Conservatives Grapple with War Response

 

by Pa Rock

Citizen Journalist

There seems to be a fair amount of political angst in conservative circles over how to respond to Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine.  Do they tack political and follow Trump's lead by turning a blind eye on the bloody carnage of war while continuing to praise Vladimir Putin, the man who unleashed that horror?  Do they justify the rolling atrocities and war crimes by quoting from Tucker Carlson's Russian talking points on the war?  Do they cloak themselves tightly in Christian nationalism and proclaim proudly that Christianity filtered through an authoritarian government is a better Christianity than one which is allowed to express itself freely in the weeds of democracy?

Or do they do what is right and condemn Russia's brutal assault on the free and peaceful nation of Ukraine, an unjustified war that has displaced millions and killed and wounded thousands - including women and children.

A political response or one based on morality?   It should not be a hard choice

American televangelists, a traditionally conservative group, also seem to be having difficulty in settling on a response to the war in Ukraine.  Ancient Pat Robertson, whose pronouncements don't always make sense, even to other televangelists, quickly linked God directly with Team Russia.  Robertson informed his viewers that "Putin is being compelled by God to invade Ukraine." (Screw you libs and get off my lawn!)

Former evangelist of yesteryear, Billy Graham, used to routinely condemn and vilify the communist ideology of Russia, but today his son and successor in the family preaching business, Franklin Graham, refers to Putin as a "good leader."   A few days before Russia attacked Ukraine, Graham asked his followers to "pray for Putin," and then received press and public blowback because he neglected to suggest that they also pay for Ukraine.  

But not all conservative evangelists are of the pro-Putin mindset.   James Dobson of "Focus on the Family," and a man whose intolerance of certain aspects of contemporary society is legendary, nevertheless has come out in support of the victimized nation of Ukraine.  In a message to his followers, Dobson said:

"We join millions of Americans today in sadness and outrage in response to Russia's unprovoked assault o the peace-loving people of Ukraine.  Vladimir Putin, the thug and former KGB head of the Soviet secret police, reportedly murdered countless enemies of the state in his day.  Now, as President of Russia, he has rained down terror on innocent Ukrainian men, women, and children, who are desperately trying to defend their beloved homeland."

Dobson went on to heap some obligatory political scorn on President Biden and the leaders of Europe for "dithering" in their response to Putin's attack on the Ukraine.

Conservatives may love some of Putin's hardline authoritarian policies, such as his forceful anti-LGBTQ stance which they equate with a family value, but it's still difficult to fuse their deep admiration of Putin, the man, with his responsibility for a needless war that is separating families and killing family members as they rush about in panic seeking shelter and safety.

 

As the war in Ukraine drags on, the atrocities escalate, and the bodies pile up, it becomes harder and harder to defend the evil machinations of Vladimir Putin.  He was compelled by a lust for territory and power to invade Ukraine - and God had nothing to do with it!  

Defending Putin is a hard row to hoe, but some conservatives feel compelled to keep trying.  Dedicated conservatives may applaud Putin's political positions and policies, but what kind of monsters can justify indiscriminate bombing, the displacement of families, and the murder of children?   

There are lines that should never be crossed, and decent people know it.