Pubdate: Thu, 27 Mar 2014
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2014 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact:  http://www.ajc.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Ronald D. Johnson

CHRISTIAN LAWMAKERS' ACTIONS RAISE QUESTIONS

I was struck by the photo of state Rep. Rick Jasperse high-fiving 
another legislator subsequent to the passage of his gun bill on the 
last day of the session. The bill allows guns in churches. On his 
website, Jasperse describes himself as a Christian, like many in the 
General Assembly.

I'm wondering if such elation was showed when bills were defeated 
allowing the use of medical marijuana for Georgia's sick children and 
requiring insurance companies to cover children with autism. Or when 
a bill was passed requiring drug testing for SNAP applicants, the 
poorest among us.

I understand "dog whistle" politics, but I also believe the following 
quote from St. Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospels every day and 
only if you have to ... use words." Maybe I'm confused because I've 
always believed that Christian meant being a follower of Christ.

RONALD D. JOHNSON, AUSTELL
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom