“Rulers are ordained of God for the benefit of those who do good but also to execute wrath on those who do evil, for He does not bear the sword in vain.” (Roman 13:3-4
“When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.” (Prov. 29:1)
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Background: The Virginia Primaries
This is the first of a two-part Crossroads Radio Team review of what lies ahead for Virginia voters on Tuesday, March 1, when both Democrats and Republicans cast ballots for their preferred party nominee for president.
On that one day, known as Super Tuesday, Republicans in 14 states, including Virginia, will allocate a total of 689 delegates among the remaining candidates. That is more than half of the total number of 1237 delegates needed to win the party nomination. Virginia holds 49 of those delegates.
On that same day, Democrats will divide 1,034 delegates between their two remaining candidates. That is nearly one half of the total number of 2,383 delegates needed to win the nomination. Virginia holds 110 of those delegates.
Principles of Good Government
So, what are the principles that we expect the parties in general but also the candidates themselves to understand and support?
For example, which one(s) have the clearest understanding of and appreciation for America’s Godly Heritage, the Judeo-Christian values, and the Biblical precepts on which America was founded?
Which one(s) have the best understanding of and respect for the Constitutional system of governance, including especially the “Separation of Powers” and “Checks and Balances”?
Which one(s) are most deeply committed to defend our freedoms – especially the Free Exercise of Religion – as well as to respect the 10th Amendment limits on the power of the Federal Government?
Defining the Major Challenges
In addition, which ones are best prepared to take on the challenges they are certain to face. For example, which one(s) have the best record and shown the strongest commitment to:
1. Rebuild a culture of virtue that respects and defends Life, Marriage, and Religious Liberty?
2. Reduce the size and return the power of the Federal Government to its Constitutional boundaries?
3. Bring down the national debt, which currently exceeds $19,000,000,000, 000 – yes, $19 trillion?
4. Restore America’s leadership in the world, including the destruction of radical Islamic terrorism?
5. Secure our borders and enforce immigration law – for everyone, including those here illegally?
Exposing Their Platforms
Republican or Democrat, what do their party platforms tell us about two of our core issues – Life and Marriage? This is an important window that tells us a lot about where they might stand on other issues. Actually, it’s very clear. Here’s what they said in 2012 – the year the Democrats tried to remove a reference to God from their party platform – and which they have pursued since then:
On Life?
— Democrat: Supports Roe v. Wade and a woman’s right to an abortion, regardless of ability to pay.
— Republican: Affirms the fundamental right to life of an unborn child which cannot be infringed.
On Marriage?
— Democrat: Supports marriage “equality”, including under the law for same-sex couples.
— Republican: Affirms marriage as the union of one man and one woman and as the national standard.
Exposing Their Voting Records
Finally, what do their voting records on “Values” issues about Life, Faith, Family, and Freedom tell us about the difference between the two parties, both in Richmond and in Washington?
In Richmond:
— The Senate: According to The Family Foundation, out of a possible score of 100, Democrats scored an average of 14. By contrast, Republicans had a score of 92.
— The House of Delegates: Again, out of a possible 100, the Democrats scored an average of 20. By contrast, the Republicans had a score of 93.
In Washington:
— According to the Family Research Council, all but one of the eight Virginia Republicans in the House of Delegates (including Cong. Goodlatte) scored a perfect 100. By contrast, all three of the Virginia Democrats scored a Zero!
— In the Senate, both of our Virginia Democrats, John Warner and Tim Kaine, also scored Zero.
Against this background, we are presented with a very clear choice between the two parties on March 1. We will examine the character and the qualifications of individual candidates next week in Part II.
Crossroads at the Ballot Box: Where Faith and Culture Meet
To hear more, please join Rita Dunaway, John Sloop, and me this weekend on one of the following Valley radio stations: WBTX (1470) today (Saturday) at 4:00 p.m. and again on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., followed by WSVA (550) and WSVA/FM (92.1) at 8:30; WHBG/ESPN (1360) and ESPN/FM (101.3) at 9:00; and on WNLR (1150) at 11:30.
If you miss the broadcast, you can also listen online HERE anytime. Just click on the Crossroad’s link entitled “VA Primary Pt. I: Parties, Platforms, and Principles” on the home page.
We deeply appreciate your prayers, your encouragement, and your financial support of these programs. All gifts are tax-deductible and can be sent by check to Crossroads at PO Box 881, Harrisonburg, 22803.
For Life, Faith, Family, and Freedom in Virginia!
Dean