More Republican Lies

REPUBLICANS MAKE FALSE NAZI REFERENCES ABOUT PROPOSITION 8

Commentary by Pate Hutson

I have never believed, in my lifetime, we would hear the activists of one political party refer to the other in the same light as German Nazis. Not only is this act despicable and cowardly, it is a clear indication of the Christian Right being represented by people who have not read their history. Hitler would have been to the EXTREME RIGHT of the American political spectrum. The Nazi party was a manifestation of “nationalistic fascism”. In other words, don’t question the “state” and let the corporations make the rules.

Now that the “Nazi” box has been opened, I ask you: Which American political party has a platform has a clear preference for the rights of businesses over the right of individual Americans? Which party produces propaganda saying a person is un-American if they don’t agree with the President? Which political party is supported primarily by Texas oil companies and the military industrial complex? Which political party supports the privatization of government functions (like trash collecting, civil defense, prisons, government accounting, etc…)

Nazis were the extreme right, just as communism is the extreme left. Conservative values are NOT Nazi values. Neither are Republican ones. They are to the right of the political spectrum, but they are not Nazi.

What I want to point out is that it would be more accurate to portray the backers of Proposition 8 with socialism or communism rather than with Nazism. The guy in the video should probably read his German history, American history, or al least SOME history before going off and making false comparisons to rile up a crowd.

There could be an argument where the backers of Proposition 8 are in keeping with the traditional Republican values of personal liberty, reduced regulation, and limited government. This argument would place those who are against Prop 8 more in line with the communis valuess… Government control over EVERYTHING… Including your person life! (I’ll bet they never saw that one coming!)

Here is the article that got me fire up (watch the video on the link at the bottom (scary stuff)………

When in Doubt Say "Nazi"

By Tim Einenkel

This has been the week of right wing wackos playing the Nazi-card. The Nazi-card is a true sign of desperation and shows that you are usually on the wrong side of the issue. Remember when Focus on the Family’s James C. Dobson likened embryonic stem cell research to Nazi experiments? I think we all know who was and has been wrong on this issue…

So, back to this week. First, John McCain asked “What if there was a tape with John McCain with a neo-Nazi outfit being held by some media outlet? I think the treatment of the issue would be slightly different,” when calling out the LA Times for not releasing a video of Obama talking about leading Palestinian American scholar, Rashid Khalidi.

Then, at a Pro-Proposition 8 rally, Brad Dacus, president of the Pacific Justice Institute, a conservative legal group and proponent of California’s anti-gay ballet, Prop 8 equated passing the ballet, therefore defeating homosexuals to defeating Hitler:

“There was another time in history when people, when the bell tolled. And the question was whether or not they were going to hear it. The time was during Nazi Germany with Adolf Hitler. You see he brought crowds of clergy together to assure them that he was going to look after the church. And one of the members, bold and courageous, Reverend Niemand (sp?) made his way to the front and (inaudible) said "Hitler, we are not concerned about the church. Jesus Christ will take care of the church. We are concerned about the soul of Germany." Embarrassed and chagrined, his peers quickly shuffled him to the back. And as they did Adolf Hitler said, "The soul of Germany, you can leave that to me." And they did, and because they did bombs did not only fall upon the nation of Germany, but also upon the church and their testimony to this very day. Let us not make that mistake folks. Let us hear the bell! Vote on Proposition 8.”

In the next five days the Nazi-card will continue to be put in play by the right wing. McCain is still down in the polls, Palin continues to call Obama a socialist and un-American and the FBI just stopped a skinhead plot to assassinate Obama. What’s next?

http://airamerica.com/blog/2008/oct/30/when-doubt-say-nazi

Which Party is More Biblical? Democrats or Republicans

Which Party is More Biblical? Democrats or Republicans

Pate Hutson, October 2008

A number of concerns were recently brought to my attention by a friend who is also a practicing Christian. All of the comments and questions can be boiled down into one; Which American political party most closely embrases Christian values?

I think you will agree, one of the greatest strengths of the Bible is its ability to be interpreted in so many different ways, each being relevant to the reader. When I left the Lima area in 1990, I was a firm evangelical Republican. After going to 36 countries in the past eighteen years and becoming Catholic, my views have changed.

I am now identifying myself as “a Biblical Progressive”. It so happens, at this particular time, that the Democrats promote more of Christ’s teachings than the Republicans do. (I am sure that too will change at some point.)

Although many of us may be blessed with economic success and cozy homes. Often, when I am looking at the 2in thick steak at the butchers’ market, I remember the words of Mother Teresa, “It is a great tragedy that a child might die so that you may have what you want.” Sometimes I buy the steak, other times I pass it by. Always, I am more aware that the simplest decisions can have great consequences to our neighbors. (I think that was her point.)

