Freedom of speech, assembly
America's Congress as a whole may be spineless when it comes to the Trump administration's constant and deliberate deflection and misdirection - kind words for lying. But the students of Lee University know exactly where their backbones are and how to use them in a truly Democratic manner.
Some of them have started a petition and others are signing it, seeking to block the planned visit this weekend by Vice President Mike Pence to the Cleveland, Tenn., university.
It's unlikely Lee will dis-invite the vice president - and frankly shouldn't. We all deserve a voice, even a narrow-minded one. But it's especially heartening in this dark political time to see Lee student Cedes Harris offer an opposing one and a venue for peaceful protest, as well - one planned as the event goes on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
The petition, launched this week by Harris on change.org, says the vice president's "involvement" with America First Policies, the organizer of the event, "and his exhortation of its values" defy and ignore the Christian values of love for both friend and enemy; caring for the poor, oppressed, and marginalized over the rich; welcoming the stranger and foreigner; and justice and nonviolence rather than oppression and violence.
The petition says the aims of America First Policies do not represent the Christian school's beliefs, which seek to "embody the life and example of Jesus Christ."
Indeed, if you follow news coverage, you know that America First Policies was formed shortly after Trump's inauguration to promote the policy agenda of Donald Trump and his presidential campaign. On March 30, 2017, Katie Walsh, formerly White House Deputy Chief of Staff, left that position to join America First Policies, and one of its directors was forced to resign due to racist and inflammatory comments. Another adviser was caught on video proclaiming support for the Nazis.
The America First Policies website lists 15 issues including the Iranian nuclear deal, immigration reform, securing our border and repealing Obamacare. According to the Pence event information, however, America First Policies claims to be a nonprofit organization that aims to teach how the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 will impact individuals, the state and the nation.
The group also has a political action committee called America F1rst Action SuperPAC, "dedicated to electing federal candidates who support the agenda of the Trump-Pence administration."
As with all political groups and PACs, the best way to know them is to follow the money. In 2018 - mid-terms year - America First's PAC had, as of mid July, raised $16.3 million and spent only $5.1 million, according to Opensecrets.org. About half of the expenditures, $2.8 million, were detailed as "independent expenditures, communication costs and coordinated expenses for candidates." The great majority of that spending, $2.5 million, was categorized only as "against Democrats."
The Pence visit is a stop before a later Saturday $1,000-a-ticket fundraiser in Chattanooga for U.S. Republican Senate candidate Marsha Blackburn. For $25,000, couples there can join a roundtable with the vice president, get a photo with him and attend the general reception.
As of Thursday afternoon, the student petition on behalf of "concerned students, faculty and alumni along with citizens of Cleveland" had more than 300 signatures asking school administrators to cancel Pence's Saturday appearance at Pangle Hall. The petitioners are asking for 500 signers. The university, historically affiliated with the Church of God and increasingly known to turn out amazing singers and musicians, has an enrollment of about 5,000 - making it one of the largest Christian colleges in the country, according to Lee's website.
The planned protest is set to begin at 7:30 a.m. and continue until 2 p.m., according to information posted on a Facebook event.
Thanks, kids, for showing us how democracy is done - with thought and backbone.
Viva America!
Let's have a little WWJD
Speaking of religion and politics, there's a new meme making the rounds of Facebook.
It's yet another takeoff on President Donald Trump's continuing defense of Russia President Vladimir Putin. You know the one: It's one of his many variations of saying he talked to Putin and Putin said he didn't meddle in our election. Most recently, Trump said the former KGB head "was extremely strong in his denial."
Pretty soon, there was a picture of George W. Bush at the desk in the Oval Office looking straight through the camera to the American people. The caption reads: "I spoke to Osama. He says he didn't do it."
There have been others, too. But none to beat the one with a modern-day, big-smile Jesus - hands outstretched, winking and giving a thumb's up. The caption?
"I spoke to Judas. He said he didn't do it."
Viva America!