A Needed Response

One of the great things about blogs is the ability they create to reach countless amounts of people from wide-ranging sets of backgrounds, political affiliations, and various other labels we tend to attach to each other. I openly welcome all persons of all faiths, all political associations, and all backgrounds to read and respond to my posts. Open dialog and debate in the arena of ideals is key to real success in spreading the word and creating an audience. It's fun, for me, and I look forward to many more opportunities.

With that said, I typically refrain from responding to someone's comment on my posts outside of that post itself. However, regarding my post entitled, "Every Texan's Call to Rise", there was a comment posted by my favorite person...Anonymous. Initially I laughed, but then realized there was now an awesome opportunity - an open door, if you will - to share with this person, and the rest of you out there, who I truly am (and, in turn, who I am not), and why I do what I do. So, I am going to take their comment and break it down here in hopes to shed some light for them and also give clarity to my comments.

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Comment on "Every Texan's Call to Rise" by "Anonymous"

"I will pray for you, pray that your are released from the demons that make you say because someone is a democrat, they are anti-family."
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First of all, thank you for the prayers. I never turn those down. As a Christian and a pastor, I know all to well that I have my demons who are on constant attack in my life, attempting to tear down the stronghold of faith that drives me in all I do. As was the case with the apostle Paul, I, too, have my thorns.

However, I know for certain that there are no demons anywhere around me "making" me say "because someone is a democrat, they are anti-family." If and when I ever decide to label someone it is preceded by my own careful investigation into that person (i.e. their record, their actions, their comments, their associations, etc.)and not without a thorough self-examination. Party affiliation has nothing to do with it. You see, I am a conservative, NOT a republican. I don't play party politics. Never have, never will. Most democrats are liberals (not all) and are very judgmental and are blinded by their party affiliation. They assume (because they are) that conservatives (which to them is a synonym for republican) are the same way. Conservatives are not attached to a party...they are attached to the truth, to freedom, and to basic moral principles.

So, speaking on truth, my comments regarding Rep. Joe Straus of Texas, are based on his voting record, not his party affiliation. I have to believe that my "Anonymous" reader must have read the entire post that clearly pointed out Rep. Straus' record on life and family issues. As my wife accurately questioned, "Has he done anything good while in office?" Regardless of party affiliation, his record speaks clear to his beliefs. No one could vote in that manner and be considered "pro-life" or "pro-family." Regardless of party affiliation, Joe Straus IS "anti-family" and an abomination to the chair of Texas Speaker of the House. The majority of Texans, the vast majority, do NOT hold Rep. Straus' views on those life and family issues. Tom Craddick has his issues, but we can't replace bad with worse, regardless of party affiliation.

So, Mr./Ms. Anonymous, I hope you can see my comments regarding Rep. Straus has everything to do with his record, not my own personal demons. My comments on Rep. Straus has everything to do with what he's said and done, not his party affiliation.

Oh...and his party affiliation...REPUBLICAN...not democrat!!!

You see, Mr./Ms. Anonymous...your comments were based on your party affiliation and your bias, not on the truth. You assumed I was attacking Rep. Straus based on party not record. You assumed that because I am pro-life and pro-family that I believe anyone who isn't must be a democrat. You assumed that I would stoop to your level and attack without knowledge. Unfortunately, your comment was based in half-truths and inaccurate assumptions. As a conservative I will debate liberalism, regardless of which party it stems from. Rep. Straus is a republican, and he is extremely liberal on these core life and family values.

Folks, I am a fair person who sees all things in black and white. I call things as I see them. I do my best to base my opinion on truth and reality, not assumptions and stereotypes. If I ever post anything that seems inaccurate, I encourage your accountability.

Thank you to all who follow this blog. Thank you to my "Anonymous" comment maker for giving me the platform to set the record straight. 2009 is going to be a great year. I'm looking forward to the dialog it brings.

Troy