The problem is that most people don’t even realize they are being repressed. Did you know you, me, and every other American citizen can be indefinitely detained without warrant or trial? How about the corporatization of our government? Does anyone really think we are better off giving corporations more rights than citizens? What about the response to Katrina? What about police brutality? What do you call it when your children are taken from you without any legal process and judicial accountability? An unbalanced child support system is not repression? How is this NOT repression? (Don’t get me started on the unconstitutionality of income tax!) Repression is directly in front of us everyday!

Still don’t think repression doesn’t exist? Go to the local Job and Family Service Center. Look at the people who are there and tell me these people are not experiencing repression! They aren’t there because they enjoy it, they are there because they have no other choice. I could go on and on.

What is the mission of Jesus? There is absolutely no doubt that the Prince of Peace devoted his ministry, life, death, and resurrection to forgiveness, grace, and service to his people. Jesus told us to go forth and make disciples of all men, to baptizing (them) in the name of the Father. To be a disciple is to follow his moral example of clothing the poor, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, leaving judgment to the Father, accepting the grace of others and reconciliation. As a Christian, I consider Jesus’ example to be a perfection I can only pray to maybe, sometimes, if I’m lucky, come close to achieving.

So, how does the GOP and Democratic Platforms compare to the teachings of the Christ? Here is a link to both: http://www.gop.com/2008Platform/ http://www.democrats.org/a/party/platform.html Please take a few hours and read both of them. I did so last month, after each convention. The read was illuminating (and boring)!

I find it amazing how many people will vote for the same things over and over and have no clue about what they are really voting about, on both side of the isle. If anyone who calls themselves a Christian were to read each platform without prejudice, they would find the Democratic one most in line with Christian teachings. Please notice, I am not saying the entire Democratic platform is within the Jesus’ teachings. I am simply saying the Democratic platform is MUCH more in line with Christian teachings then the Republican one.

Personally, I have issues with the Democrat's pro-choice aspects of their platform. Serious issues, I think the Democrat’s stance on abortion is morally wrong; Just as wrong as the Republican stance on Capital Punishment. Pro-Life means Pro-“All”-Life, I would even go as far as to say Pro-Life should also mean “Pro-Public/ Universal Health”! Is the GOP protecting the lives of newborns by opposing expansion of Children’s Health Insurance? How is the opposition to virtually all public health initiatives helping protect the newborns? Sorry, but opposing abortion is only part of the equation. The Dems have a MUCH better grasp on the rest of the “Life” equation!

I cannot, for the life of me, think of how Republicans have guaranteed ANY freedoms we grew up with! At one time they did, but not for awile now. During the past eight years, the Republican administration and congress has assaulted our civil liberties and constitutional freedoms more then any foreign power in our Nations history. The following are examples of freedoms which President Bush and Republicans in Congress have already expunged (as reported by the Associated Press):

FREEDOM OF ASSOCIATION: Government may monitor religious and political institutions without suspecting criminal activity to assist terror investigations.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION: Government has closed once-public immigration hearings, has secretly detained hundreds of people without charges, and has encouraged bureaucrats to resist public records questions.

FREEDOM OF SPEECH: Government may prosecute librarians or keepers of any other records if they tell anyone that the government subpoenaed information related to a terror investigation.

RIGHT TO LEGAL REPRESENTATION: Government may monitor federal prison jailhouse conversations between attorneys and clients, and deny lawyers to Americans accused of crimes.

FREEDOM FROM UNREASONABLE SEARCHES: Government may search and seize Americans’ papers and effects without probable cause to assist terror investigation.

RIGHT TO A SPEEDY AND PUBLIC TRIAL: Government may jail Americans indefinitely without a trial.

RIGHT TO LIBERTY: Americans may be jailed without being charged or being able to confront witnesses against them.

Please explain to me how the Republican Party is defending our freedoms. The hypocrisy that the Republicans are spreading is to force the American people to live to a strict standard of the law, while they themselves are cheating, when it is convenient. They produce proclamations exalting patriotism, freedom, and democracy, while at the same time, limiting constitutional protections in the name of “security”.

The current crop of Republican leadership is indistinguishable from the Pharisees of Biblical times! Sarah Palin is simply in over her head. Sure she lies and philanders, most politicians do, but she is vastly under qualified to be in national office. She is also a poor representation of Christianity, at best! She clearly has trouble thinking on her feet, a skill ALL politicians should have, especially at that level. Palin has little too no understanding of the functions of our Constitution. That is why she disqualifies McCain from being President; Palin was a disqualifying choice.

We, as Christians need strong political leaders. We need to support politicians who can think on their feet and have at least a BASIC understanding about the functions of government. We need leaders who can be examples of wisdom and compassion. I don’t know about the compassion Palin exhibits , but I am certain of the wisdom she has demonstrated to this point.

