What do we want in our leaders?

Anna Arrowsmith looks every bit the middle classed woman who ought to be standing as an MP for Gravesham in Kent. And that is precisely what she is doing on behalf of the Liberal Democrats. But looks can be deceptive as her occupation shows. It will certainly raise and eyebrow or two for Ms. Arrowsmith works under the pseudonym Anna Span directing hard core pornographic films for a living.

As a champion of free society I am delighted that Anna is able to stand for this post, and I applaud the fact that she cares about the society she lives in…to a certain extent.
Why only to a certain extent? Because clearly the seedy films she produces are damaging to the very society she claims to care about, due to the fact that they fuel lust enslaving men to addiction, women to degradation and ensuring that marital fidelity is attacked in the process. Let the Christian understand this stuff is not only very unpleasant it is seriously corrosive to the soul and mind. Surely there is nobody on earth who, with a loving heart, would want this life for their children?

It is not Anna who has shocked me today but rather those who have commented on her chosen path. What does it say about our nation when our current leaders see no problem in the seedy world of pornography. Take for example the liberal democrat spokesman who said ‘The Liberal Democrats are proud to have candidates throughout the country with a great diversity of backgrounds and life experiences’. Leader Nick Clegg backed this up stating that ‘although her job is not my cup of tea’ he was nevertheless adamant that no one should prejudge her. Well sorry Mr. Clegg I do judge on the basis that no decent minded person would involve themselves in this activity. I would say the same for drug traffickers and loan sharks too. You see I want my nation to be led by people who have a healthy regard for chastity, faithfulness and the family.

Or ponder the wisdom of Labour parliamentary candidate Kathryn Smith who went on record with “What Anna does is certainly an unusual occupation but that is her choice and it doesn’t offend me”. Dear Kathryn you miss the point entirely! What she does is morally reprehensible and your total failure to state that ensures I lose all confidence in your ability to govern as well.

And the Tory voice was also one of non judgemental ambivalence. Adam Holloway was however able to turn to scripture quoting that those without sins may cast the first stone. Shall I hop into the confessional then look for a rock? Nice try Adam but there is also plenty about the need for repentance, confession and the upholding of Godly virtue. Had she repented that would be an entirely different matter but, to my knowledge, she has not. And understand that it IS hard for Christians to speak out when we are far from pure ourselves and open to the same temptation as others, but that cannot surely result in us abandoning our strive for healthy moral values. Thus I speak as a sinner and not a saint.

So then as we approach the election the rather depressing news is that no major party seems remotely interested in moral values or social decency. Am I alone in not wanting my children raised by pornographers and anodyne career politicians who seem to lack integrity, vision and courage irrespective of party? How broken Britain is and how limited the voting options for those aspiring for more….should the Christian churches find candidates and run as well?

Of course there is an unfair irony here in that poor Anna is an easy targer because her lewd behaviour is public knowledge. I am not so naive as to imagine all in public office are upstanding members of society and have no doubt that many have equally murky tales to tell! But that is another story….