November 20, 2009
 
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| A New Grassroots Political Organization Makes Its Mark |
| by Deal W. Hudson |
| 11/06/09 |
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Deal W. Hudson is the director of InsideCatholic.com and the author of Onward, Christian Soldiers: The Growing Political Power of Catholics and Evangelicals in the United States (Simon and Schuster). Readers have left 22 comments. We cannot depend on the GOP political bosses to do the right thing, and put forth candidates and platforms which truly reflect the values and ideals of true conservative. We have been betrayed again and again. It is long past due for true conservative to organize at the local and grass roots level to promote their own candidates and push critical issues. I hope these conservative organizations are successful and force the GOP to start caring about the average citizen and their values and stop selling us out to Wall St. I would be inclined to go with a new 3rd party, unfortunately, the "Incumbent Party" has stacked the deck and made it virtually impossible to seriously run as a third party. Thus we are put into a defacto embrace of the GOP. If that is the case, then we must force the political bosses to start thinking about us instead of "Kenny Boy" Lay and other other corrupt fat cats. Written by Austin Deal, You do an excellent and thought provoking job defining the agenda that Catholics and conservatives ought to engage in the political arena and this article is no exception. However, on this topic there are points of disagreement. While there's much to commend the Christian Coalition/Moral Majority wing of the GOP, I can't help but think that the real momentum among conservatives rests with those who endorse limited government and reducing foreign entanglements. Reed and Jerry Falwell capitalized on the Reagan presidency and arguably created the Republican revolution in 1994. But hasn't that ship sailed despite Reed's effort to give his coalition a more Catholic identity? It seems that Americans, particularly younger ones, are less interested in a movement which isolates moral issues, and more inclined to embrace a more comprehensive vision encompassing sound economics and restrained foreign policy along with traditional values. Written by RK Social issues did not play in the race in NJ. People were just sick of Corzine. Christie presented himself as a moderate NJ-style Republican. If Sarah Palin had come to campaign for him in NJ, Christie would have lost. Written by Ann RK, I think you are right about a "comprehensive vision," but I think that always has been the case among religious conservatives. The specific moral issues you cite arise out of such a vision, as I am sure you are aware. The problem of any political organization becomes how long do you make the list of issues you will address, and how specifically. If I were to start such a group, I would figure out how to include what Catholics call "social justice," but ground that in respect for life rather than the preferential option for the poor. I would also try to show how what should be done for the poor, i.e.. the preferential option, grows out of the foundational principle of respect for life, not vice-versa, which has become the case among some liberal Catholic groups. Written by Deal Hudson The fundamental reason Catholics in the prolife movement and the social justice movements live in separate spheres of public life is that both have made strategic decisons not to ground their rhetoric and agenda in the religious duty to worship God. They both speak "as if God does not exist". A lot of this comes from a false intellectual pride in the superiority of catholic intellectual natural law arguments over the "God talk" of evangelicals.This desire to be public intellectuals (grounded in faith but not overtly men of God)has weakened both left and right leaning Catholic political thinkers. A zygote waving a rights bearer sign and the notion that touching the cloak of a poor person is a portal to the life of sanctifying grace are two sides of the same counterfeit coin. We can not introduce the language of gift and duty which binds the nation in our public life without a robust assertion that we live grateful to God and under an obligation to follow His will. If Newt Gingrich can see that I would hope Mr Deal would also ground his many excellent observations and experiences in a more openly theistic sensibility of our common life as nation. Written by DrPence The three keys to Catholic success in American politics are (1) private sector, (2) private sector, (3) private sector. What can do the most to help educate and care for the poor? Americans working through the private sector. What can raise the standard of living for the greatest number of citizens? Americans working through the private sector. What system preserves liberty and freedom from tyrannical oppression? Americans working through the private sector. Governments, as bloated bureaucracies, are not where solutions occur. Moreover, governments have a monopoly on all national power and thus can destroy liberty and freedom overnight if the rulers want. But it is long past time that Catholics explain how the private sector creates jobs, helps the poor, cares for the sick better than any other system known to humankind. Written by Greg Sully People who care about the Catholic Church should be doing all they can to educate the faithful away from the disordered thinking and acting of Reed-Palin-Beck-Limbaugh. There might be some agreement on certain issues, but the prism through which "they" attempt to view reality is profoundly un-Christian, and has contributed to the U.S. being in the mess it's in.  