by Mark West | Jun 8, 2016 | Compromise, Conservative, Donald Trump, GOP, Political, Republican Party
Imagine a doctor who compromises the proven cure for an illness. Or a financial advisor who compromises a sure investment. Or a pilot who compromises the correct course heading. Or a Mt. Everest climber who compromises the proper amount of oxygen needed to scale the summit. Or a political party that compromises the very principles and values that built a great nation.
Compromise, when resorted to in the wrong scenarios, can have disastrous consequences.
Perhaps the only thing worse than being sincerely wrong is being willing to compromise the truth by diluting it with a lie.
The art of compromise is one that is an integral part of business, politics, relationships and more. It is typically employed when two parties hold opposing views and are at an impasse. And if compromise does not sacrifice truth or principle, then it can be a worthwhile strategy to advance one’s goals.
But when compromise involves abandoning one’s principles and truth, then it will certainly lead to failure and ultimate loss.
The GOP’s history of diluting and compromising its core principles over the last several decades has led directly to the rise of Donald Trump. As a result, Republicans are now being represented and led by a man who:
- Is an open and unapologetic serial adulterer, even boasting of his numerous and lurid escapades with “top women of the world.”
- Is well known for his willingness to verbally assault anyone that might pose a threat to him or that he simply desires to ridicule or mock. It matters not whether the person is an invalid, a woman that doesn’t measure up to his perfect 10 scoring, or a hundred other childish, misogynist or bigoted reasons.
- Routinely encourages violence against those who disagree with him.
- Uses mean-spirited racial slurs and disparages various ethnic and religious minorities.
- Values his own personal ambition, fame and wealth above most anything else.
- Affirms that America is not an exceptional nation, and he actually has never liked such a designation.
- Has never asked God for forgiveness and does not even see the need for such.
- Believes Planned Parenthood does good work.
- Would order the military to kill the wives and children of terrorists.
- Supported a ban on “assault weapons.”
- Has sided with the strong-arm tactics of government over the personal property rights of individuals.
- Is a big government crony capitalist, doling our millions to politicians, in order to buy personal & business favors.
- Is a serial liar, personally, professionally and politically.
- Advocated for universal healthcare.
- Supported partial birth abortion.
- Welcomed Bruce “Caitlyn” Jenner to use the women’s restroom in Trump Tower.
- Criticized the North Carolina “bathroom bill” and suggested that people should “use the bathroom that they feel is appropriate.”
The Republican Platform over the years, including in 2012, has been a manuscript that promoted not only our nation’s founding principles but it affirmed the values that have been synonymous with conservatives. But it’s one thing to enumerate a set of principles via a manuscript and yet another to put those principles into action. Sadly we have witnessed too many Republican leaders willingly compromise our founding principles, to the detriment of the party and the nation.
There are times when a person’s commitment to truth or principle requires personal sacrifice. In some instances that sacrifice may even cost great loss. We can look to our history to see great examples of men and women who were willing to sacrifice fame and fortune rather than compromise. One of Tennessee’s great heroes, Davy Crockett, is one such example. Despite facing certain death, Crockett came to the aide of his newly adopted Texas brothers at the Alamo and lost his life doing so. But in that final act, Davy epitomized the spirit he had chosen to live by: “Be always sure you’re right. Then go ahead!“
President John F. Kennedy famously once said, “Sometimes party loyalty asks too much.” When such loyalty demands the compromise of truth and principle, that loyalty must not only be abandoned, but it must be exposed for the failure it most certainly will cause.
“Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost.” John Adams, founding father.
“Truth has stumbled in the streets.” (Isaiah 59:14)
by Mark West | May 11, 2016 | Conservative, Constitution, Donald Trump, God, GOP, Political, Republican Party
As I’ve spoken for some time now concerning my complete rejection of Donald Trump and my support for #NeverTrump, the most common response I get from Trumpsters and Republican party faithful is this same old worn out comment: “But if you don’t vote for Trump, you’re voting for Hillary.”
If I’ve heard that comment once I’ve heard it a thousand times. And no doubt you have too.
But is that true? When one rejects one option does that automatically mean they are embracing another, even if they reject that one as well?
Let’s see if that argument holds water.
