Rep. Dan Burton of Indiana has admitted
to an extramarital affair and to fathering a child in that relationship. It is time for
him to resign from office. The Republican Party will have no right to
criticize the President, or anyone else, if it cannot speak against one of its own when
that one brings discredit to his office, his party, and his nation. The party, and the
voters, must never promote anyone who has a major, demonstrable character flaw,
irrespective of their popularity, fundraising ability, legislative history, or any other
factor. We must stand for principle over politics, or we dishonor the history of those
that valiantly formed the Republican Party.
For those who serve in office, it is not whether they are liberal or conservative that
makes them fit to lead. The impact is in portraying a role model. Vice President Gore is
not a good role model for compassion when he gives a paltry $300 to charity, but gives
billions from the taxpayers’ pockets. President Clinton is not a good role model
against drug use when he can joke about "I didn’t inhale." Rep. Burton,
despite any wonderful legislation you have been involved with, you are not a good role
model for faithfulness in marriage.
As a man, I commend Rep. Burton, for the supportive role he has taken concerning his
out of wedlock child. Those actions on his part are admirable. However, doing what is
right, after a major failing of character, does not qualify him for leadership.
The Bible sets out several requirements to be a leader in the church. None concern
whether you are liberal or conservative. All concern your personal character, how you live
your personal life. The Creator of all mankind knows that your personal life demonstrates
your character. Your personal life is the role model you will be to others. If the
standards for leadership are this high in the local church, we should also expect at least
that of our national leaders.
We remember President George Washington for his integrity. We do not remember the bills
he signed, but we do remember the cherry tree, and those famous words, "I cannot tell
a lie." Should we expect anything less from our leaders today? Rarely do we find
someone present day, or in recent history, who has left his mark with that kind of
reputation.
Thankfully, there is at least one. We are marking the first anniversary of the death of
Mother Teresa of Calcutta. She demonstrated an unwavering compassion for the poor by
giving of herself, not the tax dollars of others. She spoke out boldly against the
slaughter of innocents, the holocaust of abortion. No one else could speak at the National
Prayer Breakfast on February 3, 1994, and say so frankly that abortion is "a war
against the child."
Mother Teresa said, "God has not called us to be successful, but to be
faithful." Rep. Burton, we have now forgotten how you served in Congress. Apparently,
you have served your out of wedlock son, and his mother, well. However, you have not been
faithful to you wife, and your marriage vows. Now it is time to serve your nation by
resigning from office.
