Just when you thought Joe the plumber couldn't get any dumber...

Sheldonrs · 05-05-2009, 10:26 AM

http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/...0.html?start=1

Q & A: 'Joe the Plumber'
The man who became a metaphor for the average American in the 2008 election tells CT about his Christian faith and the future of the Republican Party.
Interview by Sarah Pulliam | posted 5/04/2009 10:05AM

Samuel Wurzelbacher was launched into the public arena after Senator John McCain used him as an example of an average American during a presidential debate last fall. "Joe the Plumber" quickly became a celebrity because he questioned then-candidate Barack Obama about his small business tax policy during a stop in Ohio. Now, Wurzelbacher travels the country promoting his book, campaigning for candidates, and speaking at conservative rallies. Wurzelbacher spoke with Christianity Today at an event near Chicago.
Why does conservatism appeal to you as a Christian?
Conservatism is about the basic rights of individuals. God created us. As far as the government goes, the Founding Fathers based the Constitution off of Christian values. It goes hand-in-hand. As far as the Republican Party? I felt connected to it because individual freedom should not be legislated by the federal government.
One thing I've been thinking about is taking the social issues out of national politics. For example, if Georgia wanted abortion and Alabama didn't, that's going to be up to the people in Georgia. I can't sway them. Would I give them advice not to? Absolutely. Would I say it's wrong? Yes. I'll go to Alabama where they say, "I don't want abortion." Trying to get 350 million people to agree on an issue is not going to happen. That way, people can live the way they want to as opposed to being imposed on by the federal government.
In the last month, same-sex marriage has become legal in Iowa and Vermont. What do you think about same-sex marriage at a state level?
At a state level, it's up to them. I don't want it to be a federal thing. I personally still think it's wrong. People don't understand the dictionary—it's called queer. Queer means strange and unusual. It's not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that. You know, God is pretty explicit in what we're supposed to do—what man and woman are for. Now, at the same time, we're supposed to love everybody and accept people, and preach against the sins. I've had some friends that are actually homosexual. And, I mean, they know where I stand, and they know that I wouldn't have them anywhere near my children. But at the same time, they're people, and they're going to do their thing.
Does the Republican Party reach out to evangelicals enough?
No. None of them stand up for anything. They use God as a punch line. They use God to invoke sympathy or invoke righteousness, but they don't stay the course. That's why I think that all needs to be taken out of the federal level and give it back to the states. We've lost our American history. Every state has "In God we trust" or "With God's help" in their constitution. God is recognized as, if you will, America's religion.
Who do you see as the emerging leaders for the Republican Party?
There isn't one. You got the RNC talking about repackaging principles and values to make them hip and cool to the younger generation. You can't repackage them. They are what they are. You can't make what they are.
I like Sarah Palin a lot, actually. I just don't know if that's where God's leading her. I just know the Republican Party's done its best to blackball her. I don't know what her agenda is. If she ran, would I vote for her? Absolutely. John McCain was the lesser of two evils.
Who do you see as the emerging Christian leaders?
James Dobson. I love Dobson. I love John Eldredge's Wild at Heart. The last book I read was The Five Love Languages [by Gary Chapman].
Do you see any Christians becoming stronger voices in politics?
When politicians start talking about being a Christian, I just worry, because a lot of them don't really follow through. I like to see real action in that area. I heard some stories about George Bush, and how he wrote an original letter to each and every soldier that died. And his prayer life was listed to be pretty intense. That kind of thing, it's awesome. I would love it to be true. I would love to hear our leaders actually check with God before he does stuff.
Some people have criticized the Republican Party as being the party of the rich. How can they change their image?
I don't know if they can change their image. I really don't. But, you also have to take into consideration that the Democrats say they are for people in poverty. They're not. They take advantage of all the tax breaks that the IRS has put in place for them. Tax lobbying is a billion-dollar industry up in Washington. Get rid of the tax code we have. Implement a fair tax—make it a level playing ground. People in poverty keep them in power—that's what people have to understand.
How did you react to such public attention after John McCain talked about you in the presidential debate?
The second day, when everything out came out about my taxes, you know, I got really scared, really down. All these people were saying just god-awful things about me. I mean, I'm not one to blow smoke up my skirt, but I think I'm a pretty nice guy and I'm not used to people saying that kind of thing about me. It really hurt. But then I went to bed that night and talked to God for a good, long time. The next morning, I woke up feeling like Superman and I didn't care about what things people said anymore from that day on. They're going to say what they're going to say. They want to tear people down to make themselves feel better. They have their own agendas, and God said, "Well, you know, listen—I set you on a path, and go to it. See what you can do."
Who are you people you look to for advice?
Ken Holder from fairtax.org, who is working hard to spread the fair tax. There are people out there that I respect, but my hero is my dad, and he's the Christian that I aspire to be. He's reading his book, he's praying. He's doing the things he's supposed to be doing as a Christian. I fall short.
How so? What do you mean when you say you fall short?
I don't read my Bible as much as I should. My walk with God seems to get interrupted sometimes. And as much as I fight against that, the world invades in my life, and it will keep me off track for a little while. And then I have to remember, Okay, this is what I believe in, I've got to get back to it. My dad has always been a rock when it comes to Christianity. As far as my faith goes, it's what got me through my life.
Do you have plans to run for public office?
Not right now. God hasn't said, "Joe, I want you to run." I feel more important to just encourage people to get involved, one way or another. If I can inspire some leaders, that would be great. I don't know if I want to be a leader.
Copyright © 2009 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Shawnee123 · 05-05-2009, 10:31 AM

