The Christian, Pro-Life, Pro-Kerry, Anti-Bush Argument
by Anthony Wade
To all those struggling between their faith and their vote:
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I recognize the conflict experienced when considering casting your vote for John Kerry when what you hold dear is your intrinsic faith and pro-life beliefs. George Bush has openly discussed his religious beliefs in forums designed to sway your opinion. Christian words ring hollow though without Christian actions to back them up.
As a born again Christian I can tell you there are two elements to the born-again process. There is the moment you decide you are a sinner and accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. That is the easy part. Unfortunately, too many people willingly accept this portion and then return to the ways of the world. The second part defines who you are. That part is to try and walk with Christ; to strive to become more Christ-like over the course of your life.
George Bush says he is born again. He says that he got to a point in his life where he needed to confront the demons that controlled him, such as alcohol, and turned his life over to the Lord. I applaud him for that decision and do not doubt his sincerity. It is what he has done since that point that clearly indicates he has not chosen to live a Christ-like life. The pro-life lobby has embraced him strictly on his word, while turning a blind eye to his deeds. Here are some points of consideration for those who are conflicted with their vote because of their beliefs.
Point One: Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace, not the Prince of War. George Bush is proud of saying that he is a "War President". When he criticizes John Kerry, it is for the very possibility of trying to find more peaceful resolutions to the Iraq War. Bush is not only against trying to bring in our international allies but portrays Kerry as weak for even considering a peaceful solution.
The third Beatitude from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount states, "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth". To be meek, is not to be weak. Instead, Jesus is talking about a spirit of gentleness; a spirit of non-retaliation. Non-retaliation is the last thing one thinks about when considering George Bush.
Point Two: George Bush is a boastful man, whose presidency has been devoid of humility. Just the image of him landing on the aircraft carrier with the "mission accomplished" banner or when he so casually looked in the camera and said, "Bring em on!" while our troops were still in harm's way should be evidence to you of that. There is no humility at all with George W. Bush. He has never admitted one mistake. Even as his advisors are saying that Iraq is a mess and poorly managed, he looks us in the eye and says he would do it all over again the exact same way. John Kerry has been accused of flip-flopping just because he displays the Christian value of being humble and realizing that if policies are failed, you correct them.
The first Beatitude says, "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven". To be poor in spirit is the opposite of that haughty, self-assertive, and self-sufficient disposition that the world so much embraces. It is the opposite of George Bush.
Point Three: Pro-life, should mean all life, including those who have committed crimes. You cannot claim biblical justification for defending the life of the unborn while you take pleasure in the execution of the accused. As Governor of Texas, Bush presided over the executions of 152 people. In addition, he mocked one of the women he put to death. Republican journalist Tucker Carlson described it as follows:
"Bush mimicking the woman's final plea for her life. "'Please,' Bush whimpers, his lips pursed in mock desperation, 'don't kill me.'"
One of the most famous pro-lifers Gary Bauer had commented on this disgusting parody by Bush:
"I think it is nothing short of unbelievable that the governor of a major state running for president thought it was acceptable to mock a woman he decided to put to death."
It is not for man to judge, but for God. The fifth beatitude states, "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy". Mercy is not mocking a person you are about to execute. Mercy is not George Bush. John Kerry is consistent with the merciful teachings of Christ, although he would support the death penalty for terrorists involved with 9-11.
Point Four: Those of us who respect life need to be consistent with respecting all life. We must realize the designs that Bush has for Iraq and for future wars. John McCain has said that we will be in Iraq for 10-20 years. Additionally, Bush will continue the conflict in Afghanistan and plans to invade Iran and Syria . Don't be fooled by the "war on terror" fear card from Bush. This is a geopolitical design, founded by the Neocons. The facts are clear. The Iraq invasion was an administration priority from the moment Bush entered office and Afghanistan was planned four months before 9-11. There is nothing related to terrorism in these wars. Thus, we are left with the conclusion that as Bush is fond of saying, he is just a war president. He has said that he goes to sleep with war on his mind, and I believe him. John Kerry's plan is to reach out to the countries we have alienated and bring our troops home within four years. His is a plan of peace, consistent with the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Jesus said in the seventh beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God". George Bush is not a peacemaker, he is a war monger. To claim to be pro-life, while aborting 21-year olds every day on the battle field is the height of hypocrisy. Bush may be born again, but he doesn't behave as one of the children of God.
Point Five: George W. Bush believes in the redistribution of wealth to the richest, at the expense of the poor. His new "middle class" tax cut actually sees 44% of the benefits going to the top 20% of this country. The middle class only sees 10%. Healthcare is a disaster as close to 50 million Americans don't have any health insurance. Bush has consistently sided with corporations at the expense of the poor. His offer of up to $3,000 per family to purchase healthcare is insulting as the current costs are more than $8,000. John Kerry has supported real tax breaks for the middle class and working poor. He has vowed to eliminate corporate greed and handouts to the wealthiest Americans.
Jesus said in Luke 18:22, "sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me". This was his message to the rich man who wanted to know how to gain heaven. George Bush has consistently supported the rich and persecuted the poor through policy. Under Bush, there are four million more people in poverty.
These only scratch the surface. Bush has not walked a Christian life. He has not led as a Christian. It is a vast difference between saying Jesus Christ is your favorite philosopher and actually following his teachings. Bush wraps himself up in the flag to instill false patriotism. He wraps himself up in the bible without following its commands, and thus becomes a false prophet. George Bush has said that God told him to "strike at Saddam". Do you believe that God instructed him to "shock and awe" the Iraqis? Do you believe that God told him to kill over 20,000 Iraqi civilians? There is nothing biblical or Christian about this war. There is nothing pro-life about 20,000 deaths. You must not vote this election based on empty words. You must look at deeds and what they stand for. If you are basing your decision on being pro-life for religious beliefs, then it is your duty to look at all of George W. Bush in religious terms and hold him to the standard of the Word of God, which he claims to read every day.
George W. Bush has not followed the doctrines Jesus Christ. I will leave you with the Word of God, from Romans 16:17-18:
"Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple."
Amen.
Anthony Wade is a 37-year-old independent writer from NY with articles published on multiple websites. A Christian progressive and professional Rehabilitation Counselor working with the poor and disabled, Mr. Wade believes that you can have faith and hold elected officials accountable for lies and excess. Anthony Wade's Archive: http://www.opednews.com/archiveswadeanthony.htm Email Anthony: takebacktheus@gmail.com
