People in the United States have a problem. They have a confusion of beliefs. Perhaps you can call them dualist or pluralist, but I think it's just that they are inconsistent with their beliefs. People, particularly people of faith, seem more comfortable siding with their political party in most cases than with the doctrine of their beliefs. I have seen myself tackling with this issue as well, but I have realized what I have been doing. Although I see the problem, it's hard for me to change it, because I am just so comfortable with what I believe, that I do not budge from it in order to believe what Christianity will tell me what is right.
Let's take the Christians who are part of the Republican party (like me). Most of us would say that we are pro-life. We believe abortion is wrong and according to our belief system, that would be accurate. However, why is life only restricted to abortion? What about the prisoner of war who we support getting tortured? How Christian is torture? What about the death penalty? I understand that these are criminals getting the penalty, but as Christians, shouldn't we forgive? Isn't that the answer to the WWJD bracelets?
Continuing on the life issue, why are most Christians supportive of an unjust war? By unjust war, I mean one where the USA are the aggressors. Many supporters claim that Iraq is linked to 9/11, but there is no proof of that unless Saddam Hussein actually sat down and conspired with Osama bin Laden.
What about universal health care and welfare? As a fiscal conservative, myself, it is extremely hard for me to support these programs. But as a Christian, those are two programs that I feel guilty not supporting. Wouldn't God be pleased with everyone getting health care? Wouldn't God want us to help our fellow humans whenever they cannot afford the basic necessities of life?
There are countless other doctrines that come into conflict when the political party is easier to be in line with than the faith. And those conflicts are on both the left and the right of the political spectrum. If that's the case, can either party truthfully claim to be the "party of God"? I just think some dialogue needs to be started.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thursday, January 1, 2009
A Movie that Touched my Heart
This afternoon, I relunctantly went to watch a movie called "Marley and Me." I didn't expect to do much except laugh a little bit and come out of the theater thinking it was a good holiday movie, but one I should have waited to rent, instead. I was mistaken, and I am glad I went to see this movie. It was one of my favorite movies of the year (I know it's 2009 now, but I consider this a 2008 movie). There may be a spolier or two, but it will not ruin the ultimate ending of the movie.
A lot of ideas and emotions ran through me as I watched this film, and afterwards when I thought about it. When I came home, my dog greeted me at the door, and although she is old, lazy, and grouchy, this dog is a part of my family. I picked her up and petted her as she eagerly sniffed me and wagged her tail. It is true what was said in the movie about dogs - what's great about dogs is that no matter if you are rich, poor, clever, dull, smart, or dumb, a dog is going to love you as long as you give it your heart.
This movie also renewed my interest in journalism. The couple were a pair of journalists for the Sun-Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post. When I was studying journalism, before, my goal was to become a columnist. Something about putting what's on your mind on paper always appealed to me. Who knows where God will take me. If teaching does not pan out, maybe that could be something I pursue. It takes a while to climb up that ladder, though. And a lot of sacrifice.
Last but not least, this movie made me think of the next phase of my life. I'll be graduating from FIU soon, and there are important decisions I will need to make, including some major committments (I'm sure that last statement is going to garner a bunch of comments itself, or at least solicit some deep thought).
If you have not seen Marley & Me, and you own a dog, or are perhaps just a lover of animals, you really should see the movie. If those categories do not apply to you, it's a good movie, nonetheless.
A lot of ideas and emotions ran through me as I watched this film, and afterwards when I thought about it. When I came home, my dog greeted me at the door, and although she is old, lazy, and grouchy, this dog is a part of my family. I picked her up and petted her as she eagerly sniffed me and wagged her tail. It is true what was said in the movie about dogs - what's great about dogs is that no matter if you are rich, poor, clever, dull, smart, or dumb, a dog is going to love you as long as you give it your heart.