Quote:

People don't understand the dictionary—it's called queer. Queer means strange and unusual. It's not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that. You know, God is pretty explicit in what we're supposed to do—what man and woman are for. Now, at the same time, we're supposed to love everybody and accept people, and preach against the sins. I've had some friends that are actually homosexual. And, I mean, they know where I stand, and they know that I wouldn't have them anywhere near my children. But at the same time, they're people, and they're going to do their thing.

OMG what a moron.

But, I always knew he could get dumber.

classicman · 05-05-2009, 10:37 AM

sugarpop · 05-06-2009, 05:02 PM

He wouldn't allow his friends anywhere near his children simply because they are homosexual? Why? does he think it will rub off on them or something? WAFM.

piercehawkeye45 · 05-06-2009, 05:40 PM

Its obvious that the gays only purpose in life is converting good little Christian children to their lifestyle.

Sheldonrs · 05-06-2009, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by piercehawkeye45

Its obvious that the gays only purpose in life is converting good little Christian children to their lifestyle.

For every ten, we get a toaster oven.

Queen of the Ryche · 05-08-2009, 01:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheldonrs

For every ten, we get a toaster oven.

YOu owe me a keyboard...

Sheldonrs · 05-08-2009, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Queen of the Ryche

YOu owe me a keyboard...

Sorry. I only deal in small boys and toaster ovens.

xoxoxoBruce · 05-09-2009, 12:09 AM

You mean pop tarts?

sugarpop · 05-06-2009, 05:55 PM

DanaC · 05-06-2009, 06:10 PM

More to the point, in what way are they his friends? I rather suspect, if he wouldn't let them anywhere near his kids, they may not attach the label 'friend' to him, as easily as he does to them...

He wants a leader that checks with God before he 'does stuff'. Apparently, Georgy-porgy was prayin an' checkin with God before he did stuff. Which means, that God mustn't have changed his baby-smashing, enemy smiting, war-mongering, violent ways much since the old days, eh?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheldonrs

For every ten, we get a toaster oven.

For toasting buns?

Trilby · 05-06-2009, 06:36 PM

I recall some people actually, um, admiring ol' Joe just last year...said he was a stand-up kind of guy.

Funny old world, innit?

sugarpop · 05-09-2009, 05:59 AM

So apparently posterboy Joe has now left the republican party. How much lower can they sink, after losing Joe the Plumber?

jinx · 05-09-2009, 07:34 AM

I can't imagine wasting 1 minute of my life giving a shit what Joe the plumber thinks.

classicman · 05-09-2009, 10:03 AM

Thank you Jinx - This whole fascination about this one idiot is less important as Michelle Obama's shoes - if thats humanly possible.

