Time for Executive Orders
One of the main arguments we hear against such an approach is that the people will not go along with it, but the events surrounding the coronavirus demonstrate that people will go along with unprecedented orders from governors, even at extraordinary costs. Oklahoma’s Governor Kevin Stitt should issue executive orders to immediately abolish abortion for good. Based on what we know of human nature and have witnessed with recent emergency executive orders, Gov. Stitt would likely be successful. The time for justice is always now, but strategically, this is especially true right now. Consider:
First, it is axiomatic that collectively people conform. The prophets of old compared the people to sheep because people need to follow a leader just like sheep follow a shepherd. Concerning coronavirus, executive shepherds have issued orders that destroy liberty, property, businesses, and ultimately lives, but, appropriate or not, moral or not, the people are going right along. Those same executive shepherds could issue orders to abolish abortion, and the people would likewise go along. The time is now.
Second, people will acquiesce if they perceive that lives are at risk. They will vote for anything, do anything, follow anywhere, or allow anything, if they believe it will save lives, or if it is for the children. They clearly believe this about coronavirus. If a chief executive were courageous enough to proclaim the truth of the abortion holocaust and declare it the emergency that it is, the people would believe. Now is the time.
Third, people go along with just about anything if it does not affect them personally. “Oh, whatever… That doesn’t affect my house, my car, my cell phone, or my Netflix,” seems to be their attitude. Shutting down abortion death camps would not immediately affect enough people to cause dissent. Those who have participated at some level in the sin of abortion, and are suffering the guilt and manifestations of physical, emotional, and spiritual death accompanying such sin, are not likely rise up to prevent the abolition of abortion. The time is right now.
Fourth, executives need not fear the people’s reaction. It takes an extraordinarily high level of wicked behavior from an official to get an impeachment trial going, much less a conviction or civil unrest. The time is right now.
Fifth, we are in a time of political and economic chaos. Heads are spinning. What is one more industry shut down? Those who would protest have greater worries right now. The governor should take this opportunity to abolish abortion permanently. Without colorful protestors, it would not be much of a story. Now is exactly the right time.
Lastly, it is an election year, and Vice President Mike Pence confirmed in a recent meeting with evangelicals that President Trump would support a governor abolishing abortion. Trump wants to be re-elected, and he needs the Christian vote. The time is exactly right now.
The law at every level-federal, state, and city-allows for chief executives to wield extraordinary power to save lives, which can be abused or used appropriately. Executives are wielding it now, rightly or wrongly, to fight coronavirus. Governor Stitt has the authority to issue executive orders to the Oklahoma Board of Medical Licensure and Supervision, Oklahoma State Department of Health, the Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (Highway Patrol), Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, and the Oklahoma National Guard (State Militia), instructing them to revoke medical licenses, shut down abortion death camps, and prevent any further murder by abortion. Each of these executive agencies answers to the governor. If they do not follow his orders, he can replace their heads with leaders who will.
Governor Stitt may have got a glimmer of an idea when he issued the following mandate in his Executive Order amended March 24: “Medical providers in Oklahoma shall postpone all elective surgeries…,” an order including abortions. Unfortunately, local abortionists ignored the order, police refused to enforce it, and a federal judge put a stay on the pertinent part of the order.
Legally, executives have the power to declare an emergency, prohibit the sale of abortifacient drugs, and shut down abortion death camps. But all we have seen so far is a half-hearted order to postpone all murders of the preborn temporarily. If no governor can muster the courage to abolish abortion and ignore immoral and unconstitutional court opinions right now during this perfect storm of social and political opportunity, then it feels as if one never will. For generations to come, the abolition of abortion will remain a pipe dream.
The same kind of executive action that is being taken across the state to protect people from the possible threat of a virus could be exercised to protect innocent preborn humans from the imminent and palpable reality of murder by abortion. When will our governor have the courage to use it?
Ultimately, it will take a chief executive to abolish abortion. If Governor Stitt wants to abolish abortion, there is nothing standing in his way. Not the federal government and not the people of Oklahoma. President Trump has given his blessing. The lives of preborn humans are on the line, and the people will understand that. Abolishing abortion does not affect most people enough for them to oppose it in any meaningful way. And finally, the people’s acquiescence to executive authority with coronavirus has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the people will go along with the governor’s leadership. The time to abolish abortion is exactly right now.
Calling our leaders to lead is the prophetic role of the people of God. Some will listen, while others will not. The king of Nineveh appears to have responded quickly to Jonah’s warnings. Within a matter of days he issued an executive order directing all citizens to “Call urgently on God. Let them give up their evil ways and their violence.” Other leaders required more time and persuasion. King Nebuchadnezzar was warned by Daniel, his trusted counselor, but he had to eat grass before he humbled himself to obedience. Unfortunately, most men in power never listen to God’s messengers at all. Will Governor Stitt hear and obey God?
John Michener is the Director of Oklahomans United for Life (OUL). You can contact him at:
john.michener@oku4life.org
Latest Commentary
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024
Wednesday 31st of January 2024