A Needed Response (Part 2)

Didn't think this second part would be necessary, but, such is the case.

My "Anonymous" commenter replied to my earlier post and made several statements that must be addressed. You can see his comment under the post entitled, "Every Texan's Call to Rise!(URGENT!)" dated January 3rd, 2009.

(1) "I was commenting on your decision to pass on as truth an email warning about the Texas Speakers race and stating 65 Democrats who are "anti-family". I would love to know how you justify that."

At my best count, there are 71 Democrats in the Texas House of Representatives. The email (which was written by David Barton of WallBuilders, and a person whom I trust greatly) mentioned 65, without naming names. My math shows 6 are not included.

For most people, and I am including myself, when they place a label on someone's political views, it typically is nothing more than that, and NOT an attack on that individual person's character. My "Anonymous" commenter chose to label me as demon possessed and that I "should be ashamed" for my comments since I was a Christian. Those are personal, not political.

I do not know who the 65 Democrats are specifically that Mr. Barton's email was referring to, but here is what I do know. My "Anonymous" commenter chose to lay before us the "personal" lives of 3 Democrats. Again, my comments are based on someone's political stances, not their personal lives. I do not know them personally, and, if I were to judge them personally based solely on the description given by Mr./Ms. Anonymous (which I would never do), I would say they sound like good people.

BUT...POLITICALLY...HERE IS WHERE THEY STOOD ON THE SPECIFIC BILLS MENTIONED IN MR. BARTON'S EMAIL (which, by the way, was only referring to Rep. Joe Staus' record, not anyone elses...but since you brought it up.)

*Making it easier to perform late-term, third-trimester abortions (SB 419, vote 672, 2005.) Jim Dunnam was absent, Craig Eiland supported, David Farabee supported.

*Homosexuals as foster parents (SB 6, vote 327, 2005.) Dunnam supported, Eiland opposed, Farabee supported.

*Expanded casino gambling (HB 10, vote 939, 2007.) Dunnam supported, Eiland supported, Farabee opposed.

*Increased gaming and gambling (HB 2265, vote 749, 2007.) Dunnam supported, Eiland supported, Farabee supported.

*Increased sale and consumption of alcohol during Sunday morning church hours (HB 168, vote 357, 2005.) Dunnam supported, Eiland supported, Farabee supported.

*Using statistically-proven methods to strengthen marriage and reduce divorce by encouraging pre-marital counseling (HB 2685, votes 384, 437, and 1407, 2007.) Dunnam opposed (x3), Eiland opposed (x3), Farabee supported twice, absent once.

*Parental rights, opposing a bill to let parents know the service-referrals that school counselors are making for their children (HB 2136, vote 592, 2007.) Dunnam opposed, Eiland opposed, Farabee opposed.

*School choice (HB 1, vote 235, 2007.) Dunnam opposed, Eiland opposed, Farabee opposed.

To be honest, I was hoping to find different results. As the anonymous commenter clearly stated, these men seem to have great private lives that are pro-family, however, for one reason or another, they have chosen in their public lives to support measures that are decidedly anti-family and anti-life...politically, not personally.

When one chooses to "represent" us, then they must be held accountable by us. The anonymous commenter stated, "I could go on and on but those are three Democratic members of the Texas House that you chose to say were anti-family and as a Christian you should be ashamed."

I am not ashamed for standing up for the rights of others, the unborn, families, parents, etc. I am not ashamed for being willing to hold our "representatives" accountable for their voting record on key issues to social conservatives like me. I am not ashamed for being a Christian willing to love God, love people (the two greatest commandments according to Christ, himself) and look after those who are in need. I am not ashamed. I rest well at night for my comments made. I have plenty in which I will need to answer for once I stand before God on that impending Judgment Day. I do not believe holding someone accountable for their public, political voting record is one of them. If I had attacked these men personally based upon unsubstantiated facts, then I could see the argument. But the record is clear.

I am sorry the truth is what it is, but I am not ashamed.

(FINAL COMMENT: I do realize representatives support and oppose bills left and right for a wide range of reasons, some we may never know why. That is between them and their own conscience, God, and constituents. There may be good reasons for why these men chose to vote the way they did, but the way I see it, those votes are anti-family. The men may not be, but the votes are. I, for one, don't understand how someone could vote that way and believe another. Then again, I am not them and I was not there and I am not completely informed. I just call it like I see it.)

Troy