Editor's note: This is the second of three interviews with recipients of the Focus on the Family Action Grassroots Action Award.
Dr. Tom Coburn, a U.S. senator representing Oklahoma, knows the value of life — he's delivered more than 4,000 babies. He also knows the value of families. And he's doing everything he can to protect them.
Coburn was elected to the Senate in 2004 after serving three terms in the U.S. House. He and his wife, Carolyn, have three children and four grandchildren.
A Coburn representative will accept the Grassroots Action Award at the 2007 Washington Briefing this weekend for the senator's dedication to family values. Coburn spoke to CitizenLink about his passion for families.
1. Why do you choose to invest your life in fighting for family values?
I'm worried about our future. I've been very blessed, great family, great opportunity. And I want to make sure that's there in the future. And I'm very concerned it's not going to be, if we don't have a change in how Congress behaves and what it does.
2. What's the significance of values voters in the upcoming election?
They're the bedrock of America, in terms of the things that will keep us free, the social structure of families. There's nothing more important. What we're seeing is our way of life, as well as our future freedom, destroyed. Values voters, if they're effective in terms of who they work with and who they support, and how they effectively support them, then they'll make a difference.
3. How do we most effectively move the nation in the direction of family values?
By love, rather than criticism. By example. By our behavior, not our words. The issue of abortion is something that still divides our nation. But we've got to love the people who go through that, and love the people that think that's fine. And as we love them, we can change their hearts. If we condemn them and criticize them, then we can't.
4. Is this a time for values voters to be optimistic or pessimistic?
I think they should be optimistic. First of all, God's in control of everything. When you combine faith with family values, you get a home run. I'm optimistic that things can change.
5. If you could speak directly to values voters across the nation, what would you tell them?
Every one of them, get involved, to the maximum amount they can be, in every race, not just in their own local races. Make their voices heard, and do it continuously and fervently.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
To learn more, visit the Washington Briefing Web site.
