By Alan Burkhart
That Representative William Jefferson (D-La) has engaged in felonious behavior is true beyond a doubt. But that behavior did not end with Mr. Jefferson. House Speaker Dennis Hastert and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi seem more concerned with stretching and contorting the Constitution than enforcing the law. And, President Bush is once again making nice when he should instead be letting the FBI do its job.
The FBI bribery investigation of Mr. Jefferson had reached a point in which the FBI required documents in Mr. Jefferson’s possession. For nine months, Jefferson refused to honor subpoenas for the documents. So, the FBI went to a judge and obtained a warrant. They executed a standard raid on Mr. Jefferson’s congressional office and confiscated the documents described in the warrant. Nice, clean, and legal.
But then along came Hastert and Pelosi, crying to President Bush that the raid was in conflict with the Separation of Powers. Bush caved, and the documents have been ordered sealed for 45 days. This, after a similar FBI raid on Jefferson’s homes in Louisiana and Washington, DC had yielded significant evidence against him. That evidence included $90,000 stashed in his freezer.
Apparently concerned by public outrage over his actions, Hastert wrote an Op/Ed for USA Today defending his actions, in which he states…
“The issue that has concerned me, as Speaker, since Saturday night is not if the FBI should be able to search a member of Congress' office, but rather how to do it within the boundaries of the Constitution.”
Is a search warrant less constitutional for a politician than for you or me? It’s worth noting here that Mr. Jefferson had plenty of time to dispose of any incriminating evidence, but hadn’t done so. Could it be that he was confident of his safety as long as that evidence was in his congressional office? If that is the case, then I wonder how many other skeletons are stuffed in the closets of congress?
And how can we consider ourselves to be a free nation if those who make law are not subject to the law? How can there be any semblance of accountability when a congressional office becomes a safe haven for lawbreakers? The Founders intended for government to be directly answerable to We The People. Sadly, this has not been the case for many years. With few exceptions, our elected leaders are far too intoxicated with power to remember who gave them that power.
I am thankful for those few who feel that the law should be applied equally to everyone. In an Associated Press article, Senator Bill Frist said, "No House member, no senator, nobody in government should be above the law of the land, period…"
I’ll agree that elected leaders should not be held to the same standard as common folk. They should be held to a higher standard. By reducing the principle of Separation of Powers to a political turf war, Hastert and Pelosi have insulted both the Constitution and the American people.
Related Reading:
Hastert Op/Ed at USA Today
Raid on Jefferson's Office Prompts Hearing
Frist Defends FBI Search of Rep. Jefferson's Office
Monday, May 29, 2006
Tuesday, May 16, 2006
Relax! It’s Only a Movie
By Alan Burkhart
Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have read a Dan Brown novel. Worse, I enjoyed it. I feel soiled, and I fear I may do it again. Am I doomed to dwell in Purgatory?
I haven’t read The Da Vinci Code, although I have read the prequel, titled “Angels and Demons.” The whole story takes place in just a couple of days, and it had me wound tighter than an eight-day clock. Brown is a superb author. I disagree with some of Mr. Brown’s views on religion, but why should that stop me from enjoying harmless fiction?
I don’t agree with Neal Boortz on abortion, but he’s still my favorite talk radio host. I disagree with Rush on a couple of items, too, but I still enjoy his show. None of us agree on everything. Think how dull the world would be if we did.
I can’t imagine why the Da Vinci Code has created such a furor among Christians. Don’t we have greater things to worry over than a book or movie? If the notion of a fictional account of Jesus offends you, then don’t watch the movie or read the book. It’s so simple, and you won’t make nearly as big a fool of yourself as you would by standing outside the cinema waving a sign or passing out leaflets. If enough people skip the movie, it’ll bomb commercially and that will send a clear message to both Hollywood and Mr. Brown.
With all of the recent unwarranted attacks on Christian culture, I can understand why many Christians may have a short fuse. But that does not justify creating such a stir over a movie. How’s about concentrating instead on the actions of universities that routinely block Christian students from forming groups on campus? Or how about the Soledad Cross issue? Or maybe our energies could be better used by combating lunatics like Michael Newdow and the ACLU?