Senator Obama, a politician I really don’t care much for personally, has demonstrated his wisdom, compassion, and commitment to Christian values. McCain has not (remember the 2000 & 2008 primaries… when he stated he doesn’t even like the “Christian Right”, or when Dr. James Dobson said he would NEVER vote for McCain). Obama has, like McCain, dedicated his life to service. What sets Obama apart is his demonstrated dedication to Christ and the wisdom to choose a running mate, Joe Biden, who is also a strong Christian steward.

Clearly, when a Christian looks at the entire political platforms of both parties, weighs the history ofeach canidate, and compares those things to the guiding moral principale of the Christ's teachings, there is only one choice.

Does The Bible Tell Us How To Vote?

Does The Bible Tell Us How to Vote?

By Pate Hutson

What the Bible says about how we should vote? Granted, there wasn't much voting by the common person in Biblical times, but there is, none the less, a guide. Here it is:

Exploitation of Workers and Poor:

Jeremiah 22:15,16 "Does it make you a king to have more and more cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He did what was right and just, so all went well with him. He defended the cause of the poor and needy, and so all went well. Is that not what it means to know me?" declares the LORD.

Micah 2:1-3 Woe to those who plan iniquity, to those who plot evil on their beds! At morning's light they carry it out because it is in their power to do it. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them. They defraud a man of his home, a fellowman of his inheritance. Therefore, the LORD says: "I am planning disaster against this people, from which you cannot save yourselves.

Isaiah 58:3,6,7,10 Yet on the day of your fasting, you do as you please and exploit all your workers....Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter- when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Isaiah 1:17 Learn to do right! Seek justice, encourage the oppressed. Defend the cause of the fatherless, plead the case of the widow.

Mark 12:38,39 Watch out for the teachers of the law . . . . They devour widows' houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.

Economic issues are pro-life issues: Micah hits hard on economic injustice, and uses extreme language to show how much of a life-and-death matter it really is.

Micah 3:1-3 Listen, you leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice, you who hate good and love evil; who tear the skin from my people and the flesh from their bones; who eat my people's flesh, strip off their skin and break their bones in pieces; who chop them up like meat for the pan, like flesh for the pot?

Greed, Love of Money:

Colossians 3:5 Put to death, therefore . . . . greed, which is idolatry.

Ephesians 5:5 For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person-such a man is an idolater-has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.

I Timothy 6:5,9-10 . . . men of corrupt mind, who have been robbed of the truth and who think that godliness is a means to financial gain . . . . People who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

I Peter 2:1 Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.

The Company They Keep:

Psalm 1:1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Isaiah 32:5 No longer will the fool be called noble nor the scoundrel be highly respected.

Wealth and Power:

Micah 3:11,12 Her leaders judge for a bribe, her priests teach for a price, and her prophets tell fortunes for money. Yet they lean upon the LORD and say, "Is not the LORD among us? No disaster will come upon us." Therefore because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field.

Isaiah 1:23 Your rulers are rebels, companions of thieves; they all love bribes and chase after gifts. They do not defend the cause of the fatherless; the widow's case does not come before them.

Ezekiel 34: 13,20 Is it not enough for you to feed on the good pasture? Must you also trample the rest of your pasture with your feet? Is it not enough for you to drink clear water? Must you also muddy the rest with your feet? . . . . Therefore this is what the Sovereign LORD says to them: See, I myself will judge between the fat sheep and the lean sheep.

Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

"Gentle and Humble": Quoted from Matthew 11:28

Pro-life: Proverbs 24:11,12 Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done?

Mis-using moral teachings to promote another agenda:

Luke 12:2 Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. There is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known

Homosexuality in Scripture:

Cast the First Stone: Jesus said, in John 8:7, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her."

I am not sure how ANYONE can call themselves a Christian and vote for the Republican Ticket. Sure, there are exceptions on individual levels, but for the sake of God, the ENTIRE Republican platform is about disenfranchisement, keeping the poor uneducated, misinformed, and deeply in debt.

Jesus was very clear about how we should treat our neighbor. He was very clear about sitting down with our enemies, helping to poor, tending to the sick, and the active practice of forgiveness!

To my brothers and sisters who say you are a Christian and continue to vote for the Republican ticket.... Please, Please Please think about what you are doing! Was the mission of Jesus Christ to help the corporations? Was his mission to limit health care for the masses? What did the Christ think of greed or exploitation? Was his death on the cross representative of the entire human race, or just the people who think and act like you do?

Think about how you cast your votes the November. Remember, those of us who believe in the ministry

of Jesus need to weigh how his mission will be carried out by our elected officials. The Bible is clear about the ministry Jesus created! Are you going to honor his death and resurrection by combating poverty, improving health care, fighting racism and discrimination, and attacking greed?

If you vote for a political party who does everything possible to FIGHT the mission of Jesus should you really call yourself a Christian?