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SERVING OUR COUNTRY: Now Serving (An Interview with U.S. Congresswoman Michele Bachmann)
Clearly Caring Magazine, Sept/Oct 2008, Vol. 28. No. 5Editor’s Note: Congresswoman Michele Bachmann presently serves all of us and specifically the constituents of the 6th District of Minnesota as a member of the House of Representatives. She has spoken at events for our Twin Cities Chapter (Christian Life Ministries). She graciously took the time to answer some questions for this special issue of Clearly Caring.
Why did you decide to pursue political office?
I was tired with the direction our nation was heading. My husband and I saw more and more of our hard-earned money going to Washington, wasted on special interest projects as opposed to it being spent on our family’s needs. And we saw Washington bureaucrats and insiders trying to make decisions for our family and our children – decisions without any basis regarding our family’s values.
What elected office(s) did you hold and for what periods of time?
I served in the Minnesota State Senate from 2000 to 2006 and was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 2006.
From your viewpoint, how was this pursuit consistent with the Christian mission?
The Bible calls Christians to honor God in all things. I believe that my decision to run for office was in accordance with God’s calling for my life.
What adjustments were necessary for your family to make?
My family and I have sacrificed a great amount of our personal time together so that I can adequately serve the constituents of Minnesota’s 6th District. As often as possible, I try to include them in district events so that we can spend more time together.
What was your most unexpected surprise upon entering office?
I was shocked by how easily Congress spends other people’s money. If they don’t have enough funding for a bill they simply raise taxes without any consideration of how it displaces hard-working families’ priorities.
What was your greatest disappointment while in office?
My greatest disappointment has been the realization of how big government has really gotten. The federal government has ignored the Constitution and expanded its scope into areas of personal life and state jurisdiction in which it does not belong. Washington doesn’t know best, but it thinks it does.
Was there any portion of God’s Word or prayer that regularly came to mind as you served in public office?
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Were there any politicians who kindled your passion to serve in public office, and why?
Ronald Reagan’s example encouraged my passion to serve in public office. Reagan believed in small government and in the strengthening of the American family. He supported a free market economy which helped America’s families grow and prosper.
What benefit do you see in Christians pursuing service in public office?
Christians have a belief in God’s law which calls them to follow a specific moral code and allows them to stay focused on what is true and right while serving in public office.
What dangers do you see in Christians pursuing service in public office?
As long as Christians remain true to their faith and to Christ, none.
If someone wants to serve in an elected office, what steps should he or she pursue toward help them reach that goal?
I suggest they get involved in local service in their community. They can volunteer on a campaign or work on a local initiative that they care about. This will help them gain experience and a strong passion for what they believe in.
What great issues face our nation that should be of particular concern to Christians?
I believe that all Christians should be concerned about the attack on the American family and its values. I believe in the sanctity of human life and that humans have a moral and constitutional obligation to protect and defend life. Family is the building block institution of our country, and Americans who share these values must work together to protect it.
How do you respond to those who feel your faith and your politics should be separate?
I believe that one’s faith is always a part of them. Regardless of what others may say, faith is always the foundation for the decisions we make.
How has our current media (24-hour news, Internet, etc.) affected the ability of a politician to serve?
Politicians should serve and legislate in a manner that is in the best interest of their constituents, not serve polls or the media.
What else would you like to tell the Clearly Caring readers?
I’d like to let the readers of Clearly Caring know that their voices matter. It is their responsibility, as citizens of the United States, to likewise hold their Representatives responsible while they hold office. I urge the readers to get involved in what’s happening in their community and work to see that passage of any legislation is in the best interest of you and your family.
Finally, where do you have your church membership (church and city)?
I am a member at Salem Lutheran Church in Stillwater, Minnesota.
WEBSITE RESOURCES AT www.ChristianLifeResources.com
The Christian & Government: The Relationship Between the Two (Shortcut # 5475)
The Christian & Government: Resolving Conflicts Between the Two (Shortcut # 5476)
Article Shortcut: http://www.christianliferesources.com?7774
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