This movie also renewed my interest in journalism. The couple were a pair of journalists for the Sun-Sentinel and the Palm Beach Post. When I was studying journalism, before, my goal was to become a columnist. Something about putting what's on your mind on paper always appealed to me. Who knows where God will take me. If teaching does not pan out, maybe that could be something I pursue. It takes a while to climb up that ladder, though. And a lot of sacrifice.
Last but not least, this movie made me think of the next phase of my life. I'll be graduating from FIU soon, and there are important decisions I will need to make, including some major committments (I'm sure that last statement is going to garner a bunch of comments itself, or at least solicit some deep thought).
If you have not seen Marley & Me, and you own a dog, or are perhaps just a lover of animals, you really should see the movie. If those categories do not apply to you, it's a good movie, nonetheless.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Resolutions & Prayers
I know that it is custom to make goals for an upcoming year - a New Year's Resolution. But, while I do have certain things I want to accomplish, they aren't my priority. I was thinking a lot about my family this Christmas, and today, my head was filled with prayers, petitions, and hope for each member of my family (my immediate one). I'd like to ask each of you, my friends, to pray for them for me whenever you get a chance. I can use all the help I can get.
For my father: that any grudges he may hold can be lifted from him his heart. That any supposed wrong-doing that had happened in the past can be forgiven. That the same wrong-doing that has kept my family separated for over a decade can cease and the family can come together again.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my mother: that she put all her trust in the LORD. That her faith be renewed. That she comes to learn the grace that the LORD has put in front of her in form of Jesus.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my oldest brother, Luis: that the LORD help him control his anger. That he comes to learn peace and humility. That he comes to realize that the only true path to peace is through Jesus.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my brother, Danny: that the LORD teach him to forgive. That the LORD rid him of his stubborness. That he stops putting false gods before Him. That he realizes that only through Christ can his life be put on the right track.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my sister, Lilly: that the LORD help her focus on what is important. That she comes to understand that life is best fulfilled when lived with Jesus at heart. That she get her studies in order.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For myself: I pray for peace. I pray that I can become a better example of a Christian. That through my example, my friends and family can realize the good that the LORD has done for me (and them).
LORD, hear my prayer, heal my heart, and as it is said in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:
"Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me bring your love,
Where there is injury your pardon Lord,
And where there's doubt true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there's sadness, ever joy.
O Master grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we are born to eternal life."
AMEN.
Thank you for your time.
For my father: that any grudges he may hold can be lifted from him his heart. That any supposed wrong-doing that had happened in the past can be forgiven. That the same wrong-doing that has kept my family separated for over a decade can cease and the family can come together again.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my mother: that she put all her trust in the LORD. That her faith be renewed. That she comes to learn the grace that the LORD has put in front of her in form of Jesus.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my oldest brother, Luis: that the LORD help him control his anger. That he comes to learn peace and humility. That he comes to realize that the only true path to peace is through Jesus.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my brother, Danny: that the LORD teach him to forgive. That the LORD rid him of his stubborness. That he stops putting false gods before Him. That he realizes that only through Christ can his life be put on the right track.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For my sister, Lilly: that the LORD help her focus on what is important. That she comes to understand that life is best fulfilled when lived with Jesus at heart. That she get her studies in order.
LORD, hear my prayer.
For myself: I pray for peace. I pray that I can become a better example of a Christian. That through my example, my friends and family can realize the good that the LORD has done for me (and them).
LORD, hear my prayer, heal my heart, and as it is said in the prayer of St. Francis of Assisi:
"Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there is hatred let me bring your love,
Where there is injury your pardon Lord,
And where there's doubt true faith in you.
Make me a channel of your peace,
Where there's despair in life, let me bring hope,
Where there is darkness, only light,
And where there's sadness, ever joy.
O Master grant that I may never seek,
So much to be consoled as to console,
To be understood as to understand,
To be loved as to love with all my soul.
Make me a channel of your peace,
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned,
In giving to all men that we receive
And in dying that we are born to eternal life."
AMEN.
