

Insightful words that I would argue are exactly the point of our election system. Vote for the best man, not the best man who is likely to be elected.

I’ve already gone in detail on the Presidential Candidates and Abortion here. So this will deal with the other social issues, which (I have to say it) all take a back seat to the right to life (it’s difficult to be upset about health care if you never had a chance to be born). I’m also only looking at candidates that are at or near the top (despite my point above) or at least leading for their cause. Here they are:

DEMOCRATS
Barak Obama.

• Immigration. Supports border fence and a path to legalization for illegal immigrants. Wants to add penalties to businesses who hire illegal aliens.
  
• Health Care. Require health care for children. Subsidized by businesses and rolling back Bush tax cuts for those earning over $250k. Focused on driving down costs – interested in pushing insurance and drug companies.
  
• Euthanasia. Everywhere I read pegs Obama as pro-Euthanasia, but I can’t find a direct quote proving this.
  
• Gay marriage. Opposes gay marriage but supports civil unions. Claims homosexuality is equivalent to heterosexuality.
  

Hilary Clinton.

• Immigration. Supports border fence and a path to legalization for illegal immigrants. Tougher penalties for businesses hiring illegals.
  
• Health Care. Require all to have health care paid for by businesses and rolling back Bush tax cuts for those earning over $250k.
  
• Euthanasia. Believes euthanasia should be allowed.
  
• Gay marriage. Opposes gay marriage but supports civil unions as long as the unions have a “full equality of benefits” with marriage.
  

REPUBLICANS
Mike Huckabee.

• Immigration. Build border fence. Illegals must leave and apply for citizenship. Tougher penalties for businesses hiring illegal aliens.
  
• Health Care. For free market system. Use tax credits and cost control to lower cost of insurance.
  
• Euthanasia. Opposes euthanasia.
  
• Gay marriage. Opposed to gay marriage and civil unions.
  

Mitt Romney.

• Immigration. Build border fence. No path for illegal immigrants. Tougher penalties for businesses.
  
• Health Care. For free market system. Allow states to develop cost control methods.
  
• Euthanasia. Not opposed to euthanasia – said Terri Schiavo’s death should not have been stopped.
  
• Gay marriage. Opposed to gay marriage and civil unions.
  

John McCain.

• Immigration. Build border fence. Supports path to legalization for illegal aliens (includes fines).
  
• Health Care. For free market system. Pledges universal health care without tax increases or a mandate.
  
• Euthanasia. Opposes euthanasia.
  
• Gay marriage. Opposed to gay marriage and civil unions.
  

I didn’t include Iraq because it’s not technically a social issue. However, it’s pretty easy to separate them into three groups:

• Republicans: against a timetable, but for a “responsible withdrawal”
  
• Hilary Clinton: no hard timetable, but phased withdrawal by 2013
  
• Barak Obama: phased withdrawal with all troops out in 16 months.
  

Any other issues I should go back and add? I also didn’t include Ron Paul, but he’s very traditionally conservative on the social issues.

So, go vote tomorrow. And VOTE PRO-LIFE!

God bless,
Jay

Are you sure you want 40 virgins in heaven?

Try not to laugh. Really . . .

God bless,
Jay