Thriving in Washington's Anti-Christian Culture
The treachery of Washington politics, including the subtle prejudices against outsiders, especially Christians and Hispanics, can be disillusioning. Washington can be a brutal place, a place where careers and reputations are tainted with impunity simply so a particular person or political party has an advantage in the next election cycle. It is not impossible to survive with your integrity intact, but it is not easy either.
To thrive in such a cutthroat, often anti-Christian culture as Washington, it is important to know what you believe, and to define yourself rather than letting others do so in a way that serves their interests. The importance of true friends, family, and your faith are invaluable — especially when you are under attack.
It is no secret that life is filled with adversities; events happen that are hard to understand. During an especially difficult period while I was the attorney general, one of my former colleagues in the White House, a woman of strong Christian faith who was aware of my tenacious efforts to apprehend child predators, surprised me by her insight. "You are engaged in a battle between good and evil," she said. "Your cause is just, but there are evil forces at work against you." She helped me realize that the opposition to me was not merely political, but spiritual.
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The lesson I took away from that conversation was that I was engaged in something much bigger than me; the target was much bigger than Alberto Gonzales. I knew I represented my friend George Bush, my department, and the entire administration. I also recognized that in some way I also represented Hispanics. I knew people of my ethnic background were watching carefully how I conducted myself under pressure. At the risk of being presumptuous or overly pious, I knew that as a Christian I also represented God, that He had placed me in the positions I held, so I wanted to walk worthy of Him, in integrity and dignity, believing always that someday, somehow, the truth would triumph.
I have serious concerns regarding the direction of our country, especially as it relates to those of us who believe in our Savior, Jesus Christ. I believe in the importance, both from a biblical and a national security perspective, of our relationship with Israel. It pains me to see the deterioration of the friendship with our ally, and our cozying up to Iran who has sworn to destroy Israel and considers the United States "the great Satan."
Second, I am dismayed at the assault on the Christian church and our religious liberties. The rhetoric today is not for neutrality; it is for the elimination of religion from our national discourse. Opponents of religion expect unequivocal tolerance from Christians on various matters yet quickly call us intolerant for our beliefs on such issues as gay marriage. While I understand our government's position regarding the separation of church and state, we are witnessing the systematic elimination of religion, specifically Christianity.
Third, I believe in the importance of families, of a mom and a dad being present in the lives of their children. I wish I could wave a magic wand and have all parents love their children, but with that being impossible, at a minimum, a parent has an obligation to provide for his or her child, to teach the child values regarding right and wrong, and personal responsibility. A child raised in a traditional family is still much more likely to get a good education and be successful and well adjusted. Legislation, such as tax laws and laws relating to welfare, should not discourage marriage, as they currently do.
I am often asked whether my time serving alongside George W. Bush in Texas and Washington as his Counsel and Attorney General was worth it. I am quick to say yes, but the total story has yet to be told. History, I believe, will reveal the great accomplishments of our efforts, not the least of which was keeping the American people safe by preventing terrorist attacks. The correct question is not if there will be future attacks, but when. I am thankful to say they did not happen on our watch, and I am hopeful future presidents will discover, as President Obama did, that the Bush policies were necessary to retain and effective in helping to safeguard our nation.
Today, I tell young people who wish to engage in the political battles, "Step into the arena with your eyes open and your armor securely attached. Be bold and take risks. Never fear criticism; you will not be treated fairly; accept the fact that you will be criticized no matter what you do, so do good anyway."