Thank you for your time.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Characteristics of an Excellent Christian Teacher
I've started to look at different private schools to see if I can get a jump-start on my teaching career. I came across a document in the Westminster Christian School's website. They created a list of characteristics they look for in a teacher, and I thought it was really thought-provoking.
An excellent Christian teacher:
I. is an excellent Christian example,
II. has positive expectations for student success,
III. gets students excited about learning—even in subjects they consider less
interesting,
IV. communicates promptly and effectively,
V. gives worthwhile homework assignments that are…
a. challenging but fair and
b. that prepare the student to test well,
VI. supports the work and vision of Westminster Christian School (maybe we can just
say Christian schools in general?),
VII. goes above and beyond the call of duty,
VIII. is a subject matter and grade level expert—
a. passionate and enthusiastic about teaching it,
b. teaching it from a distinctly Christian world and life view, and
c. making the subject come alive for the student,
IX. knows and cares about each child as an individual, and
X. is a true professional.
An excellent Christian teacher:
I. is an excellent Christian example,
II. has positive expectations for student success,
III. gets students excited about learning—even in subjects they consider less
interesting,
IV. communicates promptly and effectively,
V. gives worthwhile homework assignments that are…
a. challenging but fair and
b. that prepare the student to test well,
VI. supports the work and vision of Westminster Christian School (maybe we can just
say Christian schools in general?),
VII. goes above and beyond the call of duty,
VIII. is a subject matter and grade level expert—
a. passionate and enthusiastic about teaching it,
b. teaching it from a distinctly Christian world and life view, and
c. making the subject come alive for the student,
IX. knows and cares about each child as an individual, and
X. is a true professional.
Monday, November 3, 2008
"People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people may accuse you of selfish motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you may win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and transparency make you vulnerable. Be honest and transparent anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People who really want help may attack you if you help them. Help them anyway. Give the world the best you have and you may get hurt. Give the world your best anyway."
- Mother Theresa
- Mother Theresa
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Part One of My Confessions
After reading the title of this blog, you may have thought one of two things:
1) That title must be referencing to a past hit single by a popular R&B singer.
or
2) Being that I am a Catholic Christian, it must have something to do with the sacrament of confession that practicing Roman Catholics occasionally go through.
Both of them are true. I could not come up with a clever title of my own, so I had to rob Usher of a lyric from his song. As far as number 2 goes, this blog is somewhat of a confession. No, you don't need to call a member of the clergy for this. I've been through that more than enough times, and even what I am about to say has been brought up to a priest before.
This particular blog is a confession, and at the same time, an apology, to all my Christian friends.
When I started out on my journey with Jesus, I say it began with Alexandra. A year and a half into our relationship, she and my friend, Miguel, convinced me to go with her to a Youth Group at what was called West Kendall Baptist Church. It was an amazing experience, but I did not truly feel moved to give my life over to Jesus until about my third visit to that youth group.
I joined Tamiami Baptist Church and was a member of that church for about a year. I was really involved with evangelical Christianity. I was looking at the Bible a whole different way now. And as each week passed, my love for God grew and grew. However, I did not like the kind of person I was becoming. I was constantly getting into arguments with the people I love the most, my family, because they were Catholics (not practicing). After a while, as I listened to my pastor's sermons, I found myself disagreeing with him more and more as each week came and gone.
So, I remember I decided to go to a Catholic mass one week.
It was hard at first. I remember freaking out with all the things people memorized at the church. I left mass early that day. However, I found myself heading back there the following Saturday. It became a bit of a new routine for me. I would go to St. Kevin's Catholic Church on Saturday, and head to Tamiami Baptist on Sunday. The more often I went to mass, the longer I stayed, until one week where I stayed until the end.
