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We need to articulate our positions on these (Christian) values more clearly.
1 - Abortion. This pro-life/pro-choice nonsense has gone on for far too long. The choice movement has been, I'm sad too say, portrayed as being pro-abortion.
It's time to take ownership of this issue, and articulate our opposition to abortions, but ALSO our opposition to government bans thereon.
2 - Gay marriage. This issue may have cost us the election, as Bush's support of the Constitutional Amendment painted Kerry as being pro-marriage.
We should start framing the issue as a matter of civil rights, and sadly, stop emphasizing the word "homosexual" or "same-sex". Yes, I wish we could talk about homosexuality clearly and without disguise - but we need to build a national consensus about this, and that means bringing in the rural voters.
Regarding the "Sanctity of Marriage": Highlight that the corruption of marriage began long before this issue came up (Marriage is hardly "sacred" anymore).
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More importantly, we need to become the party that embodies "morality".
Embrace the so-called "culture of life". Seriously. But extend it to those already living, the born. (Read: death penalty / US military policy)
Frame economic issues as moral responsibilities - especially the crushing poverty found in our cities.
Ask whether it is Christian to allow your fellow brother to freeze too death on a street corner because the shelters are full. Ask if it it moral for women to be systematically paid less for the same work than a man. Ask if God would want corporations to steal millions during wartime - putting profit over the welfare of our soldiers. Ask if Jesus wanted us to be developing new nuclear weapons, to be using land mines, to be torturing prisoners.
It's time to take ownership of America's values.
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