In the last article I discussed what political offices could be viewed as having authority over citizenry that evangelicals often refer to. In today’s article I’m going to pin point those offices where logic would state no or very little authority over a constituency with reasons for the argument.
Mayors:
When it comes to local government, mayors are macro microcosm of the office of U.S. President and state governor. Yet, this is where things get tricky. Mayors are city executives who have authority over apparatus who circumstantially have authority over residents, such as police and some judges. Yet, under law, at certain times they must answer to legal authorities themselves when they transgress laws. They also don’t hold any direct authority over a citizen. So, when looking at the office of mayor; they have influence but no direct authority and cannot be deemed ‘authoritative.’
State, Federal House Of Representatives-State, Federal Senators:
The offices of members of the House; both state and federal, Senate; both state and federal, Vice President and Lt. governors (in states that have such offices) are those sacrificial callings which make America such a unique blessing. For they are the mouthpiece of the timid, overlooked and powerless. These offices are truly representative of the ‘checks and balances’ our founders so feverishly sought. When I’ve considered running for office the legislative branch is what I’ve considered. Here’s why: I’m a driven ‘type A’ personality who loves being ‘top dog.’ Due to my specified sin nature, I would be too tempted to abuse influence in any executive role. I certainly don’t want a capitol punishment dynamic on my conscience as a governor, having to produce a decision either way affecting someone’s life. I don’t feel I’m a good fit deciding if America does or does not engage in conflict with another country. For this reason, I’d choose a legislative office as a candidate. I can be that humble servant of the people in listening to them and legislating for them. Reader, you may ask: ‘don’t legislators create laws all citizens must obey?’ Yes, but those same legislators must obey them also. They are also ultimately and even more directly accountable to voters than a president. Sure, at the federal level they have the power to call people to congress for hearings, are a check against presidential autocracy and can vote on judicial appointments; but these times are the only times they have power over anyone’s life. There is no instant I can see where they have direct power over any citizen. They can be vetoed by the executive office and voted out of office (fired) each term. In extreme cases they can be ‘fired’ directly out of office by their colleagues. City councilmen, aldermen fall into this same category. Tomorrow I broach the topic for no position at all having authority.