I noticed that the taboos I had been learning were not necessarily true. I had grown up in a household of non-practicing Catholics, aka "cafeteria Catholics" because they pick and choose what they believe to be true about Catholic doctrine. Another term came from Pastor Rob Myers' mouth in Easter: "Christian CEO's" or Christian Christmas and Easter Only. Not that I think of my family in a negative light. There are many Catholics - and Christians in general - who are in the same boat. I love them. I obviously just wish that they had that same fire and passion for the Lord that I do.
Back to my story...I did research. I read the Bible extensively. I purchased books from Catholic apologists and read materials of Protestants' arguments against Catholics being considered Christian. If I did that much research for my classes, I guarantee that I would have a 4.0 GPA right now. (Note to self: when completing assignments for school, pretend it is as important as your relationship with God...wait...is that heresy?)
Anyways, I sat down with the pastor of Tamiami Baptist to tell him that I would no longer be attending that church, and we had a civil discussion about faith in general. There are no hard feelings, which I am thankful for.
What drew me to Catholicism? Through Catholicism, I was able to strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ, more than I had before. The constant spiritual feeding at my church fills my heart with the Holy Spirit everytime I am there. I really felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy felt that Kansas was a bland place and longed to go "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She landed in Oz and met a bunch of colorful characters, but in the end, she realized that there was no place like home. I have found that home at St. Kevin's Catholic Church. While I am and always a Christian first, my yellow brick road has become the Catholic Church.
So, why am I apologizing? I am apologizing because when I landed back in my own rendition of Oz, I still was not a very loving - or Christian - person. I argued with a lot of my friends extensively, including the love of my life. Some of those arguments have left me bruised inside, and I have found it very hard to open up about my faith to my new Christian friends that I have met through Alexandra (some of you who read my blogs).
I sometimes feel awkward being at Miami Baptist Church, and it has nothing to do with the people there. My past experiences just flash into my mind and I become a very secluded, and defensive person. I really am trying to open up and being able to extend that arm of fellowship with Christians from a different denomination again, because I would think that God would want all of his followers to be united and spread the Gospel as one people. I am praying hard for God to lift that burden off my shoulders.
I am apologizing because I'm not sure if I have, or if in the future I may suddenly become defensive. And I assure you that it is not my intention. I'm sorry if I have ever given off that kind of impression.
Before I conclude, I wanted to thank two very important people. I wanted to thank Father Bob Vallee of St. Kevin's. This philosopher of a priest eased my transition from evangelical Christianity to Catholocism, being that his homilies are quite evangelical themselves. I also wanted to thank Pastor Dave who is on my "Blogs I read" list. His Zeal sermons helped me go to church with my girlfriend, if at least once a month. Thank you for your amazing interpretations of scripture.
Thank you all for reading this - one of my longest original posts - and I look forward to serving the Lord for the rest of my life.
1) That title must be referencing to a past hit single by a popular R&B singer.
or
2) Being that I am a Catholic Christian, it must have something to do with the sacrament of confession that practicing Roman Catholics occasionally go through.
Both of them are true. I could not come up with a clever title of my own, so I had to rob Usher of a lyric from his song. As far as number 2 goes, this blog is somewhat of a confession. No, you don't need to call a member of the clergy for this. I've been through that more than enough times, and even what I am about to say has been brought up to a priest before.
This particular blog is a confession, and at the same time, an apology, to all my Christian friends.
When I started out on my journey with Jesus, I say it began with Alexandra. A year and a half into our relationship, she and my friend, Miguel, convinced me to go with her to a Youth Group at what was called West Kendall Baptist Church. It was an amazing experience, but I did not truly feel moved to give my life over to Jesus until about my third visit to that youth group.
I joined Tamiami Baptist Church and was a member of that church for about a year. I was really involved with evangelical Christianity. I was looking at the Bible a whole different way now. And as each week passed, my love for God grew and grew. However, I did not like the kind of person I was becoming. I was constantly getting into arguments with the people I love the most, my family, because they were Catholics (not practicing). After a while, as I listened to my pastor's sermons, I found myself disagreeing with him more and more as each week came and gone.
So, I remember I decided to go to a Catholic mass one week.
