My take on Kerry's Pepperdine Speech yesterday: Faith, Politics and Values

[kerrygoddess]

Faith, Politics and Values
September 19th, 2006 @ 5:54 pm

Democrats don’t talk much about faith. It’s not that they don’t have faith and values, because truly the very foundation of what Democrats are about is all about faith and values. It’s different sort of faith and values than the conservatives tout, but it is the faith, in my book that Jesus taught 2 millennia ago. And if you take a good long look at any theology or religious philosophy, you’ll see the same values across the board. Long before politics called me to get involved, a question of faith called me to take a deeper look at who I was and how I got there. I found the answers in the myriad of wisdom from some of the great spiritual masters. It shaped who I am today and why I am here, blogging about politics everyday.



Yesterday, I sat rapt listening to John Kerry speak about faith and values at Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA. Pepperdine, known for it’s conservative leaning had invited the Senator to speak on that subject. His speech was deeply personal and profoundly moving and it reaffirmed why I am here, and why I believe deeply in John Kerry as a leader that America needs, now and in the future.

America, the world is changing and as our lives grow more complex, we all seek something that speaks to our hearts, that addresses our longing for something simpler, something that resounds in our souls. Applebee’s America says what drives people to the polls, are “Gut Values,” and Democrats often are seen as missing the boat in connecting with voters on these values.

Kerry’s speech yesterday was an effort to urge people of faith, all faiths to work together cooperatively on problems that all people should be concerned about — poverty, global warming and reducing the number of abortions. The “godly tasks,” Kerry called them, that transcend our nation’s culture wars.



“This discussion does not belong in the sole purview of one side of the political aisle,” Kerry reminded us and, “There will always be those bent on corrupting our political discourse.” Reflecting on the ‘04 campaign, Kerry told the audience at Pepperdine, largely students, “no matter your party, your ideology, or your faith, we are all done a disservice when the debate is reduced to ugly and untrue caricatures.”

“Both my parents taught me early on,” Kerry said, “that we are all put on this earth for something greater than ourselves.” In choosing a life of public service, John Kerry forged that path that we all must forge, and it was not without it’s tests.

MORE & LINKS - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4217

Text of Kerry's Speech - John Kerry at Pepperdine: “Service and Faith”
http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4212

[texpatriot2004]

1. Thank you Senator Kerry nm

[saltpoint]

2. What a respectful post to encounter on the world wide web.

A reverent piece of writing about a genuine public servant.

VERY nicely done.

Bravo. Thank you. And recommended.

[kerrygoddess]

6. It was a speech worth revering

I say this coming from a very new age sort of perspective on spirituality.

[saltpoint]

8. Walt Whitman said in order for there to be great poets there must first

be great audiences.

Works with politics, too.

Thank you for a real keeper post, kerrygoddess. :thumbsup:

:hi:

[kerrygoddess]

9. Yes it does

and surprisingly even at conservative Pepperdine JK found a great audience.

[Doctor_J]

3. In the belly of the beast -

the most right-wing college on the left coast. Bravo to a true stateman, and brava to Goddess for posting this.

[kerrygoddess]

7. Indeed he was in the belly of beast

I heard Ken Starr was also in the audience.

I have to share that while Pepperdine may be the conservative bastion of SoCal there were many pumped up and excited Young Dems at the reception after. Maybe about 150 - 200 perhaps who honored the Senator with "It's A Beautiful Day" when he walked into the room, and some very loud screaming. One would have thought up there in Malibu that a rock star had entered the room, not a Senator from MA. ;)

Those students love him, hung on his every word. It's was very inspiring and it brought back memories of the campaign.

[stillcool]

4. thanks kerrygoddess...

[stevedeshazer]

5. K & ARRRRrrr

It's still Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Seriously, I see where you're coming from, and this secular humanist applauds.

[blm]

10. I'm an atheist who caucuses with the humanists. ;) This speech very

respectfully and COGENTLY made the case that liberal policies enact Jesus teachings according to scripture.

I think he probably had more than a few minds changed and many at least opened to hearing more.

[kerrygoddess]

11. He spoke

in terms of what he believes to an audience that was by and large more conservative. I do think he changed and or opened some minds.

[blm]

12. It would be an interesting if you could find out how the speech was

received and discussed AFTERWARDS by the students. Maybe get an overview from the political science teachers or whoever was involved in leading the discussions by the students after the speech.

.

[kerrygoddess]

13. There's a comment from a student

on the speech thread on the Dem Daily that is well worth reading - http://blog.thedemocraticdaily.com/?p=4212#comment-75828

Overall the speech was well received and welcomed. The reception after the speech was phenomenal. The Young Dems at Pepperdine love JK!