Written by Stephen Wise Quote(8) Gingrich and Steele betray not only their party but their Church November 06th, 2009 | 12:00pm Gingrich and Steele not only endorsed Dede S., but encouraged others to do so although they knew she promoted and supported abortion and same sex marriage. They stated that the Republican party needed to bring in more 'moderates' like Dede if it was to survive. A 'moderate' like Dede...??? Now they are trying to get back into the good graces of those they betrayed by lying and manipulating. They lost their sense of honor and integrity for what purpose? Political gain? Shame on them both...they can be redeemed for sure, but will never again be trusted...and that's how it should be... Written by sAM Dede S. was the person selected in that NY 23 district, and so the Repubs had to back her. She probably was slightly more to the right of the Democrat. Had Doug Hoffman been there all along, Steele and others surely would have preferred him. But his surge was in the final moments of the campaign--timing was the issue. So, the whole things was a fluke and mistake-ridden. Hoffman needs to run again there and win. Perhaps he will be the Repub this time around. Written by Greg Sully People who care about the Catholic Church should be doing all they can to educate the faithful away from the disordered thinking and acting of Reed-Palin-Beck-Limbaugh. — Stephen WiseThere might be some agreement on certain issues, but the prism through which "they" attempt to view reality is profoundly un-Christian, and has contributed to the U.S. being in the mess it's in. To some extent I think you have a point, Stephen, but I wonder why you would exclude Pelosi-Reid-Kennedy and others of their ilk? Are they more Christian, in your view? It's easy to criticize, but always more helpful and interesting to hear proposed solutions from a Catholic perspective. Anything less is mere partisan politics divorced from Catholic beliefs and teaching, right? Written by Kevin in Texas Quote(11) Happy to see Christian Conservatives leaping into 21st century November 06th, 2009 | 12:31pm The WORK alongside utilizing the same tools used to get OBAMA elected is individually pressing into GOD who is just ready to reveal powers of the mind and soul that have yet to be uncovered.... I know that you are probably tired of hearing the theme of my comments but HE keeps deepening the urgency of this knowledge.... Champions never doubt that they will WIN! Champions WIN because they are the best at what the do! The Catholic Church used to be the first in scientifc research/discovery, the best orators, artists, musicians, architects, Educators, Health Providers and it is time to press into GOD and fill up with HIS CHAMPION Spirit! When I was a child, we were proud to say we were number one in the World, as Americans..... now it is politically incorrect to even want to be number one in the WORLD...... Hello, what is wrong with that picture! Living our Highest lives is our call.... and we must regain our drive and desire to pierce through to the next level of our personal and corporal GREATNESS! What is coming in the next decade to those who press into Him, is a piercing through to the UNION of Heaven, Perfect Balance/Unity enjoyed by all in HEAVEN, an aliveness beyond our skin that will usher in the Kingdom-based redesign of communities and cities and the nation! There will be no need to argue amongst ourselves and a hunger for more of this experience of (HIM)Heavenly bliss will be the transforming power... Instead of looking back at what was, God is going to open up portals to the Heavenlies and that new perspective will empower us to usher in this leap forward toward Heaven on Earth with a LOVE that is irresistibly sweet and causes one to drop attachments to the destructive things of this earth and the distorted uses of His gifts. I pray that HE find you on your knees pressing into HIM so that all of you can be used as portals to this outpouring of Grace..... I know you think I am out there..... but I dare you to take time early in the mornings or late at night for the purpose of asking Him to validate to you what I am saying.... you won't be disappointed.. He is looking for His army and it will take nothing using our 21st century tools to call them out.... if you think that those who are serving are Knock-off Christians/Catholics, then get up off your judgement seat and run; or get behind the Authentic Christian candidates/elected officials! If we have any holy spiritual directors in the world, they should be networked with every Catholic elected official right now..... God will change their hearts with the right vessel; he did Saul, the Tax Collector, the Adulteress (don't know about the adulterer)... and so many, even, you.... He can change their hearts too.... they at least stepped up to the plate to serve.... and I believe many with good motives..... I actually didn't watch any of the news coverage of the elections, I went straight to GOD and begged Him to move His people to stand up for this ONE NATION under GOD! Love you with the sweetest of Heavenliness--His Presence, so near! Written by Mother of Two Sons RK, I think you are right about a "comprehensive vision," but I think that always has been the case among religious conservatives.........If I were to start such a group, I would figure out how to include what