Politics

Justin Taylor (et. al.) Endorse Mike Huckabee

If you are not a regular reader of Justin Taylor’s blog, you should be. It’s the Drudge Report of the Reformed Evangelical blogosphere. Yesterday, he and Joe Carter and Matthew Anderson made the case for Mike Huckabee’s candidacy for President. They argue that Huckabee will turnout the social, fiscal, and national security conservative vote to prevail against Hillary Clinton. They write:

“Gov. Huckabee cannot win the nomination without our votes and without our support. Now is the time to act. If you care about the three legs of the conservative stool—social conservatism, fiscal responsibility, and strong defense—and if you do not want four (or eight!) years of Hillary, then we should join us in supporting Mike Huckabee for President.”

“Our Conservative Choice: An Endorsement of Mike Huckabee” – Justin Taylor, et. al.

32 Comments

  • Paul

    “Fiscal conservatives. Gov. Huckabee is a candidate that should appeal to fiscal conservatives. He has signed the Presidential Taxpayer Protection Pledge which binds the signer to “oppose any and all efforts to increase the marginal income tax rates for individuals and/or businesses … and oppose any net reduction or elimination of deductions and credits, unless matched dollar for dollar by further reducing tax rates”; he supports the FairTax, which would abolish the IRS and replace the Internal Revenue Code with a consumption tax…”

    1) he refuses to raise anyone’s or any business’ income tax. So who pays for all of our debt again?

    2) The Fair Tax. In order to take in as much money as we take in under the current system, that consumption tax would need to be in the range of 25-27%. That mom who won’t be getting health insurance for her kids under S-CHIP will certainly love paying an extra dollar for her gallon of milk under Huckabee’s plan.

  • Josh R

    I think Huckabee is the GOP’s only chance of winning. Instead of fighting to retain the base, he is breaking new ground and reaching out to voters who might not normally vote republican.

    As far as the taxes go in the comment above, 1, find me a Republican that says they will raise taxes, and I will show you one that has zero chance to get elected. We pay our debt by growing our economy. As the economy grows, revenues grow. When the economy shrinks revenue shrinks. Raising taxes usually slows the economy, and lowering taxes usually speeds the economy.

    2. The cost of the current tax structure is built into the products that we buy. The American corporations pass the cost of the taxes on to the consumers, while their foriegn counterparts who reside in countries funded by VAT get to import their products tax free, making American products uncompetitive. Something needs to be done to fight the flight of jobs from this country.

    Huckabee is a true grass roots candidate, who is going to win the election by appealing directly to the American people, not to lobbyists and corporate interests.

  • Ben Stevenson

    Paul,
    The Fair Tax includes a “prebate”:

    “The prebate makes the FairTax progressive.
    To ensure no American pays tax on necessities, the FairTax plan provides a prepaid, monthly rebate (prebate) for every registered household to cover the consumption tax spent on necessities up to the federal poverty level. This, along with several other features, is how the FairTax completely untaxes the poor, lowers the tax burden on most, while making the overall rate progressive. However, the FairTax is progressive based on lifestyle /spending choices, rather than simply punishing those taxpayers who are successful….”
    http://www.fairtax.org/PDF/FairTaxFAQ.pdf

  • Mark Gibson

    mlm,

    I read that Wall Street Journal article also. Huckabee was my favorite until I read articles like this. You can also tell from the GOP debates that he is an open-borders guy.

  • Josh R

    It is a very good sign that the attack dogs are starting to come out against Huckabee. It is a good sign that the Establishment is taking him seriously now.

    The simple fact is that I don’t see a biblical mandate for fiscally conservative governments. It is a good idea in principal, but I don’t think is the most important litmus test for our candidates. Fiscal responsibility is important, and Huckabee supports fiscal responsibility.

    It is also important to differentiate the state responsibilities from the federal responsibilities. Tax increases and investments are much more appropriate at the local level. Arkansas had a responsibility to maintain and improve their roads. The fact that Huck supported a tax at a local level doesn’t mean that he would support it at a federal level.

  • Yvette

    Denny, you wrote: “If you are not a regular reader of Justin Taylor’s blog, you should be.” To be real frank, I used to be, but the conversation there is so hostile to anyone showing opposing views I stopped reading it. I actually encountered profanity about Greg Boyd.

    If you are a Calvinist, and only say “Great Post!” you will probably like it. If you have any differentiating thoughts, prepare to be attacked.

    I found it to be an extremely un-Christlike “Christian” blog.

  • Drew

    Yvette,

    First, Denny has already mentioned “Reformed Evangelical Blog.” Justin is a Calvinist.

    Second, the subject is on Mike Huckabee in particular and not about Greg Boyd.

    Third, please show to us where and which article has profanity? Btw, if there is it will be taken down unless it slip through.

    Fourth, where is the un-Christian like part?

    Fifth, are you just complaining and gossiping. If so, go repent.

    Sixth, you want a serious discussion. Comment on something with brains.