05-05-2009, 10:26 AM	#1
Sheldonrs Master Dwellar Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 4,412	Just when you thought Joe the plumber couldn't get any dumber... http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/...0.html?start=1 Q & A: 'Joe the Plumber' The man who became a metaphor for the average American in the 2008 election tells CT about his Christian faith and the future of the Republican Party. Interview by Sarah Pulliam \| posted 5/04/2009 10:05AM Samuel Wurzelbacher was launched into the public arena after Senator John McCain used him as an example of an average American during a presidential debate last fall. "Joe the Plumber" quickly became a celebrity because he questioned then-candidate Barack Obama about his small business tax policy during a stop in Ohio. Now, Wurzelbacher travels the country promoting his book, campaigning for candidates, and speaking at conservative rallies. Wurzelbacher spoke with Christianity Today at an event near Chicago. Why does conservatism appeal to you as a Christian? Conservatism is about the basic rights of individuals. God created us. As far as the government goes, the Founding Fathers based the Constitution off of Christian values. It goes hand-in-hand. As far as the Republican Party? I felt connected to it because individual freedom should not be legislated by the federal government. One thing I've been thinking about is taking the social issues out of national politics. For example, if Georgia wanted abortion and Alabama didn't, that's going to be up to the people in Georgia. I can't sway them. Would I give them advice not to? Absolutely. Would I say it's wrong? Yes. I'll go to Alabama where they say, "I don't want abortion." Trying to get 350 million people to agree on an issue is not going to happen. That way, people can live the way they want to as opposed to being imposed on by the federal government. In the last month, same-sex marriage has become legal in Iowa and Vermont. What do you think about same-sex marriage at a state level? At a state level, it's up to them. I don't want it to be a federal thing. I personally still think it's wrong. People don't understand the dictionary—it's called queer. Queer means strange and unusual. It's not like a slur, like you would call a white person a honky or something like that. You know, God is pretty explicit in what we're supposed to do—what man and woman are for. Now, at the same time, we're supposed to love everybody and accept people, and preach against the sins. I've had some friends that are actually homosexual. And, I mean, they know where I stand, and they know that I wouldn't have them anywhere near my children. But at the same time, they're people, and they're going to do their thing. Does the Republican Party reach out to evangelicals enough? No. None of them stand up for anything. They use God as a punch line. They use God to invoke sympathy or invoke righteousness, but they don't stay the course. That's why I think that all needs to be taken out of the federal level and give it back to the states. We've lost our American history. Every state has "In God we trust" or "With God's help" in their constitution. God is recognized as, if you will, America's religion. Who do you see as the emerging leaders for the Republican Party? There isn't one. You got the RNC talking about repackaging principles and values to make them hip and cool to the younger generation. You can't repackage them. They are what they are. You can't make what they are. I like Sarah Palin a lot, actually. I just don't know if that's where God's leading her. I just know the Republican Party's done its best to blackball her. I don't know what her agenda is. If she ran, would I vote for her? Absolutely. John McCain was the lesser of two evils. Who do you see as the emerging Christian leaders? James Dobson. I love Dobson. I love John Eldredge's Wild at Heart. The last book I read was The Five Love Languages [by Gary Chapman]. Do you see any Christians becoming stronger voices in politics? When politicians start talking about being a Christian, I just worry, because a lot of them don't really follow through. I like to see real action in that area. I heard some stories about George Bush, and how he wrote an original letter to each and every soldier that died. And his prayer life was listed to be pretty intense. That kind of thing, it's awesome. I would love it to be true. I would love to hear our leaders actually check with God before he does stuff. Some people have criticized the Republican Party as being the party of the rich. How can they change their image? I don't know if they can change their image. I really don't. But, you also have to take into consideration that the Democrats say they are for people in poverty. They're not. They take advantage of all the tax breaks that the IRS has put in place for them. Tax lobbying is a billion-dollar industry up in Washington. Get rid of the tax code we have. Implement a fair tax—make it a level playing ground. People in poverty keep them in power—that's what people have to understand. How did you react to such public attention after John McCain talked about you in the presidential debate? The second day, when everything out came out about my taxes, you know, I got really scared, really down. All these people were saying just god-awful things about me. I mean, I'm not one to blow smoke up my skirt, but I think I'm a pretty nice guy and I'm not used to people saying that kind of thing about me. It really hurt. But then I went to bed that night and talked to God for a good, long time. The next morning, I woke up feeling like Superman and I didn't care about what things people said anymore from that day on. They're going to say what they're going to say. They want to tear people down to make themselves feel better. They have their own agendas, and God said, "Well, you know, listen—I set you on a path, and go to it. See what you can do." Who are you people you look to for advice? Ken Holder from fairtax.org, who is working hard to spread the fair tax. There are people out there that I respect, but my hero is my dad, and he's the Christian that I aspire to be. He's reading his book, he's praying. He's doing the things he's supposed to be doing as a Christian. I fall short. How so? What do you mean when you say you fall short? I don't read my Bible as much as I should. My walk with God seems to get interrupted sometimes. And as much as I fight against that, the world invades in my life, and it will keep me off track for a little while. And then I have to remember, Okay, this is what I believe in, I've got to get back to it. My dad has always been a rock when it comes to Christianity. As far as my faith goes, it's what got me through my life. Do you have plans to run for public office? Not right now. God hasn't said, "Joe, I want you to run." I feel more important to just encourage people to get involved, one way or another. If I can inspire some leaders, that would be great. I don't know if I want to be a leader. Copyright © 2009 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information. __________________ Laugh and the world laughs with you; cry and the world laughs AT you.