Catholics call "social justice," but ground that in respect for life rather than the preferential option for the poor. I would also try to show how what should be done for the poor, i.e.. the preferential option, grows out of the foundational principle of respect for life, not vice-versa, which has become the case among some liberal Catholic groups. — Deal HudsonI think you're right about interpreting "social justice" issues from a foundation that takes respect for life as its guide post. Liberals have, of course, co-opted those issues and established them with a sort of liberation theology premise that includes respect for life only relativistically. Whether it's fair or not, religious conservatives have been cast as a single issue faction within the Republican party. And it may even be an accurate characterization in some cases. Fighting that perception is a battle many of us fight regularly. But putting that cross aside for a moment, isn't there something to be said for conservative leaders discussing other more "secular" issues such as the America's relationship with Israel (as you've done admirably on this site), the economy, and America's wars? These are not merely topical but arguably urgently important to get a handle on. The truth has often been hidden by the smoke of agenda politics that seems to have suffocated Washington. A "comprehensive vision" that incorporates the issues Americans deal with daily seems like it will resonate with a broader cross section of the population. Written by RK I think the political activism is a good thing. That said, we should be careful as Christians to not get lumped in with what can become a partially anger or hate-filled movement. I think many are right to be wary of the anger that is at times coming from some who call themselves Christians. Some of that anger is not charitable in its manifestation. Please read this brief blog post and comment if you wish: http://tinyurl.com/yav3ypd Written by Rich Quote(14) Re: Happy to see Christian Conservatives leaping into 21st centu November 06th, 2009 | 2:09pm Dear Mom of Two Sons, I whole-heartedly agree with you. In these times and those to come, the right posture to take is on our knees, imploring our Heavenly Father to awaken His people to stand up for what is right and for those things which our forefathers stood for: faith, values, God, and Country. Were there any bad seeds then? Of course! Did our country's founders make mistakes? Of course! Whenever God's people get busy about God's work, opposition comes from God's enemy and many times he works from within. This enemy according to the Bible, looks to steal, kill, & destroy. Our battle for this country is spiritual in nature and we are battling against the forces of an invisible world. I am grateful to the Faith & Freedom Coaliation and hope they stay true to their position and do not allow nepotism, cronyism, or any other ism to come in and pollute what they do. Our current government is a result of years of "isms". Our Founding Fathers started out with basic virtues that became messed up over time thanks to the one who is fighting God. We prayer warriors need to keep at it standing behind the works and likes of the FFC to keep our enemy, Satan, at bay. Written by Mom of 4 Children & 4 Grandchild RK, you are obviously right that conservative leaders can become perceived as concerned only about a handful of issues and leave important prudential matters, whether secular or not, unaddressed. Pat Buchanan strikes me as a conservative leader who leaves nothing out of his commentary, whether economics, foreign policy, entitlements, campaigns, pro-life issues, cultural change, etc. (On top of that, Buchanan is a very nice guy in a town full of not-so-nice ones.) Written by Deal Hudson Deal, You're quite right about Pat, whose presidential campaigns I've worked for in the past. He is a nice guy and one who largely avoids the partisanship in DC. At this stage I would part company with him when it comes to the GOP, which I think has been terminally overrun by the neocons and other creatures. Written by RK I know that, nowadays, use of the term "values" has become habitual, routine when talking about moral and ethical issues. It is, nonetheless, a bad, misleading term, best used by mathematicians, economists and post-modernist relativtists, not by ethicists and philosophers or the general public. It is a term which, when used to talk about "traditional values" and the like, implies a subjectivistic understanding of morality/ethics. I have my values and you have yours: I value certain goods and you value others. End of story. It's a matter of choice. Why can't we use traditional, honored terms like principles, virtues, vices and the like? Written by Thomas S I think the political activism is a good thing. That said, — Richwe should be careful as Christians to not get lumped in with what can become a partially anger or hate-filled movement. I think many are right to be wary of the anger that is at times coming from some who call themselves Christians. Some of that anger is not charitable in its manifestation. Please read this brief blog post and comment if you wish: http://tinyurl.com/yav3ypd Hi Rich, I absolutely agree with your sentiment and your points here, and Sullivan actually makes some very lucid points in that commentary, which is something I don't see him do often any longer. I used to read him (5 years ago or more) every day like clockwork, but the wheels fell off of his philosophy with his complete and total identification as a gay