A Conversation with A Liberal
Hey Grizzly Nation! I had to post this because I believe I shouldn’t be the only one having fun with this! As Rush says, I’m “having more fun than any human being should be allowed to have” with this guy.
This is a rather long post because of the length of conversation, but I’m afraid you will miss out if you are unable to see the whole story. I thought about linking, but, there again, with the added steps, I was afraid you would miss out. I hope you can find the time to read and get a good laugh.
Enjoy!
Troy
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THE CONVERSATION BEGAN…
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1st Email from David Barton, founder of WallBuilders, sent 1/2/09
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In Texas (as well as in America), WallBuilders has proudly stood for defending life and traditional moral values. Over the past decade, it is arguable that no state in the nation has made more progress in enacting laws protecting unborn life, traditional marriage and family, parental rights, and public religious _expressions. However, there is now an aggressive and unprecedented attempt underway to halt progress on the issues about which we care most.
In the Texas House, there are 150 Representatives, so a majority of 76 votes is required to enact any measure or pass any policy. Currently, 65 of the most anti-life and anti-family Democrats have joined with 11 liberal Republicans in a coup attempt to take over the House leadership, replacing the current House Speaker with one of their own. (The 11 Republicans currently identified by the Houston Chronicle as participating in this coup include Edmund Kuempel, Brian McCall, Jim Keffer, Burt Solomons, Byron Cook, Delwin Jones, Tommy Merritt, Jim Pitts, Rob Eissler, Joe Straus, and Charlie Geren.)
The first act of the upcoming legislative session will be to elect a Speaker of the House — a decision that will subsequently affect everything else that happens in the House. The Speaker chooses the Committee Chairs (who then decide which bills they will hear and which they will kill) and the Speaker also chooses which of the bills that emerge from the committees will come to the floor for a vote and which will be buried. If these liberals succeed in their effort to choose the Speaker, pro-life and pro-family legislation will no longer move through the Texas House. What they are attempting to do is not only disgraceful but will be highly destructive to all of our issues.
It is crucial that you call your State Representative immediately and demand that he/she not participate in this coup. Ask for an answer. Let him or her know that if he joins in this effort, you will take it as a message that he is opposing everything you care about and the traditional values of life and family for which you stand. (You can find the contact information for your State Representative at http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php.)
Thanks for your rapid action on this! God bless!
David Barton
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2nd Email from David Barton, founder of WallBuilders, sent 1/3/09
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As a follow up to the message you received earlier about the Texas Speaker, the first step has been taken to install an anti-life, anti-family Texas House Speaker. The 11 dissident Republicans selected Rep. Joe Straus as their candidate for Speaker, and that selection is expected to be supported by 64 anti-life and anti-family Democrats.
Unfortunately, Rep. Straus (who has been in office for only two sessions) has developed a clear voting record that demonstrates overt hostility toward unborn life and traditional family values.
Rep. Joe Straus Supported:
* Making it easier to perform late-term, third-trimester abortions (SB 419, vote 672, 2005). And in the 2007 session, he received a 100 percent voting record from the radical pro-abortion group NARAL, and the pro-abortion group Planned Parenthood contributed to his reelection campaign
* Homosexuals as foster parents (SB 6, vote 327, 2005)
* Expanded casino gambling (HB 10, vote 939, 2007)
* Increased gaming and gambling (HB 2265, vote 749, 2007)
* Increased sale and consumption of alcohol during Sunday morning church hours (HB 168, vote 357, 2005)
* Making it easier to sell alcohol without community approval, as is currently required (SB 1626, vote 852, 2005)
* Increasing state budget spending by an amazing 19 percent over only two years (SB 1, vote 946, 2005)
Rep. Joe Straus Opposed:
* Using statistically-proven methods to strengthen marriage and reduce divorce by encouraging pre-marital counseling (HB 2685, votes 384, 437, and 1407, 2007)
* 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)
* School choice (HB 1, vote 235, 2007)
Given Rep. Straus’ voting record over the past two sessions, it is unlikely that pro-life and pro-family measures will move through the Texas House of Representatives should he become the Texas House Speaker.
It is crucial that you call your State Representative immediately and demand that he/she not participate in this coup. (Even if you previously called as a result of the earlier WallBuilders message, call again. Since it is now the weekend, you can send emails to your Representative or call and leave him or her a message; then on Monday morning you can call his office and talk someone in person.) Ask for an answer. Let him or her know that if he joins in this effort, you will take it as a message that he is opposing everything you care about regarding the traditional values of life and family for which you stand. (You can find the contact information for your State Representative at http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/welcome.php.)
David Barton
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SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I RECEIVED A COMMENT FROM…
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Anonymous said…
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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WHICH PROMPTED THIS NEW BLOG POST
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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
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WHICH PROMPTED THIS RESPONSE
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Anonymous said…
Troy, I read your post. 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. Let me tell you about a few of those anti-family guys. How about the Devil himself Jim Dunham, leader of the Demos. Do you know he has faithfully attends and serves the first methodist church in Waco and has for years,he has three great kids and stayed in Waco after attending Baylor University and Baylor Law.
Maybe you should know about Craig Eiland, his wife gave birth to premature twins, he lived at the hospital until they were able to come home (They are doing great too by the way).
Finally how about David Farabee, father was a Democratic State Senator ans his mother devoted her life to mental health issues in Texas to speak for those who did not have a voice loud enough to hear. David by the way has, I believe, three kids, was an eagle scout and has taught Sunday School at his church forever. 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.
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AGAIN, MY RESPONSE
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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
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THEN THE CONVERSATION ENDS
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Anonymous said…
No one’s going to take you seriously if you don’t know how many Democrats currently serve in the Texas House of Representatives. It’s 74.
Also, I don’t think anyone is stupid enough to trust you short, biased explanations of the legislation. If you don’t understand a bill or the motives behind it, you should blog about it.
Troy G. White said…
Thank you for your civility. Finally a response that doesn’t require an entire post. I’m sorry you feel the need to attack me, but that’s fine.
When I printed the most recent list of Reps, there were a few “open” seats listed, so that’s where the 71 came from.
As far as the bias, if you call reading verbatim the actual voting log of the specific bills listed biased, then I guess so. I understood everything I read. What I don’t claim to understand is an individual’s motives for their decision to vote a certain way. Unless they tell me themselves, I could never know that, and I won’t ever presume to do so.
Again, thank you for the chance to participate in open debate, but alas I must call this the end of my part of dialog with you since you have chosen to be completely rude and uncivil. Good day to you and take care.
Troy
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IT SURE WAS FUN!
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