  • mlm

    Drew:

    I don’t know who you are, or who Yvette is, but your comment was quite rude and unmannerly. I don’t read Justin Taylor’s blog, never heard of it, but I am a Drudge reader. So since Denny compared the two, I checked out Taylor’s blog. First, I don’t see the comparison, and second, it didn’t take long to find the profanity in reference to Greg Boyd.

    So, Drew, before you spitefully respond to someone, perhaps you should take 3 minutes (the time it took me) to do your own research. I know I’m a big proponent of research, but it really does make a difference…on blogs and in real life. I promise.

    Although I think each of us should do our own work, I’ve gone ahead and done it for the lazy. There may be other unChristian comments on Taylor’s blog but here’s just one example: http://theologica.blogspot.com/2005/01/greg-boyd-on-abortion.html

  • Yvette

    Drew,

    MLM pointed to the post to which I was referring on Greg Boyd.

    Drew, are you saying that if people are not Calvinist they should not present their views there? Are you saying, “Don’t bring opposing views”?

    I repeatedly saw others attacked there for bringing intellectual responses that were contrary. I’m not talking about being rebutted; I’m talking about attacks.

    You stated, “Second, the subject is on Mike Huckabee in particular and not about Greg Boyd.” His opening line included that we should read Justin Taylor. I simply stated why I stopped.

    MLM accurately answered your third and fourth points. As well as the fifth point since it is obviously not just gossip, and again, a response to Denny’s post.

    Drew, you said: “Third, please show to us where and which article has profanity? Btw, if there is it will be taken down unless it slip through.” Do you have access to remove it?

  • Yvette

    MLM,

    Thanks for your response. And I truly want to thank you for always being a person who endeavors to do research. This has been consistent with you, and it has not gone unnoticed.

  • Lucas Knisely

    mlm said:
    First, I don’t see the comparison, and second, it didn’t take long to find the profanity in reference to Greg Boyd.

    and then mlm said:
    There may be other unChristian comments on Taylor’s blog but here’s just one example: http://theologica.blogspot.com/2005/01/greg-boyd-on-abortion.html

    I think you misunderstood. Drew originally said this:
    please show to us where and which article has profanity?

    Notice the word “article“? Pointing out uncharitable or mean spirited comments really doesn’t pertain to what Drew was talking about. So your “research” isn’t helping since Drew didn’t ask about comments made, but articles written. For someone touting research in such a way, you didn’t read Drew’s comment very carefully.

    And you “anti Justin Taylor” guys are trolling anyways. Denny’s entry is about Justin Taylor endorsing Mike Huckabee.

  • Bryan L

    Lucas you’re grasping for anything you can get.

    It was easy to understand what Yvette was saying and if anything it sounds like you and Drew misunderstood while MLM actually got it (either that or your acting like a lawyer looking for a loophole).

    The point they’re making is that people are slandering those they disagree with and using profanity to do it and it is being allowed to stay posted.

    The purpose of the post was to bring attention to Justin endorsing Huckabee. That is why it is note worthy because Justin is doing it and we all know how influential he is in the blog world. Denny doesn’t just post about anyone who endorses Huckabee.

    Trolling? Anti Justin Taylor? You sound paranoid. There’s no conspiracy here.

    Bryan L

  • Lucas Knisely

    Painting me in a “conspiracy theorist” or “paranoid” light will probably distract from my point. It is, however, completely untrue. Whether you choose to see it or not, coming here and bringing up unrelated and provocative topics about Justin Taylor is trolling… plain and simple.

    And for the record, I’m not grasping. I noticed that Drew asked for an article to be referenced where profanity was used against Greg Boyd. He was then provided with a link to comments on Justin Taylor’s site. I was curious as to where Justin Taylor ever profaned Greg Boyd as well.

    If I asked “Where has John Smith ever said that Bob Doe is a fascist?” and you linked me to what someone else said on John Smith’s website, I’d be quite puzzled as to why you think that is an adequate answer to my question.

  • Bryan L

    Who said JT ever profaned Boyd? You’re such a careful reader of Drew, where did Yvette ever say JT profaned Boyd? She was talking about the conversation that goes on on that blog. I think even Drew understood that. How would it slip by JT (as Drew mentioned) if he was the one doing the profaning? And Drew didn’t ask where JT profaned Boyd either as your analogy suggest. You’re trying to build a big argument on a statement that could easily be interpreted either way and 3 other people easily interpreted it the opposite way that you did.

    I’m not painting you as anything. You really sound paranoid like we all want to come up and find things to trap JT in because we’re part of the Anti Justin Taylor Coalition or something. Get real.

    I have nothing against JT just like I have nothing against Denny even though I disagree with them both. And nobody else here said they did either. Denny endorsed his blog and said we all should be readers. Someone commented on what they thought was hostile conversation on the blog why they used to read it but didn’t stick around. It’s not trolling.

