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Sunday, 11/11/07

Deal with the devil

Robertson makes electability a Christian value

By CAROL SWAIN

Two cents! That's exactly what I hope the value of Pat Robertson's endorsement of Rudy Giuliani is for president.

Robertson and some other members of the Christian Right seem to be more swayed by public opinion polls, perceived candidate viability, and anti-Hillaryism than core Christian values. In a pinch, Robertson and others are willing to ditch Christian values in favor of a "man" who looks like he might be able to beat a Democrat.

Robertson is the head of Christian Broadcasting Network and the 700 Club, which have potential influence over thousands of Christians. Although both organizations do good works, their leader is a bit of a wild card.

To Robertson, God is a Republican. As a Republican, God hates Democrats. Until recently, Robertson's God sought to protect the country from gays and lesbians, terrorists, liberal judges and radical feminists. Now, Robertson's God has no problem with a pro-choice, thrice-married liberal who has flip-flopped on current issues and shown intolerance for racial minorities.

The terrorism card

In making his endorsement of Giuliani, Robertson stated, "To me, the overriding issue before the American people is the defense of our population from the bloodlust of Islamic terrorists. Our second goal should be the control of massive government waste and crushing federal deficits. … For months, I have contemplated our future and the outstanding group of men who are offering themselves to the Republican Party to be its standard bearer in the 2008 presidential election.

"It is my pleasure to announce my support for a mayor, America's mayor, Rudy Giuliani, and a proven leader, who is not afraid of what lies ahead and who will cast a hopeful vision for all Americans."

What hypocrisy! If conservative leaders are true to their purported values, their only real choice is between Kansas Sen. Sam Brownback, who withdrew from the race, and Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, who trails in the polls because of the failure of Christian leaders like Robertson and Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council to embrace him.

What about Huckabee?

Huckabee is the only candidate who scores high on most factors the Christian Right claims to value along with appealing to other voters because of his sincerity and common sense.

Huckabee is married to his original wife, he professes an unequivocal belief in Jesus Christ, and he has taken a lifelong stance against abortion and gay marriage. Moreover, he speaks of an obligation to assist the poor and a need to respect, if not protect, the environment.

Why is the Right so wrong? Mr. Robertson would do well to reflect on Isaiah 5:30: "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Likewise, Psalm 20:7 has something relevant for Christians to chew on: "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: But we will remember the name of the LORD our God."

Christians should not be so ready to compromise on values just because the numbers look poor and the odds long.

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	Big-time preachers have less to do with religion than they do with Fortune 500 companies, so it's no surprise that this one would do some marketing research before investing. Righteousness and mindshare are two different things. Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 4:02 pm

	"To Robertson, God is a Republican. As a Republican, God hates Democrats." Professor, Pat Robertson has never inspired me to make a contribution to his Ministry or is a factor in my electoral decision making process at any level. I believe there is faith and religion then there's the religion bidness. You fail to mention two others in the Religion bidness, Reverend Jesse Jackson and Reverend Al Sharpton. Each has run for president as did Reverend Robertson. I believe Reverend Jackson was serious in his pursuit of the Democratic Nomination, while Reverend Sharpton's campaign was more of a political junket housed in the finest hotels and restaurants across our nation. I suggest Democrats have something "to chew on" too. Neither of these men is known for endorsing Republican candidates for the White House. Pat, Jesse and Al are of the same cloth when manipulating the primary process to their own ends. As for the realpolitik, while Rudy leads the Republican polls, his prior stands on positions dear to social conservatives placed an all too real ceiling on cobbling together a solid majority. Enter the calculating veteran of presidential politics Reverend Robertson. The Reverend knew Rudy was the candidate most in need of a religious cloak, thus Reverend Robertson knew where to extract the best value for endorsement. Hard to say what passed between Rudy and Pat, but it's no stretch to know that quid pro quo is coin in high level endorsements. For now, Mrs. Clinton seems to fall back to the field a bit while neck and neck with Senator Obama in Iowa. If this trend continues, Reverends Jackson and Sharpton will be in position to gain the most for their endorsements. Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 2:51 pm

	If Conservatives had any integrity, they would be fully supporting Ron Paul. But, intelligent people already know that Conservatives are divided into two groups . the Rich Corporate Elite Masters and the bible thumping inbred lemmings who are easily manipulated in serving the wishes of the Rich Corporate Elite. Anyone...ANYONE in the latter who actually thinks that the former in any way cares for them is an idiot whose disappearance from the gene pool will not be missed nor even noticed. Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 1:22 pm

	If conservative leaders are true to their purported values, their only real choice is not just the two you mentioned. However, considering the fact that his religion is run by an UNPAID lay clergy, I guess Romney can never be endorsed by the majority of money grubbing preachers in this country. That being said, he and Huckabee would be the Republican's best ticket. Posted: Sun Nov 11, 2007 10:42 am


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