Five questions I intend to ask my Congressman at this week's annual town hall meeting
1) You have voted to allow public prayer in school during the War on Terror, which, as a follower of Jesus, is a position I obviously support. My question is: how can we be sure that the teachers who are leading our children in prayer really are Christians? We could create school rules that allow only Christian teachers pray, but does that mean some "well-meaning" Jew or Muslim will not slip in and "accidentally" teach my child to pray to the wrong God? Why not employ only Christian teachers? Or, perhaps we could tag the non-Christian teachers with some outward symbol of their "faith." That way I could say to my children, "Never let one of those women with the gold stars sewn onto their clothes lead you in prayer."
2) You have repeatedly voted down any legislation that would offer equal rights to homosexuals. Again: good choice. Your argument comes from the 18th chapter of the book of Leviticus, where God calls homosexuality an abomination. I couldn't agree with you more: A 7,000 year old text that contains regulations on the slave trade is the perfect place to look for guidance when it comes to human rights. I am sure that the rules God made for a select group of people in the book of Leviticus are the same rules he literally intended his followers to live by forever. In fact, I think we should legislate more of the book of Leviticus; why should we stop with the gay thing? If my mom sits on furniture during her menstrual cycle, let's throw rocks at her. If my dad wears clothes made of both cotton and linen, let's jail him. If my grandpa plants a field with both corn and tomatoes, let's have him beaten. If anyone touches a ham, let's kill that guy too. We have protected our families from the gays, now how can we protect them from poly-fiber?
3) Your other argument against homosexuality comes from the New Testament, and I am glad you mentioned it in an interview, so I could know where you stand. The Greek word that is translated "homosexual" in modern Bibles has been translated to mean different things in the past. The early church translated it "soft morals." During Martin Luther's time it was translated as "masturbation." Since we can't be exactly sure what the word means, we should probably outlaw everything it could mean. What kind of legislation would you like to pass that will eliminate soft morals and masturbation?
4) Over the last 4 years, I have sent 31 letters to your office, each time asking for a response about your stance on a specific bill, or a promise to support basic human rights legislation, like the kind that would prevent a child from being sold into the sex trade. I sent the first 30 letters via Registered Mail, and I diligently tracked them via the USPS until they were delivered and signed for in your office. Unfortunately, I never received a response from you. The 31st letter I sent simply said, "I would like to donate to your campaign," and even though I forgot to include a return address, I received a donation form in the mail within 48 hours! Within the week, I also received donation forms from both of my Republican Senators and my State House Representative. I'm sure the lack of response from the first 30 letters was just a clerical oversight. What can you do to prevent this in your next term?
5) Our district is one of the richest in the state, thanks in large part to the poultry industry, which is staffed primarily by Mexican immigrants. You have consistently voted against legislation that would help the current immigrant population with education and healthcare. Do you fear a backlash during the forthcoming election? What can we do to make sure the majority voice at the polls is the voice of wealthy white people, as it should be?
Comments
I love you!
Posted by: Cousin Candice | August 5, 2008 11:34 PM
You are SO the rebel. I'll bring you cookies in prison (and ask for your autograph).
Posted by: ~Tim | August 5, 2008 11:37 PM
Oh, you.
You should be in charge of everything.
Posted by: Abigail | August 5, 2008 11:38 PM
You are my shero.
Posted by: mysterygirl! | August 5, 2008 11:48 PM
good questions. let me know if you make it through half of them before being escorted off the premises or at the very least, into the lobby.
Posted by: broke bertha | August 6, 2008 12:47 AM
That's my girl.
Posted by: TGH | August 6, 2008 02:27 AM
The engagement ring is in the mail.
Posted by: You can call me, 'Sir' | August 6, 2008 07:59 AM
Oh, you. Every time I think you can't get any awesomer, you go and post something like this and I'm all, "yep, she's awesomer."
Posted by: Jennie! | August 6, 2008 08:37 AM
I agree, you are totally awesomer.
Posted by: doahleigh | August 6, 2008 09:19 AM
I fear for your poor Congressman. He doesn't have a clue what's coming. Go Heather!!
Posted by: Jenn (the not-sister) | August 6, 2008 09:21 AM
I am so voting for you.
Also, I think I'm swooning.
Posted by: peefer | August 6, 2008 10:00 AM
It don't think I have ever waited behind 11 other people to have my shot at proposing to a woman, but for this post and for you I shall wait.
Posted by: Grad School Reject | August 6, 2008 10:04 AM
I can't propose to you like all the others here, for 2 reasons: 1) I'm already married and polygamy is an abomination; 2) I'm female like you, and well, you know where the bible stands on THAT...
So, instead, I promise to vote for you whenever you run for whatever you run for. Because whenever and whatever that is? You'll always be the best person for the job. No, you'll always be the best person, period. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways...
Posted by: shari | August 6, 2008 10:15 AM
Who is your Congressman? If I ever have the chance to see him walking around Capitol Hill, I'll be sure to tape this list to his back.
Posted by: Heather B. | August 6, 2008 04:06 PM
"Don't tase me, Bro!"
Posted by: Gravesland (Courtney's Uncle) | August 6, 2008 08:15 PM
That's the most awesomest thing I've read in a long, long time...And I read a lot.
Posted by: churlita | August 7, 2008 11:12 AM
Wow. I agree: definitely "awesomest".
Posted by: NTE | August 9, 2008 08:12 AM
I really enjoyed this - well done!
Posted by: Annie | August 15, 2008 03:30 PM
*AWESOME* Why just congressman - You should send these in if they have another YouTube Debate! :-)
Posted by: flibbertigibbet | August 19, 2008 09:48 AM
I really shouldn't have read this with dry lips. Now they're all cracked from smiling too hard. You have the coolest brain!
Posted by: Bob Mannseichner | August 21, 2008 10:55 PM
I really shouldn't have read this with dry lips. Now they're all cracked from smiling too hard. You have the coolest brain!
Posted by: Bob Mannseichner | August 21, 2008 10:56 PM
I really shouldn't have read this with dry lips. Now they're all cracked from smiling too hard. You have the coolest brain!
Posted by: Bob Mannseichner | August 21, 2008 10:57 PM
We're getting married. I may be a woman, and I'm not attracted to women anyways, but hey! I live in Massachusetts, so we can get married!
Posted by: Etodalo | August 21, 2008 10:57 PM
I really shouldn't have read this with dry lips. Now they're all cracked from smiling too hard. You have the coolest brain!
Posted by: Bob Mannseichner | August 21, 2008 11:06 PM
Oh, you are such a sarcastic scallywag... (and kind of boring too)...
Posted by: Big Bob | August 21, 2008 11:41 PM