One of the things that I believe moderate Republicans need to do is clearly state what they stand for. Too often, we have been accused of being Democrats who are n't willing to state the fact. We know that is not true. In the past, people like the late Jacob Javits was able to explain what a moderate Republican was over and against the right wing. (I would suggest going to Bookfinder.com and picking up a copy of his manifesto, "Order of Battle:A Republican's Call to Reason." ) Moderates today have not done much to explain who they are. That needs to change.
One of the things that I've been interested in is Christian Democracy, a political philospohy that is based on Catholic Social teaching. It's beginnings can be traced back to Pope Leo VIII, who wanted to find a way to address social issues in a way other than Socialism, which was gaining popularity. Christian Democratic parties sprung up around Europe and Latin America, with strong parties found today in Germany and Chile as two examples. As societies became more diverse, Christian Democracy is now being called Centrist Democrat.
So, why am I talking about this? I want you to read their manifesto and theirbasic document to see if some of what they are talking about could become part of some kind of manifesto for moderate Republicans. Let me know what you think.
Posted by Dennis at June 25, 2004 12:37 AM(1) I read the Christian Democrat manifesto. No need to go further, really. They clearly state that there exists an obligation for the state to take care of the diasadvantaged. In other words, socialism. They state quite clearly (point #4) that "poverty is injustice". Nonsense. Point #3, about families, sounds good but clearly implies government involvement with ensuring the family remains the environment in which our children will become responsible adults. Point #1 refers to the principle of subsidiarity, but does not define it. I'd like to know more about that....nothing about it in the "Basic Document", which confirms my worst suspicions of Christian Democracy.
(2) Tim -- please, please. A moment of silence is just that. Don't warp it by inserting a meaning only you can read into it. As long as teachers are not leading prayers, there is nothing wrong with a moment of silence. It certainly does not qualify as "state led prayer", by any reasonable man's definition. it does ALLOW people to pray if they wish - and what's wrong with that? The separation of church and state has never meant a private individual can't pray in public schools (some of the more radical wing nuts not withstanding). The Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the right of individuals to pray in schools, to form religious clubs and use school facilities for the same. What it has ruled against is school officials leading prayers, or formal prayers at school events.
Nor is your daughter forced to recite a pledge with which she does not agree. The law is quite specific - you need not recite the "under God" part. Just leave it out! Perfectly legal.
Or do you object to the part that pledges allegiance to one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all?
What does god have to do with being a moderate republican? I am a moderate and I don't believe in god at all. I believe that religion is for church and should stay out of government. Just like government should stay out of the church and our lives as much as possible.
One of the reasons Bush scares me is his overt institutionalization of religion in government. The faith based initiatives are illegal and should be removed. He wears his faith on his sleeve to gain political power. I would think that moderates would not want to look like Jim Baker or any other slimey televangalist. In fact went I hear religion and politics in the same breath, I immediately think: conservative, religious right, etc.....
Don't get me wrong, I am not against your right to believe in what you believe. But there are times and places for prayer and it is not in public school next to my daughter who is being forced to observe a moment of prayer (technically it is disguised as a moment of silence) before she recites a pledge that she does not fully a believe.
Posted by: Tim at June 25, 2004 03:23 PM