    Seriously Lucas just give it up.

  • D. Taylor Benton

    Just to talk about the actual article. I was a Thompson supporter but I have made the switch the Huckabee due to the fact that he IS consistent and it is shown by those who oppose him I think he is a solid candidate. He just needs to get his fundraising going or else he isn’t going to make it. No matter what you think about it, if he doesn’t have the money, no matter how good a candidate he is..he won’t get elected due to lack of exposure.

    Now to the second stream of comments about JT specifically and Denny secondarily.

    No matter where you go you will find idiots that make un-christian comments. I frequent both sides of the political and theological stream when it comes to blogs and commentary and i have seen honestly rediculous statements on both sides and very hurtful things said by both sides.

    ****I am about to speak in generality for those who hate it***

    Generally speaking i have found the Left (theologically and politically) take things very personally and take criticism of their views as a personal attack. It is said because it reduces debates into name calling. and for that specific person on JT’s blog that profaned Boyd. their an idiot. If you cannot articulate your views and concerns without profanity, honestly it shows ignorance and a lack of vocabulary.

    Now for one expletive to show up on JT’s blog shouldn’t be a real shock no matter how wrong it is. If you have any concept of the amount of people that post and frequent his blog it is truly amazing that there aren’t more that get past them.

    However, I wouldn’t really see JT’s blog somewhere to debate anyway due to its theological “news wire” mentality. It is not really a place for commentary and debate. So to Yvette, if you go there to voice opposing views, I would find a different forum.

    with that all said, we are as believers sinners saved by grace. May we be gracious to others as Christ our Lord has been gracious to us in our salvation. even if we may oppose someone’s view, even a heretical one. God’s grace to us is a gift that is meant to be shared for our sanctification, evangelization of the lost, and edification of one another.

    go Huckabee!

    Thank you Denny for your servanthood you give us by this blog and keep up the great posts!

  • Bryan L

    I think it’s interesting that you don’t here many talking about Thompson anymore. Fromm an outsiders perspective listening to the political conversation for a wile I remember people couldn’t stop talking about him. He sounded like he was supposed to be the republican savior that would change everything once he jumped in the race. But now you barely hear about him at all. If I were a republican I would worry about the constant jumping from candidate to candidate. Today Huckabee is a favorite, but tomorrow it just seems like people will be looking for another republican candidate to put their hopes in.

    It seems time to stick with one and go with it for better or for worse if you want any chance of winning. But what do I know. Politics isn’t my thing.

    Blessings,
    Bryan L

  • Denny Burk

    Thanks, Dustin.

    For what it’s worth, I have adopted a hands-off approach to comments on my blog. I let through almost anything that someone wants to write. I do this because I don’t have time to read all the comments. So if I were going to regulate the comments, I would either have to disallow comments altogether, read all of them, or allow all of them. I have chosen the latter, and it is very rare that I delete a comment (although any profanity and lewd remarks go immediately into my spam folder).

    As a result, one will often find offensive and hurtful things in the comments section of this blog. I find myself regularly offended by some of the things people write in the comments section. Nevertheless, I’m fairly confident that the most egregious violators of righteousness and reason will be seen for what they are.

    Thanks,
    Denny

  • Paul

    “As a result, one will often find offensive and hurtful things in the comments section of this blog. I find myself regularly offended by some of the things people write in the comments section. Nevertheless, I’m fairly confident that the most egregious violators of righteousness and reason will be seen for what they are.”

    Is that a shot?

  • Drew

    mlm,

    would you care to respond to Lucas on “article” and “comment”?

    You wrote that “I am rude and unmannerly.” Which word did I use to conjure up such a respond? Would yours be considered rude and unmannerly? (especially since you have misrepresented my statements!)

    Will you repent for slandering me?

    Again, please show me an “article” from Justin Taylor’s blog http://www.theologica.blogspot.com which contained profanity.

  • Yvette

    Drew,

    Apparently you are the one having trouble understanding. You are the one who is misrepresenting what I wrote. Bryan stated it perfectly, and mlm gave you the link. If you read my comment it referred to the “conversation” that takes place there. Implicit in the statement is the multiple comments. Operating with minimal reasoning capabilities, one would conclude that it is not referring to JT.

  • Yvette

    Denny,

    I apologize for taking so long to make this statement. I truly appreciate your integrity in having a profanity filter on this blog. When I read that my internal response was, “Here is a man who is striving for righteousness and responsibility.” Thank you.

  • Drew

    Yvette,

    Lets not be childish.

    You dont like the conversation in Justin’s blog and yet you attack the blog.

    You wrote, I found it to be an extremely un-Christlike “Christian” blog.

    That is exactly the problem, you implied that Justin’s blog is un-chrislike. Of which Justin is a part.

    That is lumping all into one. Have you taken a class in Intro to Logic? If not please take one for better argumentation.

    You wrote that mlm answered me but he misrepresented my statements. So before you align yourself with someone else answer check again!

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