| Kerry's Misuse of the "L" Word |
10/21/2004 |
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Several months ago, Vice President Dick Cheney's inappropriate use of the "F" word, after a heated exchange with the adversarial Senator Leahy, ignited a firestorm of criticism from the Democrats and the media. It was, in fact, a terrible choice of words, regardless of Leahy's critical comments about the Vice President. But what about John Kerry's inappropriate use of the "L" word? 
Unlike the Vice President's verbal slip, which occurred spontaneously
during an emotionally charged encounter, the Democratic nominee, as well
as his running mate, has made a calculated decision to inject a private
matter into the most public of forums. Cloaked in Kerry's and Edwards'
professed admiration of Bush's and Cheney's tolerance of the Vice
President's lesbian daughter's lifestyle is a crass attempt to undermine
the administration's support by the "pro-family" segment of the
population.It is no secret that conservative, Christian Americans believe that homosexuality is wrong. While all Christians should (and most do) offer support and prayer for homosexuals and their families, that does not mean that they must accept or embrace what they view as an immoral choice. It is also no secret that without the support of conservative Christians, there will not likely be a second term for President Bush. The Kerry/Edwards attempt to erode this support by repeatedly and publicly offering insincere "praise" for Bush and Cheney reflects a disgusting desperation to win at all costs. Clearly, they simply want to make sure that all of America knows that Cheney's daughter is a lesbian. However, this may be another miscalculation on the part of the Democrats. It demonstrates that Kerry and Edwards lack any sensitivity or guiding principles. They are the ultimate relativists, blowing in the winds of public opinion. I believe that their decision to make Cheney's daughter's sexuality an issue in the race will not only prove to be harmful to their campaign, but perhaps even fatal. Against this backdrop, an interesting question is raised. How should conservatives respond to this situation? Certainly, we must face the fact that homosexuality exists, and it is a controversial issue. Some argue that it is not a matter of choice, but rather a genetic enslavement, while others view it as a spiritual or psychological defect. But we can all agree that it is a strong force -- so strong that it has destroyed churches, careers, families, and individuals. As a conservative Christian leader, my level of respect for the president has actually increased because he did not allow Cheney's daughter's disagreeable lifestyle to disqualify her father from serving in a position in which Bush considered him best-qualified to fill. Instead of worrying that his political enemies might attempt to harm him and Cheney's family by focusing on his lesbian daughter (which they have), he held to his own convictions that Cheney was the right man at the right time for the job. Any parent experiencing heartache for their children, whether it's because of an addiction or any type of sexual sin, needs the love and encouragement of those around them -- especially Christians -- not isolation or condemnation. Though homosexuality may be more taboo and more difficult to understand, the same grace, love and forgiveness that is given to those caught up in any other sin must be extended. While we do not approve of the practice, we must show approval for the individual as a person worthy of our love and concern. The gay prodigal should be welcomed home with open arms, too. Kerry and Edwards see Cheney's lesbian daughter as a vulnerability to be exploited. But conservatives and Christians should view it as an opportunity to extend love and compassion to a family deeply affected by a controversial lifestyle.
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