Keeping it Between the Lines
Those of you that have been readers of my various blogs for a long time know that on Sundays I usually try to do something of a religious nature in my posts. For those of you that are Atheists or really hate religion, this would be a good post to skip.
Some wonder why I have such negative feelings towards members of the Board of Supervisors. Those developed first with Bill Postmus. Postmus was a supervisor whom I defended for a very long time. He was a regular member of HDC, claimed to be a born-again Christian, and I can say I personally witnessed him in public praying with others. Although none of us have the right to judge, I think I can safely say that most of us suspect those actions were simply a part of the sham that was his life here in the desert.
For Mitzelfelt, Biane, Hansberger and Gonzales, there has never been indication that any of them purport to have any type of religious beliefs or moral values. To see their behavior in their public life is not much of a surprise to anyone. However, some time ago I was called to interview for a position with Supervisor Ovitt. In preparation for the interview I did a little research. Among other similar things, I found this on his county website:
From Supervisor Ovitt’s Swearing In Speech on December 4, 2006: I want to acknowledge my personal relationship and faith in God. As many of you know, our family home has the words Faith, Family, and Friends painted on the wall in the kitchen. This serves as a constant reminder to keep my priorities straight. And without hesitation or doubt, I can say that God has blessed me and my family far beyond our expectations.
I will close with Proverbs 3:1-4, ‘My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments, for length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man.’ Thank you and God bless you.
I actually had one of the worse interviews of my life with his staff. In retrospect I’m very glad that happened. It is not mine to judge, but for me Supervisor Ovitt truly has been the most disappointing supervisor of all because of his outward support of those that perpetrate evil in this county. But what I see in him is also a reminder of how much power corrupts and how easy it is to get caught up in the happenings of the day and forget who we serve. The easy way, the fun way, the popular way is rarely the best way, the ethical way, the righteous way.
In the world of politics it is very difficult to live up to what is expected by one’s constituents or by one’s God. Everyone in public life needs the prayers of those they serve. And when we elect someone of integrity to a position of power, our prayers need to be all the stronger because the temptations they will face will be all the greater. I have to believe that for a Christian, being a politician too must be one of the most difficult callings, a calling most seem to fail at within a short period of time. For those that pray, our elected leaders at all levels of government need to be included in those prayers. I don’t believe we have much hope of turning this country, this state or this county around without God’s intervention. And when it’s time to cast a vote, we also need to pray for God’s wisdom in making our selections.
