Cruz Campaign Lacks Christian Compassion

Cruz Campaign Lacks Christian Compassion

Commentary by Sanford D. Horn
February 12, 2016

Full disclosure, I support Senator Ted Cruz for President. The Texas Republican is the right brand of conservative supporting fiscal responsibility, is pro-life, staunchly an ally of Israel, and understands the United States Constitution better than most. Liberal jurist Alan Dershowitz has oft-praised Cruz’s constitutional acumen. The 2016 election is one of the most vital in generations as the next president may well have the responsibility to appoint three or four people to serve life terms to the Supreme Court.

That said, the Cruz campaign did its candidate a disservice, even in the Palmetto State of South Carolina boasting of a plethora of Evangelical Christian voters, by pulling the television advertisement that included amongst its cast a woman who acted in what are being labeled soft-core adult films.

Amy Lindsay, a Columbus, Ohio native raised in Houston, Texas, called herself a conservative Republican in more than one interview, and is hedging between Cruz and Donald Trump for president. Lindsay graduated from the University of Texas in 1995 majoring in journalism with a drama minor. Her film credits are predominantly in the realm of “late night Cinemax,” as one interviewer noted. She also appeared in the television crime drama Silk Stalkings, as well as more mainstream films Star Trek: Voyager and The Portrait of a Lady.

Lindsay responded to a casting call for actors for the political ad and earned a speaking role in the spot that aired one time prior to being pulled when she was noticed and identified for her previous film works.

“Unfortunately, she was not vetted by the casting company. Had the campaign known of her full filmography, we obviously would not have let her appear in the ad,” commented a spokesperson for the Cruz campaign, according to the Independent, a British publication.

Why is that “obvious?” Should a rehabilitated adult actress be punished for her previous choices and not be cast in any future work? Would not that relegate her to nothing but adult-themed roles? Why is Lindsay less qualified to appear in the Cruz commercial than any of the other actors?

And what of the person or people who “outed” her? If they are so virtuous how did they know who she is? What’s in their video library? Are they so perfect and pious that they can sit in judgment of Lindsay? Who are they to judge when they themselves are no doubt mortal, fallible people. Have they no regrets of their own past? Even if Lindsay does not regret her previous roles does she not deserve the same chance at mainstream work? If not, have they not condemned her to a life of unsavory options? Or even on the government dole – something Republicans claim they seek to eliminate? Can’t have it both ways.

For those who condemn Lindsay’s prior work as sinful, doesn’t their Christian faith preach to condemn the sin, but love the sinner? Where is their so-called Christian compassion? Lindsay seems to have not let this affect her adversely. When asked if her castigation is unchristian, she said, “I don’t think it’s unchristian. I think this is politics as usual.”

Have these so-called Evangelical Christians forgotten the story of Mary Magdalene? This sinner, some sources suggest repentant prostitute, touched the cloak of Jesus and was overcome by the power of G-d. The Apostles were supposedly disgusted that such a sinner would touch their savior, but Jesus welcomed Mary Magdalene. She purportedly washed Jesus’ feet with her hair and became a devout follower of Jesus remaining with him beyond his crucifixion.

If Jesus accepted Mary Magdalene, and these so-called fervent followers of Jesus accept him as their savior, should they not accept Amy Lindsay into the fold as well? What would Jesus do, is a common question asked by Christians. Would Jesus have shunned Amy Lindsay? He accepted Mary Magdalene, not to mention the lepers he cured according to the Book of Luke.

Amy Lindsay is an actress who may actually vote for Ted Cruz. She could bring supporters into the fold for the Texas Senator. Cruz himself should order the advertisement be reinstated as part of the campaign. He should meet Lindsay to offer an apology because those who reject her for her prior works, which broke no laws, are pompous hypocrites. She has a right to work and she earned the part. The Republicans claim to be a big tent party. It’s time the GOP open all its flaps, welcome its supporters, and be humble while walking with G-d.

Sanford D. Horn is a writer and educator living in Westfield, IN.