05-05-2009, 10:37 AM	#3
classicman barely disguised asshole, keeper of all that is holy. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 23,401	__________________ "like strapping a pillow on a bull in a china shop" Bullitt

05-06-2009, 05:40 PM	#5
piercehawkeye45 Franklin Pierce Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,695	Its obvious that the gays only purpose in life is converting good little Christian children to their lifestyle. __________________ I like my perspectives like I like my baseball caps: one size fits all.

05-09-2009, 12:09 AM	#9
xoxoxoBruce The future is unwritten Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 71,105	You mean pop tarts? __________________ The descent of man ~ Nixon, Friedman, Reagan, Trump.

05-06-2009, 06:36 PM	#12
Trilby Slattern of the Swail Join Date: Jul 2004 Posts: 15,654	I recall some people actually, um, admiring ol' Joe just last year...said he was a stand-up kind of guy. Funny old world, innit? __________________ In Barrie's play and novel, the roles of fairies are brief: they are allies to the Lost Boys, the source of fairy dust and ...They are portrayed as dangerous, whimsical and extremely clever but quite hedonistic. "Shall I give you a kiss?" Peter asked and, jerking an acorn button off his coat, solemnly presented it to her. —James Barrie Wimminfolk they be tricksy. - ZenGum

05-06-2009, 05:02 PM	#4
sugarpop Professor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the edge of the abyss Posts: 1,947	He wouldn't allow his friends anywhere near his children simply because they are homosexual? Why? does he think it will rub off on them or something? WAFM.

05-06-2009, 05:55 PM	#10
sugarpop Professor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the edge of the abyss Posts: 1,947

05-09-2009, 05:59 AM	#13
sugarpop Professor Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: the edge of the abyss Posts: 1,947	So apparently posterboy Joe has now left the republican party. How much lower can they sink, after losing Joe the Plumber?

05-09-2009, 07:34 AM	#14
jinx Come on, cat. Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: general vicinity of Philadelphia area Posts: 7,013	I can't imagine wasting 1 minute of my life giving a shit what Joe the plumber thinks. __________________ Crying won't help you, praying won't do you no good.

05-09-2009, 10:03 AM	#15
classicman barely disguised asshole, keeper of all that is holy. Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 23,401	Thank you Jinx - This whole fascination about this one idiot is less important as Michelle Obama's shoes - if thats humanly possible. __________________ "like strapping a pillow on a bull in a china shop" Bullitt

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