so...whatever happened to compassionate conservatism?

P.S. Props to a friend of mine for helping me think "out loud" :)

Why is helping the poor a mantra not used more by conservatives and the “religious right”?

Obama has tried to push for a more “crossover” audience – the religious… arguing that the Republicans shouldn’t have the monopoly on this particular “idea” or movement… While I could debate or discuss this point…It made me think of a related issue – why is it that “liberals”/Democrats seem to have the market on the idea of helping the poor and the disadvantaged?

For too long I think candidates have hid behind mantras like “Reaganomics” and “free market principles” and the ever popular claims of “socialist welfare” and not provided answers to the critical problems that millions of Americans face every day. Michael Moore is an idiot, and a farce, but you don’t need an overhyped “documentary” like “Sicko” to realize that all is not well in our country.

Nearly 8 years ago, George W. Bush ran a campaign with the seemingly oxymoronic slogan of “Compassionate Conservatism.”

Someone needs to bring that crap back.

Ok that sounds ridiculous.

I know.

No I have not lost my mind. And no you won’t be seeing any W Stickers on my car.

But really….think about this. There are roles society should play in helping those who need it. The key word in that phrase is of course “society” – which I purposely used rather than “government.” I’ll get back to that.

For the religious conservatives, for the evangelical Christians… If we neglect the fatherless, the widows, the destitute… we are in essence neglecting Christ himself. Don’t take my word for it – take His ( references). Our priorities are so mixed up. We spend so much energy bashing the “popular culture” and and fighting the Hillary Clintons and Michael Moores of the world. We’ve got advocacy groups and legal teams that fight the good fight on capitol hill.

Where are we on fighting the good fight for the welfare moms? For the fatherless children on the streets? For those who are struggling with alcoholism and drug addictions? For the teen parents? For the families who can’t afford even basic health care?

Our job is not to make excuses – nor is it to judge the circumstances and situations of others. It is not to set up yet another empty program – or give another empty speech.

We are called to serve.

So don’t sell me another political ad, nor do I want another Christian “leaders” anti-liberal rant on the radio or television…. Here is a radical idea want to hear from a candidate: How are you planning to truly effect change for those that need it most? How are you going to rally communities and individuals to rise up and make a difference?