Continue the Fight

Family North Carolina Magazine—November/December 2008

By Bill Brooks

The economist Karl Marx once wrote, “The end justifies the means.” From that philosophy came the seeds of revolution that ultimately resulted in the overthrow of numerous governments as well as two world wars. Unfortunately that maxim seems to be the most widespread theory in use in political strategy today.

Translated into current meaning and usage, many political candidates seem to have adopted a strategy to “say whatever you want because as long as you win, it doesn’t really matter what you say.” We used to call this lying, and those who were caught at it quickly lost their credibility and their ability to seek and hold elective office.

Because of the stark contrasts in philosophy between many of the candidates in key races in this election, I have been paying more attention than usual to what the candidates are actually saying, and how it matches up with what they’ve said in the past. “Appalling” is the best word I know to describe what is happening across our state and nation. This has been particularly evident in some of the debates, where discourse often seems to rapidly degenerate into a litany of “he said, she said.”

Providing sound factual information instead of rhetoric is one of the reasons we decided to publish a voter guide for the 2008 election. I hope you were able to obtain one and that you found it useful. We commend those candidates who chose to participate this year, as they demonstrated a willingness to express their views on a variety of issues. Our sole intent in making this publication available is to allow voters to have an idea of what candidates are actually thinking about important family policy issues.

The future will continue to hold tremendous challenges for those who are pro-family and support traditional family values. Irrespective of the individuals or party that controls the levers of our federal, state and local governments, the push for special rights and benefits for homosexuals will continue. Those who advocate the killing of pre-born children will continue to oppose limits on the barbaric practice of abortion. The promise of technology, an aging population, and the real limits of the ability to tax and spend will push at the envelope of acceptable social policy. Entrenched public school bureaucrats will continue to resist any meaningful educational reform that transfers even a scintilla of power and authority from their hands and gives this power to parents.

The debate among the Christian community about what issues to engage will grow. New issues such as the economy, taxes, offshore drilling, global warming and the environment will continue to demand attention from a younger generation. Issues such as healthcare, stem-cell research, government benefits and financial stability will be issues for those entering or nearing retirement. Then, of course, there are issues relating to the poor, gambling, alcohol, pornography, marriage, and others too numerous to list.

In fact, there will always be issues that confront our society and governments. There will be no lack of those wanting and demanding change, and there will always be policy options. And, as we have seen in recent months, decisions by government officials have real and lasting consequences that can change our lives for better or for worse.

As we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, however, let us remember that God knows all about these issues and our circumstances. He sees every unborn child and is keenly aware of their fate. He is continually interested in justice and mercy and expects governments to act accordingly. We are told in Scripture that God raises up and puts down governments. He also sees the end from the beginning and the beginning from the end.

Finally, we know, although we do not fully comprehend the love of God for each one of us, that he sent his Son, Jesus Christ, into the world, “that we might have life, and have it more abundantly.” This is the most important message we can ever hear. The same God who created the universe and who continues to hold it together, loves each of us and has provided a way for us to know him, through Jesus.

From all of us here at the North, Carolina Family Policy Council, may you experience the love and joy that comes from knowing God.

Bill Brooks is president and executive director of the North Carolina Family Policy Council.

Copyright © 2008. North Carolina Family Policy Council. All rights reserved.