In America, one of the most popular vehicles is the pickup truck. I own one, a Ford F250 King Ranch to be exact. I love my truck, and it’s served me well. And chances are you, or someone you know, owns a pickup truck too.
I’m currently in the market for a new truck and as much as I like my Ford, I’ve looked at some other manufacturers as well. In doing my research, I came across the statistics of the top three selling pickup trucks in America. And they are: #1 Ford, #2 Chevy, and #3 Dodge.
For the sake of argument, let’s say that after I’ve done ample research I conclude that while I own a Ford, I believe a Dodge is more in line with what I want and need. So I decide to make the leap and purchase a Dodge. By making that choice though, did I just vote for or embrace either of the other two manufacturers? Or did my refusing to purchase a Ford and selecting a Dodge mean that I endorsed a Chevy?
Of course not.
I simply affirmed that a Dodge is more in line with my needs or wants. Or perhaps I’m convinced the Dodge is of greater value and quality. Regardless of my reasoning, buying a Dodge does not in any way affirm either of the other two options in our example.
Let’s go back to Trump, Hillary and what I will call Option #3 (which I believe will appear soon). If the Republican Party is the Ford in our example, I can attest that I have always voted for the Ford. Not because I’m a mindless Party zombie, simply following the party line and pulling the lever just because a candidate has the “R” after their name. Rather, I have always been a voter who kicks the tires first to see if what I’m about to purchase aligns with my views and values. If the candidate doesn’t, then I will reject him or her.
In 2016, with Donald Trump as the heir apparent to the Republican nomination, I will be unable to vote for the Republican Presidential nominee. I have written extensively about why I cannot vote for Donald, and here are a few articles. But at the end of the day, I will not trade the shot at a short term political win with the knowledge that I will stand before God someday and have to answer for why I affirmed evil with a vote for Donald. In fact, this verse, along with many others, is quite clear as to how a believer should vote when a candidate or his actions are evil: “Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them.”
However, if the Democrat Party is the Chevy in our example, I can honestly say that this year, as in every election since I first voted for Reagan, I will again reject the Chevy. Hillary’s record is quite clear (as is Trump’s by the way) and her endorsement and advancement of evil throughout her entire life and career as a politician is without question (as is Trump’s as a businessman). So I will refuse to pick a Chevy at the polls in November.
But in my belief system, I cannot simply stay home and not vote as I understand I am accountable to God for my vote. So I will do my homework, and research the other options available to me. And at the end of the day, I will select Option #3, the “Dodge” in our analogy. And when I do so I will be selecting a Dodge. Not a Ford. Not a Chevy. And because I will select a Dodge at the polls this year, it does not in any way mean I am affirming the Chevy. Rather, I am rejecting both the Ford and Chevy options. They are both broken, inferior vehicles and not worthy of my vote, and hopefully not yours either. But if you chose to embrace one of them, have at it.
Just don’t be foolish enough to suggest that because I reject Trump and affirm Option #3, I am voting for Hillary. And I won’t suggest that because you reject Option #3 and embrace Trump you are affirming Hillary, particularly given that Option #3 will certainly be a Constitutional conservative with a track record to prove it.
by Mark West | May 4, 2016 | Barack Obama, Conservative, Constitution, Donald Trump, God, GOP, Political, Republican Party, Ted Cruz, Uncategorized
Trump Wins Indiana. Cruz Withdraws. And America Loses.
While the nation’s Trumpsters celebrated Tuesday night, I’m reminded of another celebratory night in November 2008 and again in November 2012. The cause for jubilation those two nights was another politician’s victory — the occasion of Barack Obama’s two elections to POTUS.
But every win is not progress. And every victory is not a cause for celebration.
We have only to consider the years since Obama’s election in 2008 to understand that sometimes winning is losing. And some victories can be defeats.
Trump’s pending coronation as the Republican nominee for POTUS, is one such loss and one such defeat.
It is a loss for the conservative cause as defined by Ronald Reagan’s three legged stool.
It is a defeat for social conservatism.
It is a loss for fiscal conservatism.
It is a defeat for a strong national defense.
And as such, America loses with Trump’s win on Tuesday.
As we’ve all learned in life, sometimes good guys do finish last, at least in the short term. And this week, Senator Ted Cruz was one such good guy. For those of us who have honestly examined Ted’s character, we have found a man of great integrity, with an unquestionable track record of fighting evil, defending good and standing for truth. Yet he lost.