Here’s an excerpt from an ad posted on the Crossroads Initiative website regarding “The Da Vinci Deception.” This is a study guide to “protect” you from being led astray by the Da Vinci Code...
Devastating?
Dan Brown isn’t the first author to blend fact and fiction. Michael Crichton, Tom Clancy and the writing team of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have done it for years, and with great success. Brown’s mistake was that he crossed a line by twisting the history of Christ. It’s one thing to use factual information regarding our military to write a credible novel about a POW rescue in Viet Nam. It’s something else altogether to suggest that Christ engaged in a sexual relationship. The fact of Jesus’ celibacy is a central tenet of the Christian faith.
Even so, we do not live in a theocracy. I can sit down and write a book on any subject I choose. It’s my right as an American to do so, and I would willingly step up and defend Brown’s right to write as he sees fit, even though The Da Vinci Code has probably guaranteed him a hot-seat in Hell. The consequences of his work lie between him and God, and it’s not my place to judge him.
Here’s something you can count upon: There is presently an e-mail campaign afoot to stage protests outside theaters showing The Da Vinci Code. If there are widespread protests, the MSM will compare the protesters to the Muslims who had their burqas in a knot over the Mohammed cartoons. Images of hysterical protesters waving signs will be plastered on the front page of every major newspaper in America. Why? Because such a gross overreaction would be worthy of ridicule.
Neither the book nor the movie can stop you from worshipping as you see fit. We have plenty of real opponents to deal with. Dan Brown isn’t one of them. He has plainly stated that the book is a work of fiction and that people should make up their own minds about the story. The following statement is from his website FAQ…
Misguided? Yes. Devastating? Hardly.
Related Reading…
Bless me Father, for I have sinned. I have read a Dan Brown novel. Worse, I enjoyed it. I feel soiled, and I fear I may do it again. Am I doomed to dwell in Purgatory?
I haven’t read The Da Vinci Code, although I have read the prequel, titled “Angels and Demons.” The whole story takes place in just a couple of days, and it had me wound tighter than an eight-day clock. Brown is a superb author. I disagree with some of Mr. Brown’s views on religion, but why should that stop me from enjoying harmless fiction?
I don’t agree with Neal Boortz on abortion, but he’s still my favorite talk radio host. I disagree with Rush on a couple of items, too, but I still enjoy his show. None of us agree on everything. Think how dull the world would be if we did.
I can’t imagine why the Da Vinci Code has created such a furor among Christians. Don’t we have greater things to worry over than a book or movie? If the notion of a fictional account of Jesus offends you, then don’t watch the movie or read the book. It’s so simple, and you won’t make nearly as big a fool of yourself as you would by standing outside the cinema waving a sign or passing out leaflets. If enough people skip the movie, it’ll bomb commercially and that will send a clear message to both Hollywood and Mr. Brown.
With all of the recent unwarranted attacks on Christian culture, I can understand why many Christians may have a short fuse. But that does not justify creating such a stir over a movie. How’s about concentrating instead on the actions of universities that routinely block Christian students from forming groups on campus? Or how about the Soledad Cross issue? Or maybe our energies could be better used by combating lunatics like Michael Newdow and the ACLU?
Here’s an excerpt from an ad posted on the Crossroads Initiative website regarding “The Da Vinci Deception.” This is a study guide to “protect” you from being led astray by the Da Vinci Code...
“The Da Vinci Deception is a powerful antidote to the spiritual poison found in The Da Vinci Code. This easy-to-read, question-and-answer book tackles the key errors in this devastating cultural phenomenon. It is the perfect giveaway to family, friends, parishioners, and anyone you think may be in danger of having their faith in Christ and His Church eroded by the mockery of Truth that is The Da Vinci Code.”
Devastating?
Dan Brown isn’t the first author to blend fact and fiction. Michael Crichton, Tom Clancy and the writing team of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child have done it for years, and with great success. Brown’s mistake was that he crossed a line by twisting the history of Christ. It’s one thing to use factual information regarding our military to write a credible novel about a POW rescue in Viet Nam. It’s something else altogether to suggest that Christ engaged in a sexual relationship. The fact of Jesus’ celibacy is a central tenet of the Christian faith.
