“I have opponents in this race who 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 amend the Constitution so it’s in God’s standards, rather than trying to change God’s standards so it lines up with some contemporary view of how we treat each other and how we treat the family.”
Since when is changing the Constitution even on the table? I thought this was a presidential primary. Did I miss a memo? And what makes Huckabee think that he'll be able to change the Constitution, even if he's elected (which will be a dark day for those of us who like to think and say what we wish.) I think he needs to check on what it actually takes to change the Constitution. Here's a hint, Mike: it takes more than prayer.
How does Huckabee know what God's standards are? Did God call him on the phone, or did they meet at Starbucks for a nice chai latte? Hey Mike, if you've got God's e-mail address how about sharing it with the rest of us? I'm automatically suspicious of anyone who claims to have inside information direct from God, because it's unverifiable. Why would I place my faith (and my vote) with anyone who makes unverifiable claims to win support?
Maybe it's because I'm not Baptist, but I don't understand the phrase "the living God". I thought God was by definition immortal, but specifying "living God" implies that maybe there's a dead God out there, or multiple dead Gods. Is there a system of succession? Does Huckabee think he's in line somewhere?
Here's something I find truly terrifying: the slogan posted on Huckabee's website reads "Faith, Family, Freedom". Notice how freedom ranks dead last? At the same time, religious faith is apparently the most important factor to Huckabee and his ilk. I wonder if his real meaning is actually "If you share my faith and your family goes to my church, then you shall have freedom. Otherwise go to Hell."
I will admit I don't know much about Huckabee, but I recently found out a very important fact which explains a LOT: Huckabee is a Southern Baptist minister. Nuff said. Although I live in the West now, I grew up in the South, in the Bible Belt. That experience left me with the conviction that SOUTHERN BAPTIST MINISTERS ARE NOT TO BE TRUSTED! I am sorry to say that I have yet to meet a singe one who didn't seem to be trying to either steal my wallet or cop a feel, all the while spouting pious platitudes about Faith and claiming personal knowledge of God's will.
Although it is far too early to even guess who may win either party's nomination, it's not to early for me to say this: It is imperative that anyone who values thought, free speech, the separation of church and state, the rights of women and minorities, and the contents of the Constitution GET THEIR BUTTS OUT THERE AND VOTE! Not only vote, but encourage their families, friends and neighbors to do the same. You know the conservatives are getting out the vote by mobilizing churches (if you doubt this, watch "Jesus Camp", they explain exactly how that works). We've got to get out the vote as well unless we want a vocal and rabid religious minority to run this country for the next four years. I don't know about you but I don't want to live in a theocracy with a state religion where church attendance and lip-service to the dominant faith is mandatory.
Each presidential election I begin hopeful that one candidate will shine out above all the rest as the person who can lead this nation into a shining new future. Some years those hopes have been borne out, and some years I've gone disillusioned to the voting booth to cast my ballot for the lesser of two evils. I've come to believe that sometimes that's what it's all about, and that's a form of patriotism too - doing your part to protect this nation from a presidential candidate you truly believe is dangerous.
I have been asked if I am going to come out in favor of any particular candidate. My response at the time was "it's too early, I haven't done my homework on each candidate yet." I do believe in being an informed voter (the most dangerous kind in our government's eyes!) and I make a point to learn what I can about each candidate before making up my mind. So it will be a while before I state a preference (though I must make up my mind by Super Tuesday), but for now I can promise you that my choice will NOT be Huckabee!
"One of the penalties of refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors." - Plato
Later,
AuntieM
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