The evangelical case against Huckabee

posted at 3:38 pm on November 28, 2007 by Allahpundit

Well, not the case. A case, made by Slublog on this gray day in which the GOP contemplates doing battle next November against a tax-and-spend nanny stater with … a tax-and-spend nanny stater. I’ve included the clip below from September where he talked about banning smoking in workplaces nationwide. Slu wonders in passing if he’ll be proposing a constitutional amendment to get that done. I doubt it; expect him to wield the Commerce Clause like a mighty hammer.

I leave you with this, transcribed by a lefty source and therefore worthy of healthy skepticism but alarming insofar as … it does sound like him, doesn’t it? Remember when Brownback, quoting Mother Teresa, declared, “All for Jesus”? Huck’s a little more specific:

As Arkansas governor, Huckabee added, “I had to come to the conclusion that I only had one client… when I laid my head on the pillow, I’d say, ‘Lord, are you pleased?’ … even if I get voted out of office, I’ll never get voted out of heaven.”

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CyberCipher on November 28, 2007 at 5:46 PM

I agree …

… with your Collie.

Professor Blather on November 28, 2007 at 5:57 PM

I don’t like us being too beholden to China either but we have a real influence there. Unlike some of these other countries where we are exporting democracy the Chinese people LOVE western culture and WANT freedom. With more Christians in China that Communists they’d be quite likely to know how to better handle it as well. That’s why I don’t like slapping the evil label on them. The government is bad and about as evil as you can get but the people are good. We have an amazing opportunity there to within the next 20 years or so turn the last major bastion of Communism into a real ally. He just strikes me as too prejudiced against China to make any headway there.

bj1126 on November 28, 2007 at 5:53 PM

To add, China has actually made itself quite dependent on the U.S. economy by tying the value of their currency to the dollar so that they can maintain access to our markets. If our economy sneezes at this point, China is going to catch a nasty cold.

Not that we shouldn’t pay close attention to them, but given their dependency on our economy (and particularly, on the American consumer), it’s looking to me like China is our bitch.

thirteen28 on November 28, 2007 at 5:57 PM

CyberCipher on November 28, 2007 at 5:46 PM

That is one smart Collie.

heatherrc77 on November 28, 2007 at 5:58 PM

He just strikes me as too prejudiced against China to make any headway there.

bj1126 on November 28, 2007 at 5:53 PM

You may be on to something, and his issues with China seem to be linked directly to his “values” issues:

http://www.gohunter08.com/inner.asp?z=4

China and Family Planning

I have also supported the Bush Administration’s decision to withhold funding from the United Nations Population Fund Agency (UNFPA) as a result of their Chinese family planning program. After consistently calling on China to end its program of coercive abortions, officials from the State Department were sent to review the situation in China and determine if the UNFPA is complicit in the coercive population control program. In 2004, then Secretary of State Colin Powell sent his report to Congress, confirming China’s violation of the Kemp-Kasten law, which prohibits the United States from providing taxpayer funds to any program that engages in coercive population control policies.

Trade

Further, America’s one-way-street trade relationship with China and other nations has reduced manufacturing jobs severely in the U.S. I would change the one-way-street into a two-way-street by putting the same charges on foreign goods that they put on ours.

Still, read through is positions on the link. Overall he’s about 90% what the doctor ordered. Unfortunately, I have no idea what he’s like in person or “on the job”, so can’t really say he’d be a good man for the job.

peski on November 28, 2007 at 5:59 PM

That’s why I don’t like slapping the evil label on them…He just strikes me as too prejudiced against China to make any headway there.

bj1126 on November 28, 2007 at 5:53 PM

Did he call them evil? I must have missed that.

We have issues that need to be discussed, who else is even talking about them, and I don’t mean Hillary and Hsu. We have tremendous influence because of the size of our marketplace and the amount of disposable income, so we have room to maneuver. I’d like to see us use our leverage a little bit more, for example I think we could have been stronger in our response to the toys without making them think we think they are evil. But I don’t think turning a blind eye to it gets us anywhere or just encouraging the consumer to ‘be careful’.

Spirit of 1776 on November 28, 2007 at 6:05 PM

You may be on to something, and his issues with China seem to be linked directly to his “values” issues:
peski on November 28, 2007 at 5:59 PM

I agree with that Peski, which I talked about somewhere on HA sometime ago…I’d dig it up if I remembered where. The short is: one of his things is manufacturing, but his manufacturing concerns come out of defense concerns – because he could only find one place that could make some (armor I think) part the troops needed.

He gets labeled a protectionist for his line of thinking, but he seems to think self-sustainability. I don’t see that as much different then those who call for energy independence, which I’d like to see myself.

