(NACD) How Would Jesus Vote

[Another Not a Candidate Diary]
Thinking about so-called "compassionate conservatism," the role of religion in electoral politics, and the way that the right uses Christianity as a hammer with which to scare voters, I started to think about what it meant to be a Christian nation. Alot of this is influenced by a book I read a few months ago called The Myth of a Christian Nation.

Now, I would in no way call myself a good Christian. I believe in god, but I'm more of a Taoist than anything else.

But I've recently had time to think, if not write, about the question of Christianity and politics. A recent article by Amy Sullivan, entitled "How Would Jesus Vote" set me to outlining some of the differences between the two parties' beliefs, and how Jesus might vote on them.

A couple of caveats:

1. I'm not a good Christian, and can't even pretend I am. I know the Bible only well enough to cause trouble.


2. I'm partially inspired here by the version of the Christian Bible authored by Thomas Jefferson, a good version of which can be found here.


3. I'm cherry-picking positions that I think are important to people. This isn't an exhaustive list; it's my list.


4. I like to poke political foes in the eye with a sharp stick

So, the issues:

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

Issue	Democrats	Republicans	Jesus	Jesus Votes?
War in Iraq	Withdraw Troops	In for 10,000 Years	no killing, so no war	Democrat
Children's Health Care	Cover everyone, even if care spills over into those who don't need it	As little coverage as possible	Heals the blind, lepers, and pretty much anyone He can get His hands on, regardless.	Democrat
Minimum Wage	Raise minimum wage so people can make a living	Keep it low, pro-business	In favor of helping the poor; has anti-buiness leanings, especially money-changers; tries to redistribute wealth to poor	Democrat
Immigration	Bring them into US society, take care of them	Expel immigrants	Was a Jew; Jews treated as illegals everywhere they went; Passages in Matthew (25:35-41) imply an obligation to give stuff to those who need it.	Democrat
Environmental Protection	Protext the environment, even if it costs businesses	Shpx the environment	It's God's earth, humanity is supposed to care for it (Gen. 1:28)	Democrat
Medicare, Medicaid	Health insurance for those who need it	Once you're out of the womb, you're on your own	Care for the sick, the elderly, whatsoever you do unto the least, and all that.	Democrat
Cheap Perscription drugs	Make them so more people can afford them	Make sure the drug companies make as much money as possible.	Again, a reminder: Help the sick.	Democrat
Death Penalty	Anti	Pro	Forgiveness	Democrat
Role of Government	Use when necessary for the good of the people	Use when necessary for the good of the corporations	Help people	Democrat
Torture	No	Use when necessary for the good of the corporations	No	Democrat

Anyway, that's my quick take on how Jesus would vote on the issues. Have fun.