But did Ted really lose? If you measure one’s life simply based on popularity, votes and the affirmation of man, then I suppose so.
But I know Ted, both from spending time with him and Heidi, as well as examining his record. And by doing so I know that Ted has kept the faith, he has fought the good fight, and at this point, while he may have lost a battle, I have full confidence that he has not lost the war.
So I am not discouraged.
You see, I’m a firm believer in the truth we find in Ephesians that informs us that “we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Because of this we are reminded to “be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.”
So the real battle is not with the Republican Party, or Donald Trump, or even Donald Trump’s supporters (although they can certainly test our patience at times). No, the real battle is a spiritual one, in which we are all engaged, whether we recognize it or not. And sadly, that battle is being lost in our nation as a growing number of our neighbors, friends and citizens reject good men and women, choosing rather to embrace evil, corruption and depravity, on a larger and grander scale. And as they do so, they call evil good and good evil.
Case in point: the embracing of Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton, and so much more.
But while the values many of us hold dear and which were foundational to the forming of our nation are being lost, we can still win individually. You see, real winning is not measured by a poll or in a voting booth or even having the last word in a heated Facebook discussion. Rather, real winning according to God, is obedience to Him and His commands. And a follower of Christ is not called to win politically (although we must certainly engage politically). Rather we are called to reflect our love for God by simply obeying Him as Jesus instructed us to do when He said: “If you love me, keep my commandments.”
So as Americans continue to reject God’s values on a greater scale, and our nation loses more and more, you and I can win by simply obeying. But honestly, obedience to God is a lot more difficult than simply voting for POTUS every four years.
But I would suggest that is where the real battle is, not in the political arena, but rather in our personal lives. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we probably already know this. The battles that are the toughest are not those I wage with a political opponent. No, the toughest battles that you and I will ever face are those within our heart, mind and will. And perhaps that’s why America is losing. Because too many of us have lost too many battles in our own lives. We’ve first failed to obey God individually. And as this behavior becomes the norm, our nation loses.
Thankfully though, the answer is simple as we are instructed in 2 Chronicles 7:14 “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.“
And when we do that we can expect to hear those winning words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
by Mark West | Apr 20, 2016 | Arrogance, Donald Trump, Elite, Flaws, GOP, Political, Republican Party
If you’ve ever played checkers, the card game Old Maid, baseball, or watched a sporting event, there is one basic fact that applies to all these games. In order to win, you must know the rules. If you don’t and your opponent does, you will certainly lose.
If you’re playing checkers, a loss generally means very little. But if you’re a coach in the finals of the AFC Championship, you’d better study the rules and know them well, or it could cost you a trip to the Super Bowl.
Since we were toddlers, we’ve learned that our world turns on rules. Some fair. Others not. But they are rules that must be followed.
April 15 is a day that involves rules that all Americans follow. The IRS, the agency that most Americans love to hate, has a rule book exceeding 70,000 pages long, many that reward the wealthy, special interests and lobbyists. Yet we all abide by the rules. It doesn’t matter that we don’t like them. We play by the IRS’ rules or else…
Of course, if we don’t like our nation’s tax rules, there is a process in place to change them, but complaining about them will accomplish little or nothing.
This 2016 Presidential election cycle is like everything else in life, there are rules that apply. Many of those rules have been in place for years, some even 150+ years. One such rule is the requirement that the Republican nominee must garner a majority of the states’ delegates, or 1,237 delegates.
Like many election cycles, 2016 has been contentious, to say the least. But unlike other cycles, Donald Trump, in tandem with the media, has not only hurled jabs at his opponents but he has, in the midst of the contest, begun to complain about the rules, citing that the system is rigged.
Trump has constantly complained and whined about the Republican party rules, demanding that they be ignored or revised to his benefit. But when was the last time you heard a NFL coach demanding that the rules be changed, in the middle of the Super Bowl, while the game is actually being played?
