The Values of Parker Griffith

Faithful Democrats is proud to endorse Parker Griffith, Alabama’s Fifth District Democratic Congressional candidate.  Griffith has served his community as doctor, teacher, and state legislature for many years and is eager to represent his district in the United States Congress.  Griffith is an outstanding candidate whose political positions are informed by his deep Christian faith.

It is clear that Griffith is treasured by his community members.  As an oncologist, Griffith has not only had to deal with patients’ diagnoses, but also with the plethora of related issues that illustrate the complex nature of our failing healthcare system.  On Griffith’s website, there are more than a dozen personal stories from patients describing times when he went well beyond the call of duty to be more than a doctor for his patients, he was a friend.  Story after story reveals Griffith standing up to insurance companies for his patients, not charging patients who could not pay for their treatment, and truly connecting with patients and their families.  Griffith’s relationship with his patients reveals that he is a man of integrity and honor and these are traits we can trust him to continue to demonstrate in Washington.

Democrats from the south always walk a fine line between the traditions of the south and the traditions of the Democratic Party, but Griffith executes this perfectly.  Calling himself an "independent democrat" and a "conservative democrat", he plans to be become a member of the Blue Dog Democrats in Congress.  Griffith knows the importance of accurately and fairly representing his constituents.  When asked where his loyalties will lie once elected, Griffith had the following response:

My loyalties will be ultimately to the kitchen table in everyone’s home. Ultimately, the loyalty that I’ll have is to the children and the families of the 5th Congressional District regardless of what party. …We’ve got a tremendous responsibility, not only as Americans, but as Christians, to see those people in need, and make an effort to correct that. We have gotten too far from the kitchen table, we’ve gotten too far from our families, and because of that, we’re seeing the affects of it in our society everyday and I know that each of you are seeing it in your congregations.

This entire country is more than ready for elected officials who actually listen to the people who put them in office and Parker Griffith is committed to just that.

Griffith is clear about where his priorities lie and is very specific about how his Christian faith informs this position.  When asked what America’s greatest enemy is, Griffith’s response was honest, refreshing, and perceptive:

America’s greatest enemy is America and its materialism….I think that my greatest fear is that the fabric of America has become so attuned to acquisition of material things and as we acquire material things, the human aspect of our lives is diminished. We begin to protect those things that are bought, those things that we want to possess, and we forget that that is not what America was based on. It’s not Christian dogma at all. Why is America in the fix it is in? It’s because, I believe, we have gotten away from the fundamental basis of what has made America great and that is the Christian dogma. …It was the idea that you are your brother’s keeper. It was the idea that in order for us to be strong, we have to be strong in that faith and in that belief. I think we’ve drifted away from that.

In one of those bizarre scenarios that can only occur in the topsy-turvy world of American politics, Griffith has come under attack for this very honest, and scripturally well grounded, statement.  Griffith went on to say that while radical Islam is a threat, it is nothing to be truly feared as long as we hold true to our beliefs, a statement which his opponent has latched onto and attempted to lampoon Griffith with.  Burns Strider has come to Griffith’s defense, exposing these attacks for what they are, absolutely absurd.  As with the case of another Alabama candidate, Bobby Bright, even the conservative Christian Coalition has recognized that these attacks cross a line and have given Griffith a chance to set the record straight.    It is easy to see which candidate is more in touch with the American people and the real concerns and problems facing our nation.

With a leader like Parker Griffith whose guiding tenants are of caring for the least of these and being your brother’s keeper, Alabama’s 5^th District will be in good hands.  Griffith has proven himself to be a valued friend and leader in his community who clearly is ready to stand up for the people of his district.  Lead by his Christian heart and conservative democratic ideals, Griffith is a perfect candidate for the people of Alabama.