Todd E. Brady: The State of the Union is in danger
The President’s annual State of the Union address before Congress is much like the Super Bowl for political junkies. The pomp, the tradition, the personalities, and most importantly the speech all makes for a great evening.
This past Tuesday, America listened as the President of the United States predictably spoke about jobs, inflation, international threats, and more. Tyre Nichols’ parents sat in the gallery as the President spoke about the horrendous police brutality, which recently took place in Memphis.
There were certainly highs and lows throughout the speech. The politically astute among us will certainly be more knowledgeable about policy issues, but in my estimation the lowest point of the evening came when the President said “Here in the people’s House, it’s our duty to protect all the people’s rights and freedoms.”
With elected politicians standing and clapping, he went on to say “Congress must restore the right the Supreme Court took away last year and codify Roe v. Wade to protect every woman’s constitutional right to choose.”
The clapping grew thunderous. You could hear some Senators and Representatives yelling in support of this “right to choose.” Jan. 6, 2021 was a terrible day in our history at the US Capitol. Likewise, February 7, 2023 was a dark night at the US Capitol. While dangerous weapons were wielded on January 6, equally dangerous words were wielded in that same building on Feb. 7.
The President went on to say, “The Vice President and I are doing everything we can to protect access to reproductive health care and safeguard patient privacy. But already, more than a dozen states are enforcing extreme abortion bans.”
What kind of insane world am I living in where an abortion ban is “extreme?”
I listened to the president as I sat next to my 10-year old son who is adopted from Ethiopia. I sat on the couch thinking, “Lawmakers in Washington DC are applauding the call for this. What kind of murderous country did we bring him home to?”
Amidst the ovation, the president concluded his abortion cheer with the statement, “Make no mistake; if Congress passes a national abortion ban, I will veto it.”
Notice what the President had said. “Here in the people’s House, it’s our duty to protect all the people’s rights and freedoms.” All means even those living inside their mother’s womb.
I certainly do not cast stones. I realize that I am a great sinner. Thank God I have a great Savior. Understanding this about myself and watching the State of the Union, two Scripture passages came to mind. When Jesus was being crucified, he prayed for his murderers “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) Speaking of those whom God gave up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done, he stated that these people not only did godless things, but they gave “approval to those who practice them.” (Romans 1:31)
As the President spoke of abortion, people were standing and clapping and smiling.
Usually, at some point in the State of the Union speech, each President finds a way to report to Congress that “the state of the Union is strong.” Sure, some will point to matters like economy and infrastructure and defense as indicators of the Union’s strength. While some would call the supposed “freedom of choice” an indicator of strength, let us remember that “freedom of choice” is actually ability to taking human life.
In this regard, the state of our union is not strong. It’s in danger.
Todd E. Brady is vice president for university ministries at Union University. Write to him at 1050 Union University Drive, Jackson, TN 38305.
This article originally appeared on Jackson Sun: Todd E. Brady: The State of the Union is in danger
