Walking in the Valley A weekly column for those who live and walk in Silicon Valley by Barbara Dahlgren

As Good As Your Word Column for the week of November 9-15, 2003

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President Bush signed a controversial law this week banning partial birth abortions. These are the first federal abortion restrictions to come forth in over 30 years. It was a gutsy move given the flack he is understandably receiving from abortion rights activists. It may cost him some votes next election. Pro-abortion proponents feel this is a step toward outlawing all abortions. Pro-life groups hope it is. Neither side will be happy with compromise. It makes for interesting politics since Democratic presidential candidates are already vying for the pro-abortionist’s vote.

Abortions are bad enough but partial birth abortions are abominable. Bush said, “Today, at last, the American people and our government have confronted the violence and come to the defense of the innocent child.” The court system is fighting back with lawsuits and temporary restraining orders. Of course the law can be fickle. For example if a pregnant woman is murdered, it could be considered a double homicide. If a baby is killed during a partial birth abortion, that’s acceptable. Bush vows to fight to keep this new law in effect and Congress did pass it almost 2 to 1. That has to include some Democrats. It may be that the majority of the country agrees also. “In a USA TODAY/CNN/Gallup Poll taken October 24-26, 68% of respondents say the procedure should be illegal.” But then those are only people who responded to the poll. Statistics are most deceiving.

One amazing thing about Bush actually signing this bill is that he promised to do so during his presidential campaign. So present President Bush actually kept his word about a campaign promise. Politicians must be rolling over in their graves. In this case he is not following in his father’s footsteps. Lest we forget, “Read my lips. No new taxes!” As I said before, it’s a gutsy move for what is right is not always popular and what is popular is not always right.

Keeping your word is almost unheard of among politicians. It’s becoming a lost art form among regular folks as well. The tragedy in not keeping your word results in what Cicero told us, “A liar is not believed even though he tells the truth.” That’s why today it’s a real breath of fresh air when you happen on to someone who actually keeps his word.

A few years ago, when we lived in Appalachia, we wanted to purchase a little land. We had our eye on some small acreage owned by a man I will call Farmer Brown. We met with Farmer Brown. He said he had a special affection for this particular parcel because he wanted to give it to his son to build on. “Uh oh,” we thought. “Is he good or what?” We were city people and could feel the price rising even as we spoke. Then he quoted us some astronomically low amount. He liked us. Kinda felt sorry for ignorant city folk. We quickly agreed and said we would have a contract drawn up immediately. Then he got plum insulted. He said if we needed a contract the deal was off. His handshake should be a good enough bond for us. We trusted him and shook on it. He was refreshing, honest, and true to his word.

The world is used to men twisting words to further what they believe but the old saying still rings true, “A man is as good as his word.” The Bible speaks of a good name being better than fine perfume (or "precious ointment," as the King James version renders it). (Ecclesiastes 7:1) Putting confidence in those that are not true to their word can be painful. (Proverbs 25:19)

How good are we at keeping our word? Can we be counted on to do what we say? Even in the little things? (Luke 16:10)

President Bush is a politician so I would be surprised if he keeps his word every time but in my book he’s batting a better percentage than his predecessor. And in my book that counts for something, anyway. Let’s shake on it.

Be sure to visit this page every week to read the next edition of Walking in the Valley. You can write to the author at bdahlgren@wcgsouthbay.org.