Senator Tim Kaine’s Controversial Remarks on Rights

During a recent Senate confirmation hearing, Senator Tim Kaine of Virginia challenged the idea that our rights originate from God. He described this notion as “troublesome,” drawing a comparison to Iran’s religious government, which he mentioned as being “from the Creator.”

Interestingly, Kaine’s remarks seem at odds with both Virginia’s history and the foundational principles established by figures like James Madison. These principles assert that our rights indeed come from God, not from any governmental entity.

As Thomas Jefferson famously stated in the Declaration of Independence, “We consider these truths to be self-evident.” This indicates that the government does not grant our rights; rather, our rights exist prior to and independently of governmental authority.

I mean, think about it. If the government determines our rights, it has the power to take them away. This might seem far-fetched, but history shows otherwise. Just look at the totalitarian regimes of the 20th century. There, the denial of God often went hand-in-hand with the denial of individual rights, manipulated to suit governmental agendas.

It’s frankly alarming that some major American politicians appear to misunderstand this essential aspect of our democracy. If we say our rights come from the government, then we’re really in trouble.

As Abraham Lincoln stated in his Gettysburg Address, we are a nation “under God.” This isn’t just a nice phrase; it’s a significant political statement. It emphasizes that the government recognizes inherent rights that exist independently of it, rather than creating rights to serve its purposes.

It’s worth noting that this rhetoric is not unique to Kaine. Other politicians have echoed similar sentiments, which often feels frustrating. This narrative reflects a growing disconnect from organized religion—the very foundation of our democratic beliefs.

Catholic leaders and others who resonate with Thomas Jefferson’s views are encouraged to celebrate our inherent rights and oppose this concerning trend.