By L.A. Williams, Correspondent
Christian Action League
November 7, 2012
“No matter how hopeless or lost the circumstances may seem, always remember that nothing has dethroned God. He is still in complete control,” — words written by Christian Action League Executive Director Rev. Mark Creech days before Tuesday’s election in reference to a completely different matter seemed appropriate after polls closed and conservative Christians across the nation tracked the discouraging results: no change in the White House; Congress split as usual; more legalized marijuana and even voter approved same-sex marriage. The scene following weeks of hype and hope was not a pretty sight for conservatives.
In Maryland voters approved same-sex marriage 52 to 48 percent; Maine reversed its 2009 decision against gay marriage by a slightly larger margin; and in Washington state, pro-homosexual forces claimed a victory on Referendum 74. Furthermore, an effort to protect traditional marriage in the Minnesota constitution was defeated. Homosexual activists heralded the votes as a watershed moment for their campaign since they marked the first time a marriage protection amendment had failed to pass and the first time same-sex marriage had been approved by voters.
“We had hoped that North Carolina’s strong stand for marriage in May would help invigorate pro-family forces in these states,” said Dr. Creech. “But sadly, the distortion of this sacred union continues. What we must remember is that no matter what the vote, God has not changed his definition of marriage.”
Rev. Creech said he was also saddened to see more states embrace marijuana use. Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize recreational marijuana, and Massachusetts OK’d it for so-called medicinal use. However, medical marijuana was rejected by Arkansas voters, and those in Oregon defeated a ballot measure that would have expanded the plant’s growth and sale. Dr. Cree
ch anticipates a push for medicinal marijuana in North Carolina during the next legislative session since the state Democratic Party has made it part of its platform.
“Our hats are off to voters in Arkansas and Oregon, who stepped up to try to keep limits on this deceptively dangerous drug,” he said. “And we might remind North Carolina lawmakers eyeing a push for pot that it is still illegal according to the U.S. government. These states that are approving it are setting themselves up for a fight with the feds.”
Elsewhere other ballot measures on the CAL radar included an effort in Florida to help limit abortions, which failed, and a Montana initiative to inform parents when their minor daughter is considering abortion. The Montana law won with 70 percent voter approval. Also, a push in California to end the death penalty appeared unlikely to pass.
“The bright spots at the national level were few and far between, but they were there nonetheless,” said Dr. Creech. “Closer to home, conservatives had more victories to celebrate.”
As North Carolina welcomed Pat McCrory as its first Republican governor in 20 years, the state also re-elected Justice Paul Newby, the only candidate endorsed this year by the Christian Action League, to the N.C. Supreme Court.
“This was a very important step to keep the conservative/liberal balance of the state’s High Court at four-to-three,” Dr. Creech said. “We can depend on Justice Newby to continue to defend the North Carolina constitution for another eight years.”
He said the CAL looks forward to working with Gov. McCrory who has promised that state government will get smaller during his term and that the business climate will improve.
Tar Heel Republicans took nine U.S. Congressional seats where Democrats had held a 7-6 edge. And at the Legislature, the GOP tightened its hold on both chambers, gaining at least one seat in the Senate, where the split was already 31-19, and laying claim to 77 of the 120 House spots.
“While most Christians, I believe, were looking for different results for the election on a national scale, we can still be proud of North Carolina, which got it right in 2010 and 2012, not to mention our marriage vote in May,” Dr. Creech said. “More importantly, we must focus on the fact that God is sovereign and though He has not promised to exempt his people from suffering, He is adamant in His Word that He will never leave us, nor forsake us.”
“We have much to be thankful for this November,” he added. “And much work to accomplish with members on both sides of the aisle in the New Year.”