Crusader Huckabee and God's Law

The past twenty-four hours have provided even further insight into just what a Huckabee presidency would look like. Last night in Warren, Michigan, Huckabee concluded his remarks to a cheering crowd by explaining the need to rewrite the Constitution to better reflect "Gods standards".

Then today, speaking to a crowd of about 300 in Rock Hill, South Carolina, the good reverend, further honing his anti-immigrant credentials, called for a stop to all immigration of people from "countries that sponsor or harbor terrorists." The Huckster managed to tie together in that simple statement both the specter of terrorism and the rabid anti-immigrant rhetoric dominating the discourse in the Republican field.

While these two events would seem unrelated, they say much about Huckabee's world view, and what role he believes religion should play in public policy

[Some of my opponents] do not want to change the Constitution, but I believe it's a lot easier to change the constitution than it would be to change the word of the living God, and that's what we need to do is to amend the Constitution so it's in God's standards rather than try to change God's standards," Huckabee said, referring to the need for a constitutional human life amendment and an amendment defining marriage as between a man and a woman.

Huckabee often refers to the need to amend the constitution on these grounds, but he has never so specifically called for the Constitution to be brought within "God's standards," which are themselves debated amongst religious scholars. As a closing statement he asked the room of nearly 500 supporters to "pray and then work hard, and in that order," to help him secure a victory in Tuesday's GOP primary.

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Obviously, amending the Constitution so that it better aligns with Huckabee's version of "God's law" shows a total disregard for the very separations outlined in that document. But his call to essentially end immigration from a great many countries that just happen to be Islamic, says equally as much about his vision of America as a "Christian Nation." While not having to say the words, Huckabee, when referring to "nations that sponsor or harbor terrorists," sends a message that couldn't be clearer to his supporters…. "No more Muslims...they threaten the future of white, Christian America"

"There's a couple of things we're going to do differently…. "I say we ought to put a hiatus on people who come in here ... if they come from countries that sponsor and harbor terrorists."

"Let's say, until you get your act in order, and we get our act in order, we're not going to just let you keep coming and threaten the future and safety of America," he said.

"Every one of the 19 hijackers on 9/11 came here legally. Our government welcomed them in," Huckabee said.

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As a pastor in his previous life, Huckabee is no stranger to the concept of "the crusade". Evangelicals have been throwing "crusades" since the early days of Billy Graham. But the Huckster seems to be taking the concept far too literally...more in line with it's original medieval origins. He's waging a campaign against not only "fanatical Islam" that he believes threatens his "Christian Nation", but homegrown heretics, and non-believers, unwilling to submit to his version of the "word of the living God."

This video speaks volumes about Huckabee's willingness to not just blur the lines between church and state ...but to make the state the vehicle to enforce the "laws of God":


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In the past, Huckabee has made no qualms about calling for a movement to "take this nation back for Christ.", and perhaps we need to keep this in mind as the witty and engaging candidate further charms his way into the mainstream of political discourse. He's on a crusade. Today he's advocating barring immigration from Islamic countries, tomorrow, if given the power, he would change our very Constitution to better reflect his vision of a Christian America. And if the American people ignore that fact, swayed by his folksy, "aw-shucks" kind of appeal, …they do so at their own peril.

Special Bonus:
I happened to stumbled upon this while searching for graphics …This has to be Huckabee's favorite cartoon from his childhood. Because he's obviously taken it to heart:


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(a hoard of varmints invades Texas and uses up vital resources, they are rounded up and scheduled for deportation, then Crusader Rabbit organizes and wins an election and all the troubles end. ...It must have left quite an impression on little Mikey)

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Christian Right to join immigration fray

One key political force that has long been silent on the issue of immigration reform is about to jump into the debate in a major way. According to a report from Pat Robinson's, Christian Broadcasting Network, a group of leading evangelical "movers and shakers" will announce Monday the formation of a new coalition to deal with the immigration issue. Called "Families First in Immigration,” the group has sent letters to both President Bush and Speaker Pelosi offering their services in helping to draft a plan for immigration reform that would lead to a " families first approach" to a "coherent immigration achievement."

What exactly is meant by a "families first approach" or a "coherent immigration achievement" is yet to be seen, but looking at views on immigration of the founding members of this group, it's safe to assume that the "families" that they will be concerned with won't have too many foreign sounding surnames.

tags: immigration, Christian Right , evangelicals, Families First in Immigration

Evangelical Leaders Get Involved in Immigration Debate

A new immigration coalition is being formed that involves some prominent movers and shakers within the Evangelical community. It’s called "Families First in Immigration.”

For the most part, religious leaders have stayed away from this sensitive debate, but this new coalition will change that. It’s being put together by Manny Miranda who has been a grassroots leader in the area of judicial nominations. This new coalition will bring together people like Paul Weyrich, head of Coalitions for America, Dr. Donald Wildmon from American Family Association, Gary Bauer of American Values, David Keene with the American Conservative Union, and dozens of other big names.

