By Jim Smallwood
Former Colorado State Senator
Being a good Catholic and working in politics sometimes seems oxymoronic. It’s probably the first thing you thought of upon coming across the topic: something along the lines of, “being a good Christian and being in politics – those two things don’t ‘match.’’’ Given everything that we see on the news and read in the papers or online, it would be difficult to criticize someone for thinking that. That mindset is terribly unfortunate on many levels.
It’s unfortunate to start this way because public service should be, used to be, and, I would argue, in some cases still is, a noble endeavor. God himself ordained that governments should be established among men (Rom 13, for instance) and, as such, it is incumbent on those called to serve in such roles to do so with as much honor and fidelity to true principles as possible. I believe this is especially true in civilizations and nations such as ours, which have inherited the practices of self-government. The sad reality that so many in this modern age have failed to meet those expectations should not diminish the nobility of the institution’s purpose.
When it comes to my own service in government, I look at the question from several perspectives; first, I must always remember that I am a Catholic first and a temporal legislator second. This means that with every vote I make, with every bill I run and with every speech I make from the well, I need to remember not only God and his law, as fulfilled by his son Jesus Christ, but also that I reflect publicly what it means to be Catholic and a follower of Christ, as a testament to others.
Second, on a more practical, concrete level, I try to apply the teachings of Christ and his Church in the public policy I advance. Jesus told us to “render to Ceasar what is Ceasar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mk 12:17). It’s always useful to keep in mind the separation of the two. Admittedly, a large part of my job as a State Senator was trying to ensure that Ceasar didn’t intrude on the things that are God’s and to keep Ceasar’s portion as limited as reasonably possible.
Finally, and perhaps most complicated, is the task of determining the differences between the universal principles and morals taught by the Church and the disciplines reserved for Catholics.
In some instances, it was an easy distinction. For example, every vote to make abortion the “clear and only choice” for women at every stage of pregnancy was an easy choice for me as a Catholic, as Christ’s teachings appear very clear to me on the sanctity of innocent life. But what about those countless issues that are not quite as cut and dried?
Often, the answers are not obvious or easy. We are called as Catholics to help those less fortunate, but what is the best way to do that? The easy answer may be to take the Robin Hood approach – take from those who have more and give to those who have less. But is that the right approach? Is forced charity pleasing to God? Does taking that simplistic approach really help those less fortunate in the long run? Is it even moral?
I believe God gave us the ability to think beyond the obvious and to look deeper. If Peter and Simon had taken the obvious route when asked by our Lord to abandon their livelihoods and follow him, they would have died as fishermen. I have tried to apply the longer view in my approach to public policy.
Take, for instance, what has come to be my signature policy issue – healthcare. Many fellow Catholics ask me why I so vigorously oppose socialistic approaches to such an important necessity for Colorado families. When it comes to my healthcare views, I want to help build a system that works for everyone – and that most certainly includes our most vulnerable citizens. I opposed progressive government-created health insurance schemes like the Colorado Option in the state legislature because of the unintended consequences we’re seeing play out today: premiums have increased by 10% across individual market plans, enrollment is lagging at half the national average, and options for access to quality care are dwindling. The Denver Business Journal recently reported that six rural Colorado hospitals are at immediate risk of closing. If they do, it will create a healthcare desert for rural Coloradans who often cannot travel long distances or take valuable time to receive care. Wouldn’t it be more charitable to come back to the table to prioritize solutions that build on what’s been proven to succeed in our current healthcare system and effectively fix what’s broken?
Finally, as a Catholic, I have an inherent respect for tradition and the wisdom of our fathers. That is why I am a conservative. I believe it is best to build upon what we have been vouchsafed rather than throw away decades of experiences in expectation of creating something better out of whole cloth overnight, without the benefit of the wisdom of ages. New is not always better. I believe that as a Catholic legislator in America, my focus ought to be on being obedient first. That includes, as another good Catholic public figure, William F. Buckley, put it, “being obedient to God and the wisdom of our fathers.’’
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