It was hard at first. I remember freaking out with all the things people memorized at the church. I left mass early that day. However, I found myself heading back there the following Saturday. It became a bit of a new routine for me. I would go to St. Kevin's Catholic Church on Saturday, and head to Tamiami Baptist on Sunday. The more often I went to mass, the longer I stayed, until one week where I stayed until the end.
I noticed that the taboos I had been learning were not necessarily true. I had grown up in a household of non-practicing Catholics, aka "cafeteria Catholics" because they pick and choose what they believe to be true about Catholic doctrine. Another term came from Pastor Rob Myers' mouth in Easter: "Christian CEO's" or Christian Christmas and Easter Only. Not that I think of my family in a negative light. There are many Catholics - and Christians in general - who are in the same boat. I love them. I obviously just wish that they had that same fire and passion for the Lord that I do.
Back to my story...I did research. I read the Bible extensively. I purchased books from Catholic apologists and read materials of Protestants' arguments against Catholics being considered Christian. If I did that much research for my classes, I guarantee that I would have a 4.0 GPA right now. (Note to self: when completing assignments for school, pretend it is as important as your relationship with God...wait...is that heresy?)
Anyways, I sat down with the pastor of Tamiami Baptist to tell him that I would no longer be attending that church, and we had a civil discussion about faith in general. There are no hard feelings, which I am thankful for.
What drew me to Catholicism? Through Catholicism, I was able to strengthen my relationship with Jesus Christ, more than I had before. The constant spiritual feeding at my church fills my heart with the Holy Spirit everytime I am there. I really felt like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. Dorothy felt that Kansas was a bland place and longed to go "Somewhere Over the Rainbow." She landed in Oz and met a bunch of colorful characters, but in the end, she realized that there was no place like home. I have found that home at St. Kevin's Catholic Church. While I am and always a Christian first, my yellow brick road has become the Catholic Church.
So, why am I apologizing? I am apologizing because when I landed back in my own rendition of Oz, I still was not a very loving - or Christian - person. I argued with a lot of my friends extensively, including the love of my life. Some of those arguments have left me bruised inside, and I have found it very hard to open up about my faith to my new Christian friends that I have met through Alexandra (some of you who read my blogs).
I sometimes feel awkward being at Miami Baptist Church, and it has nothing to do with the people there. My past experiences just flash into my mind and I become a very secluded, and defensive person. I really am trying to open up and being able to extend that arm of fellowship with Christians from a different denomination again, because I would think that God would want all of his followers to be united and spread the Gospel as one people. I am praying hard for God to lift that burden off my shoulders.
I am apologizing because I'm not sure if I have, or if in the future I may suddenly become defensive. And I assure you that it is not my intention. I'm sorry if I have ever given off that kind of impression.
Before I conclude, I wanted to thank two very important people. I wanted to thank Father Bob Vallee of St. Kevin's. This philosopher of a priest eased my transition from evangelical Christianity to Catholocism, being that his homilies are quite evangelical themselves. I also wanted to thank Pastor Dave who is on my "Blogs I read" list. His Zeal sermons helped me go to church with my girlfriend, if at least once a month. Thank you for your amazing interpretations of scripture.
Thank you all for reading this - one of my longest original posts - and I look forward to serving the Lord for the rest of my life.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
The Libertarian Case for Palin
The potential political consequences of Sarah Palin have been chewed over from every imaginable angle.
Though there is plenty to ponder, one thing is certain: libertarian-inclined voters should be encouraged. No, I'm not suggesting that your little Molly will be bringing home "The Road to Serfdom" from her (distinctly non-public) elementary school. But in contrast to any national candidate in recent memory, Palin is the one that exudes the economic and cultural sensibilities of a geniune Western-style libertarian.
