Someone on Twitter dug up an old 2016 article in which Cruz had said “I’m a Christian first, American second, conservative third and Republican fourth.” He said this in response to Bob Dole questioning his allegiance to the Republican Party.
The person on Twitter wrote “Imagine if a Muslim or Jewish politician said that!”, which Ilhan Omar retweeted with the eyes icon 👀:
— Ilhan Omar (@IlhanMN) February 10, 2020
Ted Cruz noticed her tweet and said “Rep. Omar seems confused and/or dismayed by my being a Christian”. He then decided to drop some Christian knowledge on her about God and country:
Rep. Omar seems confused and/or dismayed by my being a Christian. Perhaps some history might help; the sentiment I expressed goes back to the very founding of our Nation. Indeed, the motto of the American Legion is “for God and country.” 1/x https://t.co/bb08BvowNw
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 10, 2020
2/x George Washington wrote in 1778, “While we are zealously performing the duties of good citizens & soldiers, we certainly ought not to be inattentive to the higher duties of religion. To the distinguished character of Patriot, it should be our highest glory….”
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 10, 2020
3/x “… to add the more distinguished character of Christian.” This devotion to God AND country inspired the Declaration of Independence (“We hold these truths to be self-evident….”); gave force to the mighty Abolitionists; and drove the civil rights movement.
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 10, 2020
4/x Here’s how Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. put it in 1956, “The Christian owes his ultimate allegiance to God, and if any earthly institution conflicts with God's will it is your Christian duty to take a stand against it.”
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 10, 2020
5/x Dr. King—who was also Rev. King—continued, “May I say just a word to those of you who are struggling against this evil [of racism and segregation]. Always be sure that you struggle with Christian methods and Christian weapons….”
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 10, 2020
6/x MLK: “…Never succumb to the temptation of becoming bitter. As you press on for justice, be sure to move with dignity and discipline, using only the weapon of love. Let no man pull you so low as to hate him. Always avoid violence.”
— Ted Cruz (@tedcruz) February 10, 2020