Representative Henry Waxman (D-CA) is interviewed by Tali Yahalom on "how faith informs his politics":
Tali Yahalom: You are quoted as saying that many of your American values are "synonymous" with your Jewish values. Can you talk about that?
Henry Waxman: Jewish values place a great emphasis on compassion and trying to help other people, and the doctrine of tikkun olam, trying to repair the world — this of course is a requirement on individuals but also on the community. One way for people to act in a communal sense and to respond to the needs of the less fortunate is through government.
I like that idea – not that officials are legislating their faith, but are motivated by similarities between their civic responsibilities and religious values. It's an important distinction.