Now, Palin's lack of experience has been framed as an impenetrable negative. One wire story helpfully noted that Palin had never ever appeared on "Meet the Press." Shocking! But as Barack Obama often notes, it's not about experience, it's about judgment. And Palin's penchant for reform-minded conservatism is certainly at odds with the racket Washington Republicans have offered up the past 8 years.
Palin, for example, vetoed 300 pork projects in Alaska in her first year in office. She made a habit of knocking out big-government Republicans in her brief political career. For this, the 44-year-old mother of five enjoys a sterling approval rating in a state with arguably the nation's most libertarian-minded populace.
When it comes to healthcare, Palin says she wants to "allow free-market competition and reduce onerous government regulation." These days, any mention of the "free market" that's not framed as a crass pejorative is a sign of progress.
Culturally, there is little for the Heartland to dislike. By now, you've probably seen picture or two of Palin sporting a rifle. Apparently, she's left carcasses strewn across the Alaskan wilderness. In some places -- areas where the nation is growing -- owning a gun is not yet a sin. And unlike Obama, Palin seems to believe that the Second Amendment means the exact same thing in rural Alaska as it does in the streets of Chicago.
Yes, Palin is without argument a staunch social conservative. She is fervently opposed to abortion - even in cases of rape and incest, which will raise eyebrows, but is certainly more philosophically consistent than the namby pambyism of your average politician. The choice issue, after all, is complicated, even for many libertarians. And, as I was recently reminded, Ron Paul, the Libertarian champion of the 21st century, also opposes abortion.
Even when advocating for "moral" issues, Palin's approach is a soft sell. Palin does not support gay marriage (neither does Obama, it should be noted). Yet, in 2006, Palin's first veto as Governor was a bill that sought to block state employee benefits and health insurance for same-sex couples.
We cannot bore into Palin's soul to see her true feelings about gay couples, but, at the time, she noted that signing "this bill would be in direct violation of my oath of office" because it was unconstitutional. For most libertarians, the thought of politician following any constitution, rather than their own predilections, morality or the "common good," is a nice change of pace.
On the counterproductive War on Drugs, Palin is no warrior. Her Republican opponent in 2006 primary, incumbent Republican governor Frank Murkowski, made recriminalizing the possession of small amounts of pot a priority. Palin, though she does not support legalization, believes enforcement should not be a high priority.
"I can't claim a Bill Clinton and say that I never inhaled," Palin once said. This sort of honesty is a welcome change from the standard hand-wringing about marijuana's supposed disastrous consequences.
On education, Palin supports school-choice programs. There have already been smears that she backed "creationist" teaching in "public" schools, when in fact, Palin's comment regarding intelligent design should hold some appeal to libertarians. Even if you find the idea inane, in essence, Palin pushed the idea that parents, rather than the state, should decide what children are learning.
When asked about this commotion, Palin said, "I won't have religion as a litmus test, or anybody's personal opinion on evolution or creationism." If lockstep left-wing union-run school boards in urban districts would follow this sound advice on ideological litmus tests, our educational system would be a lot more productive.
Then there is a question of authenticity. And it matters. Those who will do anything for power, will say anything and support any position that is convenient. From John McCain to Joe Biden to Obama, one gets the sense that political office is their life's work. All of them have made attempts to create the perception that, hey, they're ordinary Americans just like you. Palin won't have to work at genuineness. With Palin, you get the impression she can take politics or leave it. Her life certainly hasn't been saturated with policy, favor trading and back scratching.
Of course, Washington has a mysterious power to turn perfectly reasonable, wholesome, well-meaning human beings into equivocating crooked gasbags. But, from the little we know about Palin, such a transformation doesn't seem likely. And for libertarians - in the broadest sense of the small "l" word -- she's the best candidate they can expect.
By David Harsanyi of RealClearPolitics.com
Though there is plenty to ponder, one thing is certain: libertarian-inclined voters should be encouraged. No, I'm not suggesting that your little Molly will be bringing home "The Road to Serfdom" from her (distinctly non-public) elementary school. But in contrast to any national candidate in recent memory, Palin is the one that exudes the economic and cultural sensibilities of a geniune Western-style libertarian.