As I’ve thought about Trump’s droning on and on about the rules, how unfair they are, and his demand that they immediately be ignored or changed for his benefit, I’ve realized that Trump is displaying all of these four classic signs of a whiner:
Failed Strategy
A person often loses because he fails to prepare or develop a strategy to win. Winning consistently doesn’t just happen by accident. Rather winning is a planned event. No doubt you’ve heard that when someone fails to plan, they plan to fail. Strategy requires many components including brilliance and hard work. A team cannot simply waltz onto the gridiron, proclaim they are the champions, and then expect the trophy. Yet, apparently Trump believes that he can come up with a fancy slogan, sell baseball caps, fill stadiums, tweet 24/7, and then be crowned the Republican nominee. Sorry Donald, if you desire the most powerful position in the world, it requires more than just a glitzy PR campaign and some worn out cliches.
Incompetence
Even if someone were to hand a person a winning strategy, a person or team’s incompetence will lead to failure. We see people fail frequently because they simply don’t know what they are doing. There is no question that Donald Trump is a public relations expert. His ability to whip up a crowd, and play the media like a fiddle, is extraordinary. But his incompetence when it comes to understanding the rules of the game has been extraordinary. Time and time again Donald and his team have dropped the ball or have been beaten in the process of gaining delegates at conventions and caucuses. He’s like a football team who plays their heart out during the first half, runs up a lead, but then fails to show up to play in the second half. Donald’s incompetence has been shocking and reveals some insights into what a Trump Presidency would look like, and it’s not pretty.
Arrogance
“Pride goes before a fall.” This truth is seen over and over in life, sometimes even in our own personal experience. Sadly, arrogance is a trait that is oftentimes exhibited by individuals who have had some degree of success. And there’s no doubt that Donald Trump has experienced extraordinary success by some standards. But achieving success at one point does not automatically guarantee the next win. In fact, when arrogance enters into the equation, failure is soon to follow. And Trump’s attitude regarding the rules is pure arrogance.
Elitist
Have you ever noticed that many of our nation’s elite assume that the rules don’t apply to them? Whether it’s Congress exempting themselves from laws that the rest of us have to live with or it’s Donald Trump demanding that rules that have applied to dozens of Presidential candidates over the decades be changed or ignored for him, elites believe they are exempt from rules that others must follow. While this borders with arrogance, it is worse because the elitist not only believes he is special, he believes you and I are inferior to him.
One final thought about Trump and the rules. It has been ironic that Trump has never complained about those rules that seem to benefit him such as the scenario where he only garnered 32% of the vote in South Carolina but won 100% of the delegates because of the state’s winner take all rules. Despite this reality, I have yet to hear one of the other Presidential candidates cry “foul” because Trump received three times as many delegates from a percentage standpoint as he did in the popular vote.
So at the end of the day, we see Trump whining about the rules only when his strategy fails or his incompetence shows. And it’s then that his arrogance and elitist disposition surfaces, which should be a huge sign that this man is not ready for prime time or worthy of the Oval Office.
Credit: Trump caricature courtesy of DonkeyHokey https://www.flickr.com/photos/donkeyhotey/22868475614/
by Mark West | Apr 6, 2016 | Donald Trump, Faith, God, Political, Republican Party, Ted Cruz
Since my teenage years, I can recall a dozen Presidential elections, beginning with the Nixon, McGovern campaign in 1972. Even though many of my early years were spent growing up in Spain, my interest in US politics was high, stemming from my father’s close following of political issues. But as I think back over all the Presidential cycles since 1972, I can think of no election that has been more interesting and contentious than Campaign 2016.
I suppose the soil was fertile for a candidate to surface and to take on powerful and corrupt men and women in Washington, particularly when those leaders have grown completely deaf to the will of the people. So when Donald Trump and Bernie Sanders appeared, many voters were eager to embrace the populist themes of these two men. It’s ironic though that in the case of Trump, his policies and solutions are either vague or non-existent. And in the case of Sanders, his approaches are the antithesis of the values that enabled our nation to become the greatest economic force ever known to man. (As a side note, I believe Ted is the one candidate who has been taking on the corruption in DC for some time now and the growing support for his campaign is validating his consistent anti-establishment and conservative record.)
But my comments here are not so much about individual politicians and their policies, their track record or who can restore our nation to greatness. Rather, I have given much thought to whether God is relevant in this election cycle. Or perhaps the question we should ask is, given that God created the entire universe and all that is within it, does He even concern Himself with something as “trivial” as US Presidential politics every four years?
