On January 31, former Maryland lieutenant governor Michael Steele was elected the first African-American chairman of the Republican National Committee. Steele is a Roman Catholic who has advocated for traditional family values. Watch him talk about his faith and values in excerpts from two recent speeches, first on September 2, 2008 at a Catholic gathering during the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis and then on September 12, 2008 at the Values Voter Summit in Washington, D.C.
Get the Flash Player to see the wordTube Media Player.
13 Responses to “Michael Steele: Standing Up for Faith and Family”
Leave a Reply
Please note that the THIRTEEN editorial staff reserves the right to not post comments it deems to be inappropriate and/or malicious in nature, as well as edit comments for length, clarity and fairness. No solicitations or advertisements will be allowed. Users may link to other Web sites relevant to discussion, but most often links to commercial Web sites will not be permitted.
SUBSCRIBE (RSS)
I couldn’t help raising an eyebrow at your catch headline: “Standing up for Faith and Family.”
While Mr. Steele may stand up for his own personal conception of what family values should be, he and his party stand in opposition to the values of other families who are also asking for recognition.
I regret to see that R&E has chosen a headline that refers to family in a way that seems to take sides in what remains a contentious issue for people of diverse religious and ethical backgrounds. Is it too much to ask that the editorial staff try to present such issues in a sensitive way that’s inclusive of people from all backgrounds?
Thank God for Michael Steele and all people like him. He is a REAL man-not afraid to do the RIGHT THING. He is not afraid to speak the Truth. There is HOPE.
There will always be those pejorative few whose voices seem to resonate din among the echoes of “goodness.” “Faith” and “Family Values” will persevere in the hearts of those who look to a greater spirit
to guide them………..as opposed to those who can see no farther than their cynicysm and fallacious arguments, from which, they espouse their misguided principles and negativities. As a “White” 61 year old retired Veteran, and dad of four daughters, (of whom I couldn’t be prouder), I applaud Mr. Steele for his deeply ensconced convictions and ideals.
Thanks very much PBS for providing this content to show how one prominent politician incorporates and expresses his faith through his public position. None of us, whether in the public eye or not, should suppress or hide who we are. Thanks again.
I’m afraid Steele’s “family values” might be those reflected in the dominant religions of today, which are not good enough for our family. We do not and will not embrace Exclusivism, prejudice, or immoral teachings such as those found in the holy book used by Christianity.
I also commend PBS for airing this. It gives me hope and inspiration that people are speaking out for good. It’s not prejudice or Exclusivism to choose to do the right thing, and stand up for morals and values that are about love – not hate. That is not immoral.
Casey, Are you implying that your own worldview is inclusive and free from prejudice? Your comment seems to reflect otherwise. Isn’t calling someone else’s worldview immoral a form of exlusivism? You have done the very thing you are trying to critique.
Michael Steele is a token Black to do what others want to say and do but can not because they are not Black. Michael Steele was not even supported by his own party when he tried to run for Governor of his own state. Now that we have a Black President. Now he is suddenly the head of the RNC??? Sarah Palin round two
His presentation disturbs me for a number of reasons. I think he is sincere but wrong. There is no correlation between morality and religion. The further we maintain the separation of church and state the better off this country will be. He is sadly being naive and prarochial. o…..s
Michael Steele is a great choice for heading the RNC. Our country needs to return to a deep respect for family and love of God. It’s great to hear a public figure proclaim those values which support the family structure (e.g. respect for life in all of its stages and respect for others). And, contrary to what Bill Murray says, there is very likely a very high positive correlation between morality and religion. It would be difficult to measure statistically those variables, but at least in my observances and judgments, the “truly religious” tend to be very moral as well. For example, one who followed to the letter, the moral teachings of the Catholic Church, or of Judaism, would certainly be very moral by just about any standard used to evaluate morality.
For those among you opposed to Mr. Steele’s ascendancy to the RNC Chairmanship, you may recall our newly elected Caesar’s remarkable words spoken at his first WH Prayer Breakfast: “There is no God who condones taking the life of an innocent human being. This much we know.” Problem with the new Caesar, he always finds a way to qualify his sentiments, no matter how nobly he puts them — especially when they touch on matters of life and death. Granted, he was referring to terrorism. On the other hand, isn’t abortion, whereby the most innocent of us all, are cut to shreds or boiled alive in saline solutions until death — a form of terrorism? Would a loving God tolerate that?
If President Obama can get away with making empty but nice-sounding phrases about the Almighty, why should there be a double standard for Mr. Steele? Perhaps you might find the answer resting in a difference of genuine sincerity and the committed willingness to put words into action.
Why is it when an individual of a minority group decides to associate with the GOP they are viewed as a token or sell out to their ethnic or racial group?
Americans who fall into traditionally recognized minority groups have every right and obligation to follow the tenets of their beliefs and associate with whomever they find agreement. Why is it that white Americans are granted the freedom of thought but minorities are considered a monolithic group in their political, religious and social welfare beliefs? Americans of African, Latino, Asian, European or indigenous decent belong to these respective groups as a result of genetics; however people are individuals who think for themselves.
I voice this opinion on this site because I am a minority within the Democratic Party. As a white male who has been a life long Democrat I am not allowed an opportunity to voice my Pro-Life positions. Additionally, as a practicing Catholic my religious views are not even given credence unless I am a member of Catholics for Choice or unless leaders within the Democratic Party try to justify why my orthodox Catholic believes are wrong.
So much for family values! Repubs are a bunch of hypocrites. Do as I say, not as I do!