Now, Palin's lack of experience has been framed as an impenetrable negative. One wire story helpfully noted that Palin had never ever appeared on "Meet the Press." Shocking! But as Barack Obama often notes, it's not about experience, it's about judgment. And Palin's penchant for reform-minded conservatism is certainly at odds with the racket Washington Republicans have offered up the past 8 years.
Palin, for example, vetoed 300 pork projects in Alaska in her first year in office. She made a habit of knocking out big-government Republicans in her brief political career. For this, the 44-year-old mother of five enjoys a sterling approval rating in a state with arguably the nation's most libertarian-minded populace.
When it comes to healthcare, Palin says she wants to "allow free-market competition and reduce onerous government regulation." These days, any mention of the "free market" that's not framed as a crass pejorative is a sign of progress.
Culturally, there is little for the Heartland to dislike. By now, you've probably seen picture or two of Palin sporting a rifle. Apparently, she's left carcasses strewn across the Alaskan wilderness. In some places -- areas where the nation is growing -- owning a gun is not yet a sin. And unlike Obama, Palin seems to believe that the Second Amendment means the exact same thing in rural Alaska as it does in the streets of Chicago.
Yes, Palin is without argument a staunch social conservative. She is fervently opposed to abortion - even in cases of rape and incest, which will raise eyebrows, but is certainly more philosophically consistent than the namby pambyism of your average politician. The choice issue, after all, is complicated, even for many libertarians. And, as I was recently reminded, Ron Paul, the Libertarian champion of the 21st century, also opposes abortion.
Even when advocating for "moral" issues, Palin's approach is a soft sell. Palin does not support gay marriage (neither does Obama, it should be noted). Yet, in 2006, Palin's first veto as Governor was a bill that sought to block state employee benefits and health insurance for same-sex couples.
We cannot bore into Palin's soul to see her true feelings about gay couples, but, at the time, she noted that signing "this bill would be in direct violation of my oath of office" because it was unconstitutional. For most libertarians, the thought of politician following any constitution, rather than their own predilections, morality or the "common good," is a nice change of pace.
On the counterproductive War on Drugs, Palin is no warrior. Her Republican opponent in 2006 primary, incumbent Republican governor Frank Murkowski, made recriminalizing the possession of small amounts of pot a priority. Palin, though she does not support legalization, believes enforcement should not be a high priority.
"I can't claim a Bill Clinton and say that I never inhaled," Palin once said. This sort of honesty is a welcome change from the standard hand-wringing about marijuana's supposed disastrous consequences.
On education, Palin supports school-choice programs. There have already been smears that she backed "creationist" teaching in "public" schools, when in fact, Palin's comment regarding intelligent design should hold some appeal to libertarians. Even if you find the idea inane, in essence, Palin pushed the idea that parents, rather than the state, should decide what children are learning.
When asked about this commotion, Palin said, "I won't have religion as a litmus test, or anybody's personal opinion on evolution or creationism." If lockstep left-wing union-run school boards in urban districts would follow this sound advice on ideological litmus tests, our educational system would be a lot more productive.
Then there is a question of authenticity. And it matters. Those who will do anything for power, will say anything and support any position that is convenient. From John McCain to Joe Biden to Obama, one gets the sense that political office is their life's work. All of them have made attempts to create the perception that, hey, they're ordinary Americans just like you. Palin won't have to work at genuineness. With Palin, you get the impression she can take politics or leave it. Her life certainly hasn't been saturated with policy, favor trading and back scratching.
Of course, Washington has a mysterious power to turn perfectly reasonable, wholesome, well-meaning human beings into equivocating crooked gasbags. But, from the little we know about Palin, such a transformation doesn't seem likely. And for libertarians - in the broadest sense of the small "l" word -- she's the best candidate they can expect.
By David Harsanyi of RealClearPolitics.com
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