An Iranian Muslim cleric ends a speech with the following:

And I want to leave with an expression of gratitude to Allah in whose hands all things lie. He has a plan for every one of our lives. Everything that comes from Allah is good. Allah is perfect. Allah makes no mistakes. And he has things planned for all of us. And we await eagerly to see what lies ahead.

Some American politicians point out this is the difference between the United States and a theocracy where the leaders use religion to justify their political goals.  They will argue it is this kind of wrong thinking that convinces young Muslims to become terrorists or even, suicide bombers. Jihad is a divine endeavor.

There is just one problem.  With the exception of my taking the liberty to substitute the word “Allah” for the world “God,” this is EXACTLY what former presidential contender Marco Rubio said in his concession speech last night after suspending his campaign.

I have no problem with individuals, politician or otherwise, relying on religious beliefs or spirituality for inner strength.  But comments like Rubio’s suggest something else.

• Is it a perfect God’s plan that Rubio’s parents would have been denied the opportunity to come to America if the Mariel boat lift happened today?  Remember, in some circles, all Cuban refugees at that time were characterized as criminals.
• Is it a perfect God’s plan that Rubio join his Senate colleagues in blocking the President’s constitutional duty to replace a Supreme Court justice? How many theocratic leaders suspend their constitutions when the law does not fit their narrative?
• If God is perfect, than why does Rubio rail against the Affordable Care Act which his perfect God allowed to pass?
• Why must a politician believe that their view of the world is God’s plan and the opposition’s is not?

When Joe Biden was a freshman Senator, I attended an event where he was the keynote speaker.  Forty years later, I remember his admonition, “Beware of people who say ‘Power to the people.”  What they are actually saying is ‘Power to MY people.'”

Theocracy has been bad for Iran.  It has been used to suppress women’s rights and identify scapegoats for failed policies and misguided leadership.  Just remember, those leaders believe THEIR god is perfect.  He does not make mistakes.  Similar thinking has the potential to be equally disastrous for America.

For What It’s Worth.
Dr. ESP