More internet thoughts from Representative Kristi Noem.
How do you discuss your faith in a campaign setting?
I had noted a week or so ago that Representative Kristi Noem is writing and blogging regularly for the "everyday woman" website. Today's clips from that website are from one of her most recent contributions, specifically to their on-line magazine:
This brings up an interesting question. While I don't think such public professions of faith would hurt her at all in her district, one of the points of the article is that she views herself as an agent of change for our national government. I'd take that to mean she someday has aspirations for a congressional or senatorial seat.
It's a somewhat regular occurrence with elected officials or candidates in specific group settings, such as a Right to Life rally, or a prayer breakfast. In fact, I'd argue it's expected there. But you'd have to admit in taking stock of our current statewide officials, not many discuss their faith so openly outside of those settings.
So, in South Dakota does wearing your religion on your sleeve cause problems for someone with statewide aspirations, or does it in fact help?
God always brings me back to a very small, yet key, moment in my past. When I was a young girl, I struggled with finding a purpose for my life—not just the perfect purpose, but any purpose! I was chubby, not-so-cute (at least in my eyes), and had suffered through bouts of teasing that sometimes occur in the lives of grade-school children.Read it all here.
But one day my whole perspective changed. My mother had become very concerned for my welfare and asked me to sit at the kitchen table with her one afternoon after a tough day at school. She shared with me Deuteronomy 28:13 which told God’s view of my life and what He had in store for me. Then she shared her vision of me and how she saw me as someone that God did not place at the bottom or in last place, but actually saw me out in front—leading.
and...
After I married and started my family, I continued to be asked to serve in leadership positions. A farmer by trade, I found myself appointed to a board that oversaw all the federal farm programs in the state. I was also asked to serve in Washington, D.C. on a task force and commission regarding limited resource producers and businesses. I was even blessed with a national award that led to meeting with President George W. Bush. My years spent serving in state positions have given rise to a desire to do more to effect change in our national government.
and...
Now I will be obedient to the work the Lord has for me to help change the course of a nation—because my mother said I could and showed me that God knew I could. I didn’t have any special training or even display a special talent. I just needed to see myself through His eyes.
This brings up an interesting question. While I don't think such public professions of faith would hurt her at all in her district, one of the points of the article is that she views herself as an agent of change for our national government. I'd take that to mean she someday has aspirations for a congressional or senatorial seat.
It's a somewhat regular occurrence with elected officials or candidates in specific group settings, such as a Right to Life rally, or a prayer breakfast. In fact, I'd argue it's expected there. But you'd have to admit in taking stock of our current statewide officials, not many discuss their faith so openly outside of those settings.
So, in South Dakota does wearing your religion on your sleeve cause problems for someone with statewide aspirations, or does it in fact help?
Comments
One interesting thing about South Dakota, especially eastern SD id how the towns were founded around their religious denominations. Some of that is still there, and no doubt comes into play especially in local politics.
There is a lot of unspoken religious and racial predjudice in SD. Anyone denying that has simply not been paying attention.
As much as many South Dakota towns were founded based on national origins, there is a common thread of traditional religious belief running through them.
This article may not be about the religious aspect, as must as the aspect that 11:59 AM pointed out.
but she needs to be careful about how she shares it, such as when she talks about God's plans for her to be in leadership.
she's right that through God all things are possible and i don't doubt for a second that God does plan to use her in an influential way. but if she's not careful, it can come across as mere human ambition and pride and turn off even fellow believers.
not a big deal. i just don't want you to think i'm being "inacurate."
Others would have some serious problems with it.
Cuts both ways.
What about the fact that Rob participated in an act that he now wants to criminalize? He took advantage of his legal right to terminate a pregnency and now wants to criminalize that same act. That's the epitome of hypocrisy.
You say that he has repented and has thus "paid his price," but I doubt he'd support a "repent" exception to a ban on abortion.
Hypocritical is also saying that you're for personal responsibility, but using your personal guilt - arising from a decision that you made - to try to limit choices for others.
"Local businessman, philanthropist and former state legislator Stan Adelstein stepped forward to help the Rapid City Council and Dahl officials overcome a last-minute snag and move that project forward.
The city finance officer last week had recommended delaying the Dahl contract because the money raised by the arts community was not all in hand. So Adelstein offered a $1.3 million loan, for which he will be reimbursed when the money is transferred.
He also bailed The Journey Museum out of financial difficulty some years ago, and has been a longtime valued and reliable patron of the arts in Rapid City, which is why the Allied Arts Fund honored Adelstein in March for his contributions."
Some think it's hypocritical that he now pushes to make abortions illegal.
Any guesses? It was Senator Tom Daschle. So, because Daschle got Clinton to appoint her to the FSA committee, does that make her evil?
d.b
You seem defensive. But here are the facts. She was a member of the South Dakota Farm Service Agency State Committee during the Clinton Administration. Members are appointed by the President, that would be Clinton, and I am sure the recommendation came from Senator Daschle.
Yes, Noem was a Clinton appointee. Recommended by Daschle. It doesn't take a rocket Scientist to figure out that at some point she had a positive working relationship with Daschle. So back to my original question 6:55, does that make her "evil"?
Many a conservative blogger who have posted on this site have basically said that anybody who associated themselves with Daschle or Clinton were a part of a anti-Christian liberal conspiracy and could not be trusted. I just want to know if that same logic applies to Representative Noem...by the way, I think she may have even attended one of Daschle's leadership camps.
How many Christians would be happy to hear that? I doubt they would be very tolerant.