The government must turn helping those in need back into the hands of private organizations and religious groups, said Assemblyman Mike Morrell during a visit to a California Baptist University history class.
“Two hundred and four times in the scripture we are commanded to help the poor,” Morrell said. “None of those times does it ever say governments or taxpayers should.”
Morrell spoke to history professor Andrew Twitty’s class Feb. 8 about moral and ethical issues that arise from being a Christian politician.
“I chose Mike Morrell because I had worked with him in the past, and I knew what kind of man he is,” Twitty said. “He works very hard for his constituents and bases his life and decisions on the book of Proverbs.
“He is very serious about his faith, and I knew that he would be the perfect candidate to talk about the importance of the Constitution and how his faith affects his political decisions.”
Morrell actually never expected to transition from the real estate industry into politics, he said.
However, the dire state of the political sphere drew him out to help California’s 40th Assembly District.
“This is the first time in American history that we are probably, if we don’t clean this up soon, going to leave you guys in debt,” Morrell said. “That’s why I got into politics. I don’t think (the next generation) should pay someone else’s bills.”
Morrell said he uses any chance to speak with students in hopes of challenging them to research their candidates wisely and elect politicians who will truly represent them.
“I have to work on any young person that will listen to me,” Morrell said. “There are going to be some who like what I say and think it is reasonable. Hopefully, that will spur them; if they don’t get into politics full time, they’ll research their politics in a way that we can begin to make better choices.”
While Morrell said California is often cited as one of the most poorly run state governments, he said he believes that within two to four years the state could change if the 80 California state assemblymen were “sold out to the citizens.”
Of Morrell’s visit to his class, Twitty said, “The students will walk away with a greater understanding of the U.S. Constitution. They will also benefit from seeing a politician who truly cares about his region and constituents. It shows that there are still politicians who are involved in politics for the right reasons, and are people of faith.”
Morrell encourages students to get involved in politics for their sakes and future generations.