Spirit of 1776 on November 28, 2007 at 6:09 PM

Sure. He is a Republican legend (and usually in the top five polled most beloved Presidents) and he stretched the authority of the executive branch and used that power to answer what he thought were moral calls to action. I won’t use pity if you don’t like that word, but certainly he was driven by compassion. Some people even have labeled his personal political platform as the 10 commandments platform. Just saying.

Spirit of 1776 on November 28, 2007 at 5:52 PM

There is a profound difference between pity and compassion, pity does nothing compassion drive the individual feeling it to do something positive for the object of their compassion.

As for Teddy, times were different and people were different. Once upon a time this nations law makers believe that as little intrusion into the lives of it’s citizens was the best way to secure the fundamental promises guaranteed in the constitution.

It is quite arguable that the precedent set by Teddy is one of the largest bricks in the wall of totalitarianism that is slowly but surely eating away at the fabric of American society today.

I do not wish to live in a totalitarian nanny state and it is the actions that seemed quite benevolent at the time of President Roosevelt, as beloved he may have been that have brought this closer to a reality in our time than could have ever been imagined by President Roosevelt.

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 6:11 PM

saint kansas on November 28, 2007 at 4:03 PM

My sentiments EXACTLY!

I think that I’m gonna be depressed for the next 11 months.

And if Huck even runs a close 2nd, although I’m faithful, I’ll be ranting about those Pat Robertson/Jerry Falwell types for the Holy Crap they’ve gotten us into yet again (i.e. Bush is an Evangelical the Religious Right can get behind and the Democrats can hate. The Dems will call him a red-neck, death-row loving, Religious-based Charities supporting, Texas racist. But basically he’s a liberal like his father ~ medicare prescription drugs, no child left behind, shamnesty just to name a few.)

Sultry Beauty on November 28, 2007 at 6:17 PM

CyberCipher on November 28, 2007 at 5:46 PM

I agree with your collie.

Where have you been? You have not contributed any
comments on HA lately.

The last we heard from you, your collie had a bad drinking habit.

ColtsFan on November 28, 2007 at 6:18 PM

The last we heard from you, your collie had a bad drinking habit.

ColtsFan on November 28, 2007 at 6:18 PM

Heh heh heh could be we are starting to see why…. ;)

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 6:20 PM

Hollowpoint on November 28, 2007 at 5:36 PM

Thanks for the link, HP. You’re right, it’s still not clear.

“Mitt Romney supports a human life amendment when it is possible and what he is saying is that it is not possible right now but what is possible is reversing Roe vs Wade.”

jaime on November 28, 2007 at 6:22 PM

It is quite arguable that the precedent set by Teddy is one of the largest bricks in the wall of totalitarianism that is slowly but surely eating away at the fabric of American society today.

I do not wish to live in a totalitarian nanny state and it is the actions that seemed quite benevolent at the time of President Roosevelt, as beloved he may have been that have brought this closer to a reality in our time than could have ever been imagined by President Roosevelt.

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 6:11 PM

Nailed it.

Grover Cleveland in the 1880′s:

Cleveland vigorously pursued a policy barring special favors to any economic group. Vetoing a bill to appropriate $10,000 to distribute seed grain among drought-stricken farmers in Texas, he wrote: “Federal aid in such cases encourages the expectation of paternal care on the part of the Government and weakens the sturdiness of our national character. . . . “

We’ve come a long way baby.

peski on November 28, 2007 at 6:23 PM

There is a profound difference between pity and compassion, pity does nothing compassion drive the individual feeling it to do something positive for the object of their compassion.

James 5:11?

It is quite arguable that the precedent set by Teddy is one of the largest bricks in the wall of totalitarianism that is slowly but surely eating away at the fabric of American society today.

Indeed it is. But I won’t make that argument tonight, I just was pointing out that we have a history legislating morality.

As for Teddy, times were different and people were different. Once upon a time this nations law makers believe that as little intrusion into the lives of it’s citizens was the best way to secure the fundamental promises guaranteed in the constitution.

Yeah, times are different, and Sean Penn told me that people are different, as we have evolved past war. Just curious, by promises are you referring to the Bill of Rights?

Anyway, I didn’t mean to side-track your conversation, just wanted to toss that in for context.

Spirit of 1776 on November 28, 2007 at 6:24 PM

I really wish Neut had run! Is it too late??

JellyToast on November 28, 2007 at 6:27 PM

Neut!! Are your there?? Can you hear me?? Please come back! Please! Please??

JellyToast on November 28, 2007 at 6:29 PM

JellyToast on November 28, 2007 at 6:29 PM

What we really need is The Gipper. Sigh.

peski on November 28, 2007 at 6:31 PM

There is a profound difference between pity and compassion, pity does nothing compassion drive the individual feeling it to do something positive for the object of their compassion.

James 5:11?

No more like James Chapter 2.

