[January 17, 2019] Last week, Hawaii Democrat Representative Tulsi Gabbard, penned an op-ed in which she warned: “Elected leaders who weaponize religion are playing a dangerous game.”1 She is showing moral courage because her statements run counter to the anti-religious ideology of the American Democrat Party.
“While I absolutely believe in the separation of church and state as a necessity to the health of our nation, no American should be asked to renounce his or her faith or membership in a faith-based, service organization in order to hold public office.”
To speak out in opposition to those around you is difficult. In politics, there are always negative consequences in doing so. That is why I call upon everyone across the political spectrum to acknowledge the truth in what Gabbard says and support this type of thinking.
“Elected leaders engaging in religion-baiting are playing with fire. They are sacrificing the well-being, peace and harmony of our country to satisfy their own political ambitions for partisan political interests.”
Representative Gabbard tells it like she sees it and also names names. Specifically, Gabbard wrote that U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (a California Democrat) regarding her comment to 7th U.S. Circuit Judge (then-nominee) Amy Coney Barrett. The honorable Barrett was questioned extensively and irresponsibly over her mainstream Catholic faith and membership with the Knights of Columbus.
Perhaps the values demonstrated by U.S. Army Major Tulsi Gabbard are a reflection of her military service in the U.S. National Guard. Of the seven Army Values, personal courage is one that she has demonstrated for us to see. That is what real leadership is about for us to see.
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Gabbard hit nail on head. Wish all elected politicians could and/or would!
I’ve meet many people from both the military and civilian sectors of life in many cultures across many nations. Those in the military usually believe in someone more tradtional and that will “work” in real life. In the US Army where Congressperson Gabbard is, there are 7 specific values (loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage). I believe in them too and practice doing my best. Maybe Gabbard is doing the same.
Thanks, Lynn. Great point. Thanks for your service.
She is grounded in the values that we see in other US service men and women. That gives those of us who study leadership a sense of relief that what we study to become better leaders can make us actually better at our jobs and at life.
Pres. Trump says he just wants to get input from a diverse group of people, but there is reason to hope that Tulsi Gabbard could be offered a job in the Defense Department, or possibly State. Possible?
Maybe this is the kind of bipartisanship we can get behind.
I always enjoy reading about specific people, what they believe in, and what they are thinking. This type of article helps. Much appreciated. Oh, I understand that Congresswoman Gabbard is a great surfer. Of course, being from Hawaii, I would hope so.
Great article today, Gen. Satterfield. Thanks.
🙂 🙂 🙂
There is no religious test for being a politician in the US. That is most true across other countries but not all. Obvsiouly in Muslim countries, not being a Muslim bars you from any position of importance in govt or in civilian life.
Congresswoman Gabbard is standing up for religious freedom. That is something that the anti-religious (except Muslim) Democratic Party is not. The party’s leadership believes (and they tell us that) religion is an antiquainted and outdated system of mystics who serve no purpose. They want the “state” to be the new religion.
I agree with you. If you are religious then you are an “extremist”. That is what other Congressmena and women are telling us.
Rep Gabbard, unlike almost all of her fellow Democrats, takes national security seriously. She is a major in the Army National Guard, serves on the House Armed Services Committee, and is knowledgeable about military affairs. Ultra liberal, however, on domestic affairs. Can these positions be held simultaneously? That is a question that will eventually be answered.
Democratic Congresswoman from Hawaii, is an orthodox liberal on domestic policy. But for the Democratic Party of the US, that is important and why she is in a position of power. Thanks Janna for giving more background on Gabbard.
Great question, Janna.
🙂
Good post. I always enjoy reading about those who you believe have a higher degree of moral courage.
Yes, a good military officer. I met her while I was in Iraq in 2005. She seemd just like any other officer; dedicated and bright. I am thankful she has something on which to base her values.
I hope she made a good impression on you.
Thanks, Army Captain for verifying that Gabbard is a good person.