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August 23, 2002/Elul 15 5762, Vol. 54, No. 49
'Testimony' has time, placeEditorialOn a recent Arizona broadcast of "Praise the Lord," an evangelical Christian talk show, Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Salmon "testified." His words raise questions about the sources of politicians' power, their constituency and the role of God in politics.For Salmon, a devout Mormon, the primary government is not temporal: "Though we strive to serve in the earthly governments, there is a more important government. ... It is the kingdom of God," he told program listeners. He spoke of a need to "reclaim" the "earthly government" from those who advocate such policies as abortion: "We have a chance to take our government back, to reclaim it ... in the name of God." Salmon, a former congressman, shared an anecdote illustrating one such effort. When a Labor, Health and Human Services Committee bill hit the House floor, Salmon said he didn't know whether to vote "yea" or "nay." Seeking guidance, he prayed for three hours with 30 fellow congressmen about how to vote. So much for consulting with his temporal constituency - the citizens of Arizona. Salmon also spoke of how the United States might "return to greatness": "It can only be accomplished if we turn our hearts ... to the Word of God." What about those Arizonans who don't believe in God or who believe in a different God? Salmon's televised "testimony" fails to reveal how he balances our Constitution and his constituency with his God. However, on his Web site (www.salmonforgovernor.com), Salmon states he will defend the Constitution - unconditionally: "I firmly believe that we must protect the entire Constitution ... and I will not pick and choose which parts to uphold." While serving in Congress, Salmon defended freedom of religion around the globe, for citizens of places as distant as Tibet, India and China. In a written statement explaining his comments on "Praise the Lord," he said: "I will defend the right of any American to believe or not believe as they see fit." Of course, like all citizens, politicians and political candidates are free to believe - or not believe - what they want, but where and how they express these personal beliefs is crucial. It is reassuring to know that public officials may pray for guidance when wrestling with tough decisions - so long as they give priority to the will of the people, the advice of experts and the dictates of the Constitution. Let us hope - and pray - that should he become governor, Salmon does not allow his private faith to trump the will of the people and the Constitution. |