To answer this question, we must go beyond our mere opinions, and we should go to God Himself, and study His character. I have long contended that we understand a person through their track record. Likewise, we can surely arrive at valid conclusions about God by testing His track record. It’s worth noting that God Himself said that He is the same “yesterday, today and forever” so His behavior, actions and statements throughout the millennia can still be relied upon today.
In our very first account of God, we find Him in Genesis to be engaged and interested in His masterpiece, from the details of creation, to His interaction with Adam and Eve, and the choices our original forefathers made. God offered the first couple unimaginable blessings for their good choices but unthinkable repercussions for bad ones. Sadly, as we have seen in the thousands of years since their cursed choice, man consistently leans in the direction of harmful and destructive choices. As a side note, I suppose if we are honest with ourselves, we too often see this same behavior in our own personal lives.
Fast forward to the book of Judges in the Old Testament and we see the nation of Israel, willfully choosing to unmoor itself from its founding principles. Those principles, established by God, were ones which promised unlimited blessings. But the citizens of Israel rejected those principles, preferring to do “what was right in their own eyes” and they suffered the dire consequences of their disastrous choices. And in Judges 2, we see this hopeless statement for the citizens of Israel: “Every time Israel went out to battle, the Lord fought against them, causing them to be defeated.”
What greater foe and loss could one experience than when God is fighting against you? Do you ever wonder if perhaps God is fighting against us and our nation?
Later in the same book of Judges, we read the story of Samson, someone who, while still in his mother’s womb, was predicted to be the rescuer of Israel. As Samson became a man we see God was regularly engaged in his life, providing Samson with unimaginable success and victories. But we read toward the latter part of Samson’s life, these ominous words about this giant of a man: “…he didn’t realize the Lord had left him.”
It’s a sad day when a man no longer knows that God has left his side. Perhaps as sad is the day when a nation no longer realizes it has left God’s side.
If we had the time, we could cite hundreds of examples in God’s revelation to man, where God is not only concerned about mankind, but He is intimately engaged in our lives. But while God is interested in the individual, He is also engaged and actively involved in who our leaders and rulers are. In Daniel 2:21 we read these words, “He (God) controls the course of world events; He removes kings and sets up other kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the scholars.”
Yes, God is engaged in who leads a nation, and thus, He is relevant in Campaign 2016.
Consider this real life scenario that all of us have likely experienced in some fashion. We have all worked for a company, or perhaps some reading this have even owned a business. There is likely no one more interested in the direction of a business than the owner of that business. The owner may employ managers to assist him in overseeing his enterprise, and even allow them certain latitude with their decisions. But at end of the day the owner reserves the right to step in at anytime and overrule their decisions. And if his managers’ decisions are contrary to his mission, the owner can choose to discipline them accordingly. Now in this example we are referring to a fallible man as the owner, who, while he may have good intentions, he is nonetheless imperfect. But in the case of God, as the “owner” of this universe, His intentions are good and perfect and He desires only the best for those who call Him “Lord.”
I have travelled a fair amount around the world and in some instances have been to far removed locations, including hours by dirt road into the remote mountains of South America. In these isolated areas there are natives who may not actually know of the word “gravity.” Regardless though, the lives of those natives, just like ours, are completely dominated and impacted by gravity. We may not regularly think of this force, but you and I must respect this law of nature. So if we willfully walk off a multistory building, we will quickly reap the consequences of such a foolish choice.
Gravity exists and is supremely relevant, whether we acknowledge it or not.
Likewise, I believe God is not only engaged but as relevant as He has ever been, whether Americans chose to acknowledge His supremacy or not.
I suppose the question we must all answer, though, at this critical juncture in our nation’s history is, what role do we play in God’s “business?” During this election cycle, will we seek to honor God and His principles? Or will we, like Israel, experience a scenario where God is actually opposing us, or like Samson, has God left our side?
As we consider the decisions ahead of us in 2016, and which leaders we will choose to embrace, will we honor God and His values by embracing men who, while imperfect, also chose to honor God? Or will we simply select a candidate who inflames our base emotions but ultimately rejects the principles upon which our nation was founded, ones which sought to honor our Creator? Time will validate which choice we make and whether God is fighting for us or against us… and whether God is no longer on our side.
