If I'm going to hell, I might as well not have to wait in line. I'm going to offend as to at least a former friend, the Bible/faith/prayer, my home state of Alabama, etc.
Today's Montgomery Advertiser reports Bible still relevant today for leaders, politico and author says by Sebastian Kitchen where Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Joe Turnham rolls out his new book Leading from our Knees, where Joe "bids you also as a leader in this time to become a partner in building the Kingdom of God." Say it aint so Joe, say it aint' so.
Since Bama's Democratic Chairman seems to hardly lead from his feet, he might as well stay on his knees. There's more below the fold.
I've scolded Joe Turnham before for writing of Rudy Guiliani’s "liberal record on abortion, gun rights, and illegal immigration" as it reinforces the frames of the right and totally misrepresents what a "liberal" record truly means, yet today's news of his new book has me totally bummed.
Certainly Joe Turnham can write any book he wants, worship according to his preferences and beliefs, make a living in any way he's able, and handle his leadership position as he and the powers that be in Alabama's Democratic Party see fit.
Still, I wish he'd have spent the last few years reading more David Sirota, Bob Mosner, Glenn Hurowitz, Drew Westen, etc. and less Aaron through Zerubbabel. Yup, there's a Bible Character Index in Joe's book!
Alabama Democrats likely need more Populism and Progressivism from their Chairman than prayer and publishing. Your job is to build the party of today and tomorrow Mr. Chairman! Building the Kingdom of God might require a new line of work.
A portion of Sebastian Kitchen's writing (Joe certainly owes Mr. Kitchen a beer or better yet tickets to a Biscuits game!) I'll share follows:
Turnham left a copy of the book on the desk of Alabama Republican Party Chairman Mike Hubbard, who is also the minority leader in the Alabama House of Representatives. Both men are from Auburn.
Hubbard said Turnham wrote a nice note in the front. He said he read several of the lessons and said the book is good.
"I like Joe personally. He's just wrong on his politics -- right on his religion and wrong on his politics," Hubbard said. "He's a friend and a good person."
Mike Hubbard is a talented partisan that takes no prisoners and reliably advances movement conservatism. His radio station feeds East Alabama/West Georgia dittoheads their daily dose of el Rushbo, Hannity, and the like but Joe Turnham writes a nice note in his book on how the Bible teaches us leadership by praying.
I'd love to hear from others on the Great Orange Satan as to Joe's book and usefulness to the Alabama/National Democratic Party. I'm hardly suggesting he should become a Wiccan and start cross-dressing down in the buckle of the Bible Belt but this book strikes me as a combination of pandering, profiteering, and a perfect example of why we can hardly count out the GOP, at least not down in Dixie.