The goal here is to somehow come up with a plan for immigration reform and to that end, recast the debate and start anew. The group has sent a letter to President Bush and Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi.

Here’s a portion:

“We believe that if we can leave the confines of this past year’s debate, we can help you formulate and win wide support for a coherent immigration achievement. We stand ready to work with you to find a new families first approach at the earliest convenience of your staff.”

Manny Miranda told CBN: “Until now, religious leaders have been criticized for staying uninvolved in the immigration debate…This coalition gets them involved, they offer to come to the table and offer ideas they can eventually support. Previously, the White House did not invite their participation, and they did not offer their help. With certain results, a wider participation may get the President wider support to allow Republicans and Democrats to obtain a coherent reform. This new coalition is bigger and broader than the Secure Border Coalition that dominated the debate on the right in the last go round.”

CBN

Up until this point, a wide spectrum of people from the religious community have been actively involved in the immigration issue. For the most part they have based their participation in the debate on the principals and moral tenants of their faiths that call for compassion, equality and charity. The clergy and hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church have long taken a strong stand on immigrant's rights and the need for comprehensive, humane reform, as have the leaders of many mainstream Protestant faiths. Jewish and Muslim leaders have been quick to recognize and speak out against a certain level of racial intolerance that at times creeps into the debate.

Yet noticeably absent from the debate until now has been the voice of one of the most politically powerful religious groups in the nation, the Christian Right. Where the vast majority of Evangelicals stand on immigration has not been addressed, but there is no question as to where the leaders of "Families First in Immigration" stand on the issue.

"I count myself among those who believe that we must first secure our borders and that we should make it uncomfortable for those here illegally to work or take advantage of the perks that go with being a U.S. citizen. I oppose nonresident tuition for their children and would change the law so that those born of illegals on U.S. soil wouldn’t automatically become eligible for citizenship. I support strong employer sanctions, and I oppose the sort of amnesty proposed by Sen John McCain (R-Ariz.)."…. David Keene

"We have millions of people who are standing in line to get into the US. They’re playing by the rules, they’re abiding by the law, & we allow countless people to butt into the front of the line, to pour across our borders & have as their first act as entering our country the violation of our laws. We must secure our border. Then we can make a judgment as a people what the appropriate legal immigration levels ought to be." … Gary Bauer

" We do not have a government tough enough to deal with these people. How many times have I heard, "You can't send them all back." Even the Pence-Hutchison Immigration Bill envisions securing the border before anything else is done. Under the terms of that bill no one who openly is breaking the law could continue to remain here. I have had it with these people. They get more arrogant by the hour. They also are an insult to the thousands of Hispanics who are here legally and who are given a bad name because of what illegal aliens do" … Paul Weyrich

"Targeting border security and employment enforcement, however, is only a first step to calm the mounting concern that Americans have over immigration… Americans are more genuinely concerned over assimilation than with the number of immigrants. And that concern cannot be dismissed as either racist or nativist. Providence and history have forged Americans into a unique people…. A truly comprehensive immigration reform will end in neither border fences nor guest workers. It will include legislation that reinforces education and the primacy of the English language in the public square"… Manuel Miranda

It appears that "Families First in Immigration" will be offering nothing new to the debate that has not been heard from the "enforcement only" crowd already. Rather than bringing a new perspective, based upon scripture and Christian moral tenants, they will be using their power of the pulpit to bring the same kind of zealous fervor to the immigration debate they have brought to debates about other issues such as gay rights and stem cell research.

The fact that Don Wildmon or Gary Bauer will now officially be in the Tom Tancredo-Pat Buchanan camp is not surprising. What is surprising is how long it took for them to decide to join the fray. Perhaps with their usual slate of social issues loosing pull at the polls, they figure it was time to latch onto the newest national wedge issue.

UPDATE: 1/8/07 1:09AM EST
From: The Washington Times

In letters sent today and obtained by The Washington Times, Families First on Immigration urges President Bush and leaders of the new Democratic Congress to adopt a grand compromise on the divisive issue that includes strong border security, an amnesty for illegals already here who are relatives of citizens and an end to birthright citizenship
…

At the heart of their position is a compromise that could give both sides of the immigration debate their "holy grail," as Mr. Miranda puts it, while also making a major, one-time concession that would eliminate one of the biggest magnets for illegal immigration.

Out of concern for keeping families together, the religious leaders propose granting citizenship to any illegal aliens in the country who are related to U.S. citizens. This would include anyone who has had a child born here, often referred to as an "anchor baby."

In return, the federal government would end birthright citizenship, which automatically grants U.S. citizenship to anyone born here, regardless of his parents' legal status. The 14th Amendment says "all persons born or naturalized in the United States ... are citizens of the United States."

"This is a real compromise," Mr. Miranda said. "On the one hand, there is legalization of a large number of people, but conservatives get the settlement of the thorniest issue for them in the immigration debate."

In letters today, the coalition implores President Bush and Democrats on Capitol Hill to search in earnest for a solution as soon as possible that deals with the estimated 12 million to 20 million illegals now in the country and ends future illegal migration.

