A Military Statesman

This fight cost me everything. My career is over, my family is now homeless, we’ve lost a million dollar pension, but Congress agreed with me and rescinded the Navy policy, so chaplains are free again to pray in Jesus’ name. My sacrifice purchased their freedom. My conscience is clear, the fight was worth it, and I’d do it all again.--Navy Chaplain Gordon Klingenschmitt, remarking on his being drummed out of the Navy for insisting that Navy chaplains not be censored for praying in Jesus' name.

Are Statesmen Just Dead Politicians?

Is it true that a statesman is only a dead politician? It’s kind of like getting your picture on U.S. currency: the honor is reserved for the dead. Well, let’s consider that LBJ is a dead politician and was no statesman, and many believe that living politicians such as Roy Moore, Rick Santorum, and Henry Hyde are statesmen. Moore had much to lose, and yet he was willing to risk both reputation and career to hold high the principle that God is the source of law. In taking that risk he lost both career and reputation. Moore (and others like him) outshines his peers and deserves the accolade of “statesman” in the land of the living.