Son,

Mike Huckabee is a theologian running for President. It happens. He is an educated Christian Minister, well versed in theology. He is a former Governor, well versed in legislative and executive business. He is well spoken, charming, energetic, and has a healthy sense of humor. But my take is that his ambition overrides his Christian humanity. Huckabee is on Morning Joe, again, and Scarborough actually mentioned the bible – it’s a good way of seeming noble. That said, there is value in Huckabee’s message.

It is actually refreshing to hear a Republican talk about Matthew 25, verses 35 to 46. 25:35 for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me…

Bible quoting politicians are always suspect. Humble pie is not the favorite dish of those who aspire to great power. Politicians who actively align themselves with a particular faith system are suspect. Why is this the case? What is is about a Bible thumper that immediately raises our defenses?

Unfortunately the Bible, the Koran, the Torah, those books of harnessed wisdom, have been used in history to promote some of the most heinous crimes against humanity. Once we open the flood gates of biblical reference , we lose control of the debate. For every reference that supports a political cause, there is one that debating opponents can use to debunk the efforts.

I like the values of Matthew 25. Not one of the candidates for President will dispute the wisdom, values, or integrity of the noble verse. America does not question the wisdom – in principle. The question is in method.

Method speaks to economics. The Republicans are top down, Democrats are bottom up. Give a man a fish or teach a man to fish. Kissinger said it well – we can negotiate technique, but we cannot negotiate principle.

The principle is that we must take care of our fellow man – Now, how are we going to get the job done?

Dad