activist before any other identification he had previously claimed (e.g., conservative thinker, Catholic man). In any case, there is no place for Catholics to be associated with radical movements like those he mentions, nor for that matter radical counterparts on the Left (e.g., ACORN, NARAL, ACT-UP, Greenpeace, etc.) Our true North must be Jesus Christ, no questions asked, and no compromises made. However, I think it's easy for partisans on all sides who are partisans before they are Christians to lump in their ideological foes with extremists who don't represent their actual beliefs. This is a "smear tactic" or a "politics of personal destruction" tactic that seeks to ignore the message by slamming the messenger and dismissing him or her instead. When I've seen this tactic used on both sides in partisan US politics, it's usually reflexive, vitriolic, and tells me much more about the accuser than the accused. It's a sign of intellectual dishonesty, contempt, or simple laziness and willful sliming because one can't make an intellectual argument. Who in America is served by soundbite politics? Only the incumbents who wish to manipulate the masses, and many of the masses willfully allow themselves to be manipulated. What has happened to the practice of real rhetoric and honest debate? Who can name the last real debate in presidential politics that confronted the issues honestly and not in a point-scoring competition full of cheap shots and ad hominem attacks? My bigger question is WHY do we allow this in our society? Nobody wins, quite literally, and we can see where it's gotten us; no honest debates can be had among differing ideologies because someone ALWAYS pulls out the discussion-ending ad hominem. From the Left, it's "homophobic", "sexist", "racist", "Islamophobe", "bigot", "heartless", "Nazi", or "Christianist" (I think Andrew Sullivan invented that one, right?) From the Right it's "socialist", "Marxist", "Godless", or any other number of slurs. Didn't Abp. Chaput himself say that both the Left and the Right, even among Catholics, both criticized him? I recall that he said the Left was more vile and foul-mouthed in their criticism, but that the Right was meaner. I don't know if one can use those adjectives to describe my above examples in purely political debates, however. It seems like it's just a way to shut up one's ideological opponents and browbeat them instead of engaging them. So what is the answer? Darned if I know, other than to pray and to speak the Truth in Love, neither distorting the Truth to fit our personal biases nor condemning our foes to permanent damnation, as only God knows the limits of His Mercy. Pray first, speak later, I suppose... Written by Kevin in Texas ...would people be upset about what happened in the 23rd district? I don't see this as a slag on moderates...Scozzafava was a liberal, and she made no bones about it. The Democrats are painting this as some disaster, but I actually see it as a Goldwater moment. Remember alot of Democrats (and others) thought Barry Goldwater was a nutbag too. He went down in flames in the Presidential Election, but it energized the Conservative Movement for years to come. Another resurgence is in the works, and Democrats know it. The Tea Parties et al are just the beginning. Written by D.B. Great insight Austin. Believers cannot just be chaplains to the GOP. They will not let us be their conscience, so let's form a Christian Democratic Movement/Party Dave Kozak Written by DAVID KOZAK Believers cannot just be chaplains to the GOP. — David Kozak![[smiley=laugh]](http://insidecatholic.com/Joomla/components/com_jreactions/custom/templates/blog/smileys/smiley_laugh.gif) You'll be relieved to learn that's not the only way Christian believers can participate in the formation and pursuit of political goals as Republicans. In contrast, among Democrats Christians are asked to stand around looking prayerful (but don't you dare actually pray, that'll make the ACLU members of the party mad) as the abortion legislation is written and passed on the other side of closed doors. They will not let us be their conscience, Which is good because nobody should surrender their conscience to somebody else. so let's form a Christian Democratic Movement/Party If there are enough politically active Christians to make a go of an American version of the Christian Democratic Union parties one sees in Europe, the two incumbent parties in the U.S. would already be pursuing a fully Christian agenda. (Despite all the feigned wails of "theocracy!" from the more anti-Christian elements among the Left and libertarians, neither incumbent party has such an agenda.) A third party is a short, fast road to complete political irrelevance - no matter how carefully paved with good intentions is its beginning. Of course, you can try to do what Ross Perot, Ralph Nader, and Pat Buchanan couldn't do and prove me wrong, David Kozak, by taking up as your personal cross the task of starting an explicitly Christian political party in America that can win elections. Written by Micha Elyi I have to conclude that some GOP officials endorsed Scazzafava in part because the Catholic vote abandon the GOP to support Obama and his pro-choice candidacy. If you really do not care about the GOP's prolife stance and would prefer the pro abort policies of the DNC, the GOP will alter it's stance for you. Be happy with Obama since he isn't Palin, Beck, Limbaugh or whoever else you blame for the worlds problems. Written by Mark |
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