Even so, we do not live in a theocracy. I can sit down and write a book on any subject I choose. It’s my right as an American to do so, and I would willingly step up and defend Brown’s right to write as he sees fit, even though The Da Vinci Code has probably guaranteed him a hot-seat in Hell. The consequences of his work lie between him and God, and it’s not my place to judge him.
Here’s something you can count upon: There is presently an e-mail campaign afoot to stage protests outside theaters showing The Da Vinci Code. If there are widespread protests, the MSM will compare the protesters to the Muslims who had their burqas in a knot over the Mohammed cartoons. Images of hysterical protesters waving signs will be plastered on the front page of every major newspaper in America. Why? Because such a gross overreaction would be worthy of ridicule.
Neither the book nor the movie can stop you from worshipping as you see fit. We have plenty of real opponents to deal with. Dan Brown isn’t one of them. He has plainly stated that the book is a work of fiction and that people should make up their own minds about the story. The following statement is from his website FAQ…
HOW MUCH OF THIS NOVEL IS TRUE?
The Da Vinci Code is a novel and therefore a work of fiction. While the book's characters and their actions are obviously not real, the artwork, architecture, documents, and secret rituals depicted in this novel all exist (for example, Leonardo Da Vinci's paintings, the Gnostic Gospels, Hieros Gamos, etc.). These real elements are interpreted and debated by fictional characters. While it is my belief that some of the theories discussed by these characters may have merit, each individual reader must explore these characters' viewpoints and come to his or her own interpretations. My hope in writing this novel was that the story would serve as a catalyst and a springboard for people to discuss the important topics of faith, religion, and history.
Misguided? Yes. Devastating? Hardly.
Related Reading…
- Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code FAQ
- The Crossroads Initiative
- Cracking The Da Vinci Code (from the Catholic Church)
- The Da Vinci Conspiracy
Monday, May 08, 2006
Censure Carter? Bad Idea!
By Alan Burkhart
Over the past couple of months, a petition demanding a congressional censure of former President Jimmy Carter has been gaining momentum via the Internet. Please indulge me for a moment while I explain what a horrifically bad idea this is.
True enough, Jimmy Carter has been gallivanting around the world spouting his leftist dribble to anyone who’ll listen. It’s both disappointing and frightening that he has such a large audience, as it indicates what a gullible world we live in. For example, Carter recently posted an op-ed (“Punishing Innocent Palestinians is a Crime”) that accuses America and Israel of intentionally starving innocent Palestinian women and children. The man is shamelessly anti-American and will stoop to whatever depth he feels he must to help his equally anti-American party get back into power.
The “Censure Carter” campaign is being spearheaded by none other than Melanie Morgan. Melanie is Co-Chair (along with Howard Kaloogian) of the conservative “Move America Forward” organization. The whole thing started when Melanie grew tired (as are we all) of the repeated demands from the Left for Congress to censure President Bush. She wrote an article detailing the damage Carter has done to America’s credibility abroad and demanded (rhetorically, I think) that Congress instead vote to censure Jimmy Carter. Many who read the article agreed, and the idea spread like wildfire across the Internet. I have tremendous respect for Melanie Morgan, but in this case, she is dangerously wrong.
First off, Congress has far more important things to do than sending a nasty-gram to a former U.S. president. Let’s face it – that’s all a congressional censure is. It’s essentially a letter from Congress that says, “You’ve been a bad boy.”
What do you suppose Carter would do if he were censured? Would he run back to Georgia and hide under his bed? Would he write a tearful apology in the New York Times, begging for the GOP’s forgiveness? Would he stop consorting with terrorists? No, no, and not a chance. If anything he’d be emboldened by such a move. He’d mostly likely redouble his efforts and do even more damage than he has already. He’d wear the censure like a badge of honor.
And, what Republican in his or her right mind would sign on to such a thing? Any congressperson who gets within ten feet of this will be buried under a mudslide of bad press. The Republicans have of late become slaves to their own polling numbers. It is highly unlikely therefore, that any of them would risk “attacking” one of the Left’s elder statesmen.
