I Was Only Questioning Pro-Family, Pro-Life Leaders’ Discernment and Leadership
Posted: 02/08/2008
I Was Only Questioning Pro-Family, Pro-Life Leaders’ Discernment and Leadership
By Brannon S. Howse
I have received many comments about my opinion piece from earlier this week, openly criticizing some pro-family leaders. The comments have been overwhelmingly positive from both lay-people as well as pro-family leaders. In fact, I have received numerous phone calls and e-mails from pro-family leaders thanking me for saying what they were all thinking.
However, I have received some e-mails from a few people that felt my comments were too harsh or left the impression I was questioning the integrity or character of the pro-family leaders I mentioned. That was not what I was seeking to do. I was questioning their discernment and pointing out their lack of leadership. If they want to be pro-family, pro-life leaders then they need to lead by supporting a 100% pro-life, pro-family candidate.
Many of these people have done a great job for many years for our cause and we are all thankful for that. We are all adults and when I and others interject ourselves into the public policy arena and politics we are opening ourselves up to being questioned. That is fair and everyone expects that. We should do that, it is good for our cause. But don’t let my questioning of any pro-life, pro-family leaders be perceived as more than it was; a question of their discernment and leadership, not a question of their character.
When I see quotes from pro-family leaders like Gary Bauer saying that those who support Gov. Huckabee should do some ‘soul searching’ before voting for him because to vote for Huckabee is to elect John McCain – I find that offensive and confusing when Gov. Huckabee is so vocal and so strong on the very issues pro-family leaders have been saying for years were the most important.
One pro-family leader offered this feedback to our site after he read the complaints of a few:
Some of you have missed the point about the story of how Romney gave money to all kinds of conservative, Christian groups. It's not that he gave this money -- we all expected that -- it’s that this money compromised these groups. Many of these very same groups released false info about Romney or at the very least went silent about his ultra liberal record. Even when Romney told CNN he favors gay rights last week, not one major Christian leader said a word. This is not good for us as a movement as the grass roots relies on these groups for accurate information about the candidates. We should all be praising this website.
I am pleased that Dr. Dobson did come out today, February 8th, 2008 to endorse Governor Huckabee. However, as Dr. Dobson stated in his endorsement, “That left two pro-family candidates [Huckabee and Romney] whom I could support, but I was reluctant to choose between them. However, the decision by Gov. Mitt Romney to put his campaign ‘on hold’ changes the political landscape.”
This is why many of us have been disappointed in the discernment and leadership of some pro-family, pro-life leaders. However, If my column came across as not giving these pro-family leaders their due respect for years of service to our cause, that was not my intention.
Disclaimer: Worldview Weekend, Christian Worldview Network and its columnists do not necessarily endorse or agree with every opinion expressed in every article posted on this site. We do however, encourage a healthy and friendly debate on the issues of our day. Whether you agree or disagree, we encourage you to post your feedback by using the feedback button.
But didn't you notice that Huckabee not only attends a Purpose-Driven Church, he has openly pledged support for Rick Warren's PEACE Plan to merge federal foreign-aid with church missionary work? This man is not what you think.--Mrs. Pilgrim Click here to reply to this post
Christian or Conservative?
Posted On: 02/14/08 01:24:02 AM
Age 49, NE
I wonder which one's name is writeen in the Book of Life?
Our allegiance to God and His principles comes before allegiance to "conservative" principles.
Wake up, Christian leaders -- and start listening to the One we serve -- not the ones you want to cozy up to.
Thank you for your courage to write the TRUTH. Mr. Howse. Click here to reply to this post
dk
Posted On: 02/13/08 09:09:49 PM
Age 53, NC
I can't believe Gary Bauer said we should vote for Romney, who shepherded in homosexual marriage, mandated health insurance that paid for $50 abortions and stood against every other conservative issue for his first 60.5 years of life.
Then Gary Bauer tops it off by saying that a vote for "Huckabee was a vote for McCain" and within a couple of days Gary Bauer ENDORSES McCain.
If nothing else were to happen with this election, it has shown us who the wolves in sheep clothing were and who was willing to sell their heritage for a bowl of porridge. Click here to reply to this post
Gary "Ride the Devil if he's going your way" Bauer
Posted On: 02/14/08 11:48:52 AM
Age 39, GA
I'd say Paris Hilton has more credibility these days than Gary Bauer--and she's a *whole* lot easier on the eyes too. ;) Click here to reply to this post
dk
Posted On: 02/13/08 09:06:01 PM
Age 53, NC
I assume your calling him a liberal fascist because there is something he said - or maybe something Romney said he said but he really didn't - that you didn't agree with fiscally or constitutionally.
Do you think that the homosexual agenda to redefine marriage and force their definition on others is liberal or fascist? Do you think murdering children or growing babies for spare parts or euthanizing people that others may judge as having inferior "quality of life" is liberal or fascist?
Huckabee has rightly made LIFE a priority to liberty and the pursuit of happiness. But because it is a priority, doesn't mean he is against those things. I hope you educate yourself about what he really stands for and I hope you value life more than fiscal issues or more than you value any other policy issue. Click here to reply to this post
How interesting
Posted On: 02/21/08 05:55:18 PM
Age 29, TX
...That you don't realize that there's a GOP candidate who has done more than talk about pro-life issues. Were you aware that one of them has actually introduced legislation to Congress to "deem human life to begin at conception" not just once, but EVERY SINGLE YEAR that he has been in office? Wouldn't you agree that this means he stands for what we believe? Wouldn't you say this makes him definitively and distinctly pro-life--even more so than someone pushing for a Constitutional amendment that he wouldn't even be involved with? That man is Ron Paul. (And while, again, Huckabee likes to talk about disposing of the IRS, Dr. Paul introduces legislation every session to do just that. Strange how that's also ignored.)--Mrs. Pilgrim Click here to reply to this post
Abandoned by God???