"Illegal immigration is a human tragedy that disrupts lives and separates families," the group wrote in the letter to Mr. Bush that also scolds officials in Mexico for their responsibility. "It is a failure of two governments: the one that fails its people and the one that invites their departure for cheap labor's sake."

Specifically, Families First tells Mr. Bush -- who was supported by most of the members of the new coalition -- to abandon his proposal for a guest-worker program until the rest of the issues such as birthright citizenship and border security are resolved.

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Did Dobson endorse O'Donnell in CO-07 ?

Despite his claims that "here at Focus on the Family, we're not political" , the Reverend James Dobson appears to have endorsed Republican Rick O'Donnell over his Democratic opponent Ed Perlmutter in the congressional race for Colorado's 7th District.

In e-mail sent Friday to all it's members in CD-07, Dobson accused Perlmutter of being a "die-hard supporter of abortion" and hiring "homosexual youth to work on his behalf." He went on to say that "Fortunately, the other 7th District candidate, Rick O'Donnell, has a very different track record, particularly on the sanctity of human life and marriage."

Dobson went on to urge his followers to "encourage Rick O'Donnell to continue his strong support for life and marriage" and forward the e-mail to friends and family. He ended his letter with a message to "(not) let the abortion industry and advocates of homosexual marriage have their way in Colorado. Make your voice heard!"

Focus on the Family is officially listed as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which is prohibited by law from engaging in any political activity whatsoever. Dobson does have a spin–off group, Focus Action, that is listed as a 501(c)(4) organization, and by law may engage in "some" political activity, but it cannot be its primary mission.

I'm sure Dobson and his attorneys would be able to argue exactly how this letter does not constitute a formal endorsement…. But you be the judge:



tags: immigration, CO-7 , Rick O'Donnell , Ed Perlemutter, James Dobson, Focus on the Family

An Important Message from Dr. James Dobson

Dear Colorado Friend,

I hope you'll take a few moments to read this important and very timely update ... and then forward it to friends, family and fellow church members.

In just a few days, Colorado voters will be going to the polls to elect new leaders, and I have reason to be both very concerned and very hopeful about where your candidates for U.S. House stand on the biggest moral issues of our day – life and marriage.

Let me be specific: The evidence clearly indicates that one of the candidates for our state's 7th Congressional District seat—state Sen. Ed Perlmutter—is a die-hard supporter of abortion. In fact, he has made his pro-abortion position a centerpiece of his campaign.

But that's not surprising, considering he garnered a nearly 100-percent rating from NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado during his years in the state Legislature. Now, as a candidate for the U.S. House, he proudly boasts of that pro-abortion record, declaring on his Web site that he will be a "strong voice" for pro-abortion policies.

And what about his stance on marriage? Unfortunately, Ed Perlmutter stands squarely with those who would overturn the natural order of marriage as between one man and one woman. Not only does he support "domestic partnerships" for homosexual couples, but he has gone a step further in openly supporting same-sex marriage.

As a result of these stands and his championing of homosexual causes in the Colorado Legislature, Sen. Perlmutter has become a favorite of gay-rights organizations around the country. They have given him significant financial support and have even hired homosexual youth to work on his behalf. The nation's largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender advocacy organization, the Human Rights Campaign, has made Perlmutter's campaign one of 23 targets for assistance from its Youth College.

Fortunately, the other 7th District candidate, Rick O'Donnell, has a very different track record, particularly on the sanctity of human life and marriage.

When it comes to life, there's no guessing where he stands. Rick O'Donnell has emphatically and repeatedly stated his across-the-board commitment to pro-life policies on abortion. Equally important, Mr. O'Donnell's commitment to defending marriage from redefinition is strong. He unequivocally supports the federal marriage-protection amendment that would keep liberal courts and radical gay activists from hijacking the institution of marriage.

With this information in mind, what can you do?

First, please contact both candidates and let them know how you feel about the sanctity of life and the protection of traditional marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Specifically, encourage Rick O'Donnell to continue his strong support for life and marriage. And please urge Ed Perlmutter to renounce his pro-abortion and pro-homosexual marriage positions.

Second, if you have friends, family or fellow church members who feel as you do and who may benefit from this information, please forward this e-mail to them.

Don't let the abortion industry and advocates of homosexual marriage have their way in Colorado. Make your voice heard!

Sincerely,

James C. Dobson, Ph.D.
Founder and Chairman

ColoradoPols.com

For more information on the activities of Focus on the Family and their playing loose with government restrictions on churches engaging in electioneering see:
Focus on the Family and Tax Form Hanky-Panky? and More info on Focus on the Family tax hanky-panky

Perlmutter has been maintaining a strong lead in this race and obviously Dobson is hoping to change that. O'Donnell is probably best know nationally for his bizarre proposal to draft all male high school seniors for service as border guards along the southern border. He then later confounded everyone by defending his position by claiming he got the idea from the Democrats

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