Lastly, how do you think the rest of the Democrats and the Antique Media would respond to such an event? Carter would instantly receive Victim Status. He’d be paraded all over the media as the latest casualty of right-wing hatred and intolerance. He’d be placed upon a pedestal and worshipped as a political martyr. A Carter censure would not serve the GOP, nor would it stop Carter from engaging in his befuddled hate speech. It would however, be one more nail in the GOP’s electoral coffin this November.
I bear no ill will whatsoever toward Melanie Morgan, but censuring Jimmy Carter will serve only to give the Left more ammunition with which to fire at the Right. In the end it would likely cost Republicans more votes than it would gain. Jimmy Carter gets too much undeserved publicity already. Let’s not give him more.
Related Reading…
Censure Carter Website
“Censure Carter” TV Ad
Jimmy Carter’s Recent Op-Ed
Move America Forward
“Censuring Jimmy Carter” By Melanie Morgan
Over the past couple of months, a petition demanding a congressional censure of former President Jimmy Carter has been gaining momentum via the Internet. Please indulge me for a moment while I explain what a horrifically bad idea this is.
True enough, Jimmy Carter has been gallivanting around the world spouting his leftist dribble to anyone who’ll listen. It’s both disappointing and frightening that he has such a large audience, as it indicates what a gullible world we live in. For example, Carter recently posted an op-ed (“Punishing Innocent Palestinians is a Crime”) that accuses America and Israel of intentionally starving innocent Palestinian women and children. The man is shamelessly anti-American and will stoop to whatever depth he feels he must to help his equally anti-American party get back into power.
The “Censure Carter” campaign is being spearheaded by none other than Melanie Morgan. Melanie is Co-Chair (along with Howard Kaloogian) of the conservative “Move America Forward” organization. The whole thing started when Melanie grew tired (as are we all) of the repeated demands from the Left for Congress to censure President Bush. She wrote an article detailing the damage Carter has done to America’s credibility abroad and demanded (rhetorically, I think) that Congress instead vote to censure Jimmy Carter. Many who read the article agreed, and the idea spread like wildfire across the Internet. I have tremendous respect for Melanie Morgan, but in this case, she is dangerously wrong.
First off, Congress has far more important things to do than sending a nasty-gram to a former U.S. president. Let’s face it – that’s all a congressional censure is. It’s essentially a letter from Congress that says, “You’ve been a bad boy.”
What do you suppose Carter would do if he were censured? Would he run back to Georgia and hide under his bed? Would he write a tearful apology in the New York Times, begging for the GOP’s forgiveness? Would he stop consorting with terrorists? No, no, and not a chance. If anything he’d be emboldened by such a move. He’d mostly likely redouble his efforts and do even more damage than he has already. He’d wear the censure like a badge of honor.
And, what Republican in his or her right mind would sign on to such a thing? Any congressperson who gets within ten feet of this will be buried under a mudslide of bad press. The Republicans have of late become slaves to their own polling numbers. It is highly unlikely therefore, that any of them would risk “attacking” one of the Left’s elder statesmen.
Lastly, how do you think the rest of the Democrats and the Antique Media would respond to such an event? Carter would instantly receive Victim Status. He’d be paraded all over the media as the latest casualty of right-wing hatred and intolerance. He’d be placed upon a pedestal and worshipped as a political martyr. A Carter censure would not serve the GOP, nor would it stop Carter from engaging in his befuddled hate speech. It would however, be one more nail in the GOP’s electoral coffin this November.
I bear no ill will whatsoever toward Melanie Morgan, but censuring Jimmy Carter will serve only to give the Left more ammunition with which to fire at the Right. In the end it would likely cost Republicans more votes than it would gain. Jimmy Carter gets too much undeserved publicity already. Let’s not give him more.
Related Reading…
Censure Carter Website
“Censure Carter” TV Ad
Jimmy Carter’s Recent Op-Ed
Move America Forward
“Censuring Jimmy Carter” By Melanie Morgan
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