It is quite arguable that the precedent set by Teddy is one of the largest bricks in the wall of totalitarianism that is slowly but surely eating away at the fabric of American society today.

Indeed it is. But I won’t make that argument tonight, I just was pointing out that we have a history legislating morality.

And look at the trouble it has gotten us into.

As for Teddy, times were different and people were different. Once upon a time this nations law makers believe that as little intrusion into the lives of it’s citizens was the best way to secure the fundamental promises guaranteed in the constitution.

Yeah, times are different, and Sean Penn told me that people are different, as we have evolved past war. Just curious, by promises are you referring to the Bill of Rights?

Anyway, I didn’t mean to side-track your conversation, just wanted to toss that in for context.

Spirit of 1776 on November 28, 2007 at 6:24 PM

Yea, but we are talking about nearly diametrically opposed differences. Bill or rights and the amendments to the constitution itself.

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 6:34 PM

Solid piece, Slublog. Thanks.

sulla on November 28, 2007 at 6:49 PM

No more like James Chapter 2.

In application you will not get an argument from me. In 5.11 I find ‘very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” Thought maybe you had a different word there.

And look at the trouble it has gotten us into.

Heh. Is the trouble that we are concerned about Huck passing a smoking ban? I’d say the gains (the axe to slavery, TR’s labor reforms, etc, etc, etc) might outweigh the trouble. As to the original intentions, Adams thought government should bring out the best in people, and Jefferson sought to foster it (I refer specifically to education), but I think they would take umbrage with Huck that the place for that is Federal gov.

Yea, but we are talking about nearly diametrically opposed differences. Bill or rights and the amendments to the constitution itself.

Right. The distinction I would make is that the BoR secures your freedoms from use of the Constitution (or any other tool) to take additional ones away. The gov by necessity exists from the willful surrender of personal freedoms. A bit of an esoteric point perhaps, but since you’ll follow it, I’ll make it. The question is where do you draw the line. Before Huck is the right answer, right?:)

Spirit of 1776 on November 28, 2007 at 6:54 PM

Right. The distinction I would make is that the BoR secures your freedoms from use of the Constitution (or any other tool) to take additional ones away. The gov by necessity exists from the willful surrender of personal freedoms. A bit of an esoteric point perhaps, but since you’ll follow it, I’ll make it. The question is where do you draw the line. Before Huck is the right answer, right?:)

Spirit of 1776 on November 28, 2007 at 6:54 PM

I used to ride a motorcycle and wore a helmet when traveling any substantial distance, but when the state instituted mandatory helmet laws it pissed me off no end.

Likewise I drive a corvette, and would never even consider driving without a seatbelt, but still seatbelt laws piss me off.

I smoke, my mom has been smoking since she was in her early 20′s, she’s now in her mid 70′s. I should probably stop, but the idea of the state telling me I have to, well you can probably tell it pisses me off.

I am really getting sick and damn tired of the state constantly telling me what I can and cant do. I am an honest hard working tax paying citizen who just wishes that the nanny state socialists would kindly go [censored] themselves.

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 7:08 PM

bj1126@5:53PM

Some of the things that have impressed me by Duncan Hunter is that he has been an elected member of Congress since 1980. He has been a ranking GOP member of the House Armed Services Committee for 26 years overseeing military policy, and a $532 Billion dollar budget. What governor or mayor has sat on those kinds of budget committees, and railed against those that would deprive our military of needed and necessary equipment? For added bonuses, he is pro-life and against embryonic stem-cell research (which may be a mute point in light of recent research). He voted against NAFTA, is against the Law of the Sea Treaty and wants to shame the president into granting a pardon to Ramos and Compean. Duncan would also continue strong support of the only democracy in the Middle East: Israel (unlike the shananigans going on at Annapolis a couple of days ago).

As far as China and their dependence on the U.S….yes, they are to some degree. We are by no means their only customers. Especially, for their military exports. With other alliances they are forming throughout the world there will come a time when they feel strong enough to go after Taiwan. If they are allowed to do so, all bets are off. China wants authority over and control of the entire Pacific. So, we have a case of every time you buy a product from China, just like every time you fill your gas tank with Arab oil – our dollar is weakened.

24K lady on November 28, 2007 at 7:10 PM

I used to ride a motorcycle and wore a helmet when traveling any substantial distance, but when the state instituted mandatory helmet laws it pissed me off no end.

Likewise I drive a corvette, and would never even consider driving without a seatbelt, but still seatbelt laws piss me off.

I smoke, my mom has been smoking since she was in her early 20’s, she’s now in her mid 70’s. I should probably stop, but the idea of the state telling me I have to, well you can probably tell it pisses me off.

I am really getting sick and damn tired of the state constantly telling me what I can and cant do. I am an honest hard working tax paying citizen who just wishes that the nanny state socialists would kindly go [censored] themselves.

