Monday, March 29, 2004

Scripture as a political weapon

On Sunday, in a speech to a mostly black, Baptist congregation in St. Louis, Democrat John Kerry incorporated Scripture into his latest criticism of President Bush. Referencing James 2:14, Kerry said, "The Scriptures say, 'What does it profit, my brother, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?' .... When we look at what is happening in America today, were are the works of compassion?"

After the speech, Kerry made it very clear that he did not mention President Bush by name in his speech and explained that he was merely referring to the current national leadership. What? Does Kerry think that anyone attending that speech was unsure of who Kerry was targeting with that comment?

Regardless, I fail to see what difference a specific mention makes. Either the statement was worth making or it was not.