Regarding authority, Jesus made it clear God is the ultimate authority, and it is by God's will that others are put in positions of authority over us, such as President Trump and Speaker Ryan. Nicholas Kristoff is in no such position. We are to follow the authorities as long as they do not ask us to do something against God's word. We are also fortunate in that our form of government allows us to participate, which we should do as best we can by following God's word. Kristoff is overall a good man who helps others. But he twists the words of Jesus to fit his political views and wants us to follow him. That is a dangerous thing to do, for both him and us. Compassion and aid should be a part of our national character, which can only happen through our personal character. Delegating that to an impersonal government which necessarily will use it for political purposes is not the way to accomplish that.