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 7:08 PM

You’re my hero. I love you. Let’s hug.

Professor Blather on November 28, 2007 at 7:20 PM

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 3:48 PM

Doriangrey,

I wrote a short blog post that was inspired by your comment earlier this afternoon.

terryannonline on November 28, 2007 at 7:21 PM

Doriangrey,

I wrote a short blog post that was inspired by your comment earlier this afternoon.

terryannonline on November 28, 2007 at 7:21 PM

Went to your site and read the post, very nice.

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 7:27 PM

I am really getting sick and damn tired of the state constantly telling me what I can and cant do. I am an honest hard working tax paying citizen who just wishes that the nanny state socialists would kindly go [censored] themselves.

Completely agree. The ‘good’ things legislatively, if you will allow that term, almost always limit what you can do to someone else. The legislative movements to limit what you can do to/for yourself are irritating in the extreme. They are, categorically I’d say, an affront to liberty. Huck doesn’t not fall in the mold of a TR, though I’d wager he thinks he does…Slu said it very well, but skimming I can’t find the quote that I was thinking.

Spirit of 1776 on November 28, 2007 at 7:30 PM

You’re my hero. I love you. Let’s hug.

Professor Blather on November 28, 2007 at 7:20 PM

How about we just have a beer and skip the hugging stuff…

doriangrey on November 28, 2007 at 7:35 PM

Sounds like Jimmah Carter is your man.

peski on November 28, 2007 at 4:34 PM

Peski! Thats it! You have nailed it. The closest possible political equivalent to Mike Huckabee IS Jimmy Carter! You absolutely freeking nailed it!

What a knockout punch of a line that would be in the upcoming debate. Make a comment about how when Mike Huckabee wakes up in the morning and looks at himself in the mirror the reflected image is Jimmy Carter politically reborn.

Zetterson on November 28, 2007 at 4:49 PM

Fred? [looking right at Huckabee]: I knew Jimmy Carter, Jimmy Carter was not a friend of mine, and you are a Jimmy Carter.

MB4 on November 28, 2007 at 8:34 PM

God should despise Huck simply for being such a weenie.

awake on November 29, 2007 at 12:05 AM

Rush Limbaugh has proclaimed for years that if you think smoking is so bad you should just make it illegal. So Huckabee thinks that you should make it illegal. Most politicians take the hypocritical stance of taxing it to provide benefits. I think most of America knows that we need to get rid of tobacco but what America doesnt know is how much it costs to keep people addicted to this monster.
I would guess that the good old US spends about $900 a month on average for every senior on Medicare and on Medicade. The premiums they charge for this benefit are less than $100 a month. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to calculate that we can not continue to pay for illnesses that are caused by something as easily done away with as tobacco. Can you say “retiring baby boom generation”?

moughon on November 29, 2007 at 8:47 AM

He doesn’t seem zealous to me but he seems ambitious. I just saw him on Kenneth Copeland promoting his book and getting a warm welcome

I am glad to see anyone not ashamed to pray publically in the name of Jesus.

However ‘by his fruits ye will know him’

He is to me one more control freak Rhino who follows the party line on breaking any and all laws to facilitate illegal immigration if it comes from Mexico, not Haiti.

To paraphrase: what is good for American business is good for the USA, the long term be damned

What is it about chicken processing that makes politicians forget to love their country?

He is waving the Jesus flag high. I do not doubt his love for Jesus. I do doubt his love for the American worker who is his neighbor

entagor on November 29, 2007 at 12:15 PM

So Huckabee thinks that you should make it illegal. Most politicians take the hypocritical stance of taxing it to provide benefits.

You can count Huckabee in on taxing it to provide benefits. He signed a cigarette tax hike while governor of Arkansas.

Slublog on November 29, 2007 at 12:24 PM

That’s your real intent. Right?
Oh, god, thyself.
This is the last thread of mine that you attempt to hijack with your incessant shrieking about denigrating Christians. I just linked approvingly to a guy who is himself a proud evangelical Christian.

Next time you interrupt one of these threads, you’re banned. If you don’t like the posts, don’t read them.

You’re a Christian-baiting, coward. And what you are now realizing, is that I’m calling you out on it. Your specific intent is to engender anti-Christian commentary, or conflict between Christians themselves. Catholics vs. Protestants. Christians vs. Jews. Protestants and Catholics vs. Mormons. It’s your sock-puppet routine. “I’m not saying anything bad about religion! They are!” But, the sock-puppet routine is shallow, and so are you.

Your threat to ban me is an indictment of your own conduct on this board. I’m satisfied that your cowardly and childlike conduct, and your hatred for Christianity, has now been made so manifest … that you now threaten to ban me.

Ban away – Pravda. My work is done.

OhEssYouCowboys on November 29, 2007 at 1:32 PM

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