Posted On: 02/12/08 08:40:17 PM
Age 67, WI
Yes, God in His sovereignty does allow leaders to rise and then fade into history and I believe we as a nation may well get what we deserve. I told my children I would never, never, ever vote for ANY candidate who does not support life from conception to
natural death, and thus it will be. I would recommend each of you to obtain a CD or download Pastor John MacArthurs' message "When God Abandons A Nation." His website is gty.org. It may help each of us to put things in perspective as this year unfolds. Our nation is rotten to the core and to expect God to bless it is lunacy. Click here to reply to this post
The Problem
Posted On: 02/12/08 02:38:05 PM
Age 50, IA
The problem is that you do, in fact, question the character and personal integrity of anyone who does not agree with your narrow interpretations of things. I actually am probably pretty close to you in theology, but I get sick reading your judgmental, superior "I am the only one who is faithful to God" essays.
I appreciate someone who stands for truth. But you stand for division on non-essentials, for slander and meanness.
I know this will never appear. You only permit those who agree with you to post comments. Click here to reply to this post
The Trouble with Huckabee
Posted On: 02/12/08 02:28:44 PM
Age 48, MO
The trouble with Huckabee, folks, is that he's a liberal fascist with with religion. Nevertheless when a politician will easily abridge freedom (anyone's freedom) you need only ask how long will it be before you become a target as well.
It is disturbing to see people treat him like he's a Second Messiah, when he's truly a threat to freedom. Click here to reply to this post
the trouble with Huckabashers
Posted On: 02/13/08 12:23:55 AM
Age 52, GA
Calling Governor Huckabee a liberal fascist is oxy-moronic, but mainly moronic. The statement you made that he is "truly a threat to freedom" is totally unfounded, and without merit, unless your talking about your freedom to choose an abortion or your freedom to marry your homosexual lover. In that case I pray you repent, and come into the fold. Click here to reply to this post
Huckabee's no conservative - don't be fooled
Posted On: 02/12/08 01:38:18 PM
Age 57, MN
While Mike Huckabee says the right things when it comes to pro-life, he is far from the conservative (i.e., small government, freedom-focused, reduce spending,) mainstream that a responsible Republican can or should support.
Huckabee wants to increase the federal role in just about every area of our lives. He also has bought the economicaly disastrous global warming lie that will lead our country further from freedom and economic security.
He wants to increase government control of education at the federal level, while claiming that he supports parents' rights to choose. That is doublespeak for "Hello, I'm from the government and I'm here to help."
He also loves taxing and spending. Ask him when the budget will be balanced.
True conservatives don't have a dog in this fight, unless they look at the third candidate still running. Ron Paul.
Voting for Huckabee to avoid getting a Clinton, Obama or McCain (and yes, I would lump them together) is like saying that you prefer to live, but you are going to slowly commit suicide by poisoning yourself. It won't seem so sudden and final, but the end game will be the same.
A wasted vote is not a vote for Ron Paul, but a vote for anyone who will compromise most conservative principles in order to get elected. You don't end up any better than if you voted for the other candidate. So why not vote for what you really want? It "ain't" Huckabee, folks. Click here to reply to this post
No need for clarification
Posted On: 02/12/08 01:20:12 PM
Age 50, VA
I'm not sure why you needed to clarify your position. It was clear and to the point and needed to be said. I can't tell you how disapointed I am with our so-called "pro-family leaders". From the beginning they have sold their soles for the opportunity to attach themselves to those that were leading in the poles, be it Guiliani, Romney and now McCain. I can understand when the nomination is sewed up that we can "hold our noses" and support the Republican nominee. Until then and prior to our leadership should have supported the man who's family values lined up with theirs and those of us who believe family values are the most important issues of our day. Having said that doesn't mean that I'm in total agreement with all Mike Huckabee's positions because I don't. However, what is more important then the sanctity of life? What is more important than believing in and fighting to keep marriage between one man and one woman? Nothing. I guess it's not hard to see why we're in the mess we are. God said in his Word that if HIS people would humble themselves and pray He would heal our land. Instead His people try to solve the world problems in their own way and God warns us that mans ways lead to destruction.
Keep up the good work and I commend you for speaking truth. Click here to reply to this post
More than life & marriage
Posted On: 02/12/08 01:16:39 PM
Age 59, MD
I voted for Huckabee this morning in Maryland, but is was a protest vote against McCain. How any one can get behind Hackabee, just because he is pro-life only. If you will look at his record you will HAVE to come to the conclusion as I did that he comes up lacking in MANY issues. Imigration, NEA endorsement, taxes amoung just a few. The NEA endorsement is enought to stop support for him. The NEA is the MOST liberal union in the U.S. They hate all Christians and what we stand for. One thing I will agree with you is the pro-family leaders should have got behind someone like Hunter from the beginning. Hunter a Christian and a TRUE conservative with the record to prove it unlike Huckabee. Click here to reply to this post
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