Losing Our Religion

Religion, politics and America is such a lethal and intriguing combination. I have contemplated, wrote and deleted more religion posts than I can count. This one will not be worth the wait, but I still think there are some nuggets in here to chew on, and next year I’ll be better for having written my thoughts down somewhere.

One of my favorite quotes is this…
“Reject Religion. Embrace Jesus.”

I think that proposition has a lot to do with what’s going on here. Kids today are starting to see through the double standard in mainline christianity that preaches one thing on Sunday, yet acts in complete contradiction.

I couldn’t give two craps over Obama’s statement that America is no longer a “christian” nation. First, most are completely missing his point. Second, and more importantly, it has absolutely no bearing on my salvation nor my calling.

If we really wanted to be a christian nation, we would start listening more to Christ and less to Rush Limbaugh, or Barack Obama for that matter.

Filed under: America, Politics, Religion

9.4 Trillion

Our favorite third wheel is back.

He’s right you know. Our national debt is a disgrace.

Ross Perot, business leader and former presidential candidate, announced today the launch of “PerotCharts.com,” a public information website that contains objective, factual information about the current economic crisis in America. The site is being launched as an alert and appeal for American citizens to inform themselves about federal government spending. Perot said, “The U.S. national debt reached $9.4 TRILLION on April 30, and it is increasing by more than $1 billion every day. We are leaving our children and grandchildren with debt they cannot possibly pay.”

PerotCharts.com consists of three major components: a video featuring Ross Perot discussing the purpose of the website, a blog where new charts and other information are posted daily for study and comment, and a narrated chart presentation explaining the economic problems our country faces.

The website is not affiliated with any political party or candidate. Most of the data and research for the charts is gathered from official government sources.

“The economic crisis facing America today is far greater than anything since the Great Depression,” said Perot. “Our federal government continues to spend us deeper into debt. The American people must get directly involved and demand an end to deficit spending. This website will provide information for citizens to do just that.”

On a related note, I was watching this 1992 Presidential Debate with Ross Perot, George Bush Sr., and Bill Clinton. Things sure haven’t changed in the last 16 years. We have a candidate running on the platform of “change” from a Bush presidency, and Ross Perot is talking about the national debt.

If only Dana Carvey would rejoin SNL.

Filed under: America, Debt, Democrat, Politics, Republican, Ross Perot

Thanks Sam

Didn’t quite use it to stimulate the economy though…

Filed under: America, Credit, Credit Cards, Dave Ramsey, Debt, Economic Stimulus Check, Economics, Economy, Government, Money, Recession, Spending, Uncle Sam

One America

It goes to show how much can happen in four years. Back in 2004 I didn’t give this great speech any attention. I couldn’t have cared less. I didn’t like politics, and I definitely didn’t like anything labeled Democrat or Liberal.

Well today, for the first time (sadly), I listened to this speech given by Barack Obama at the 2004 Democrat National Convention, and I was inspired. I feel like I’ve lost a bunch of time up until now. I wish I hadn’t been so short-sighted as to believe that in this great country you’re either on “my side” or you’re the devil.

I love the rhetoric of Obama, and I hope this election process doesn’t quell his spirit and passion for making this country better through politics. I know I couldn’t do it. Godspeed Barack.

Watch, listen, or read the entire speech here.

Filed under: America, Barack Obama, Conservative, Democrats, DNC, Elections, Hope, Liberal, Politics, Republicans, Unity

!@#$R%

I’ve been monitoring this presidential race all year, and I swear tonight made me want to say bad words. We’re almost near the end of the primaries and still we are giving air time to the question of Obama’s flag pin missing from his lapel?

Besides Hillary standing right there next to him without one, and without either moderator wearing one themselves, and without the lady asking the question wearing one… the question itself is asinine.

For anyone making this “issue” something they will consider when voting, please don’t vote. How in the world does wearing a pin equal love of a country? Does the candidate wearing the most flare love America the most? Will God be looking for icthus stickers on our cars when the world ends?

And is anyone even interested in why he doesn’t wear one? Because he’s said why for years, and I whole-heartedly stand by his stance and reasoning (and for the record, I’ve never wore one in my life).

“You know, the truth is that right after 9/11, I had a pin. Shortly after 9/11, particularly because as we’re talking about the Iraq War, that became a substitute for I think true patriotism, which is speaking out on issues that are of importance to our national security, I decided I won’t wear that pin on my chest.

Instead, I’m going to try to tell the American people what I believe will make this country great, and hopefully that will be a testimony to my patriotism.” —Barack Obama

Tell me you didn’t notice people trying to see who has the most flags and ribbons on their cars in the last 6 years. That means you love America more than me?

Please.

Filed under: 9/11, America, Barack Obama, Democrats, Flags, Flare, Hillary Clinton, Idiocy, Patriotism, Politics, Republicans

A More Perfect Union

And I quote Shane…

“Rather than sweep the controversy under the rug – a move Obama admitted would have been the “safe thing” to do – he used it as an opportunity to speak pointedly and humbly to the greater issues of racial tension and divide in America.”

Full Transcript

**UPDATE**
Eric Bryant, author of the book I’m currently reading, Peppermint-Filled Piñatas, gives his take on this speech – Overcoming Racism and Pastors are People Too

Filed under: America, Barack Obama, Hope, Politics, Race

The Obama Endorsement

Despite extreme hesitation, I feel it is necessary for me to officially announce my endorsement of Barack Obama for President of the United States.

I’ve stated many, MANY, times that I don’t like politics. I still don’t. I also hate debating, although I absolutely love to sit back and listen to other people debate. So as you might expect I don’t intend to debate the politics of Obama, Clinton, McCain, Paul, Nadar, Republicans, Democrats, Independents or otherwise—or my reasons for choosing Obama over the rest. (For a great post on where Obama stands on the issues, click here).

My purpose in endorsing Obama publicly is simply to give comfort to other Christ-followers who wish to vote for a pro-choice candidate. For so many, this is the singular issue in determining a candidate. I felt that way myself for so long, but today I am no longer handcuffed by this issue. Here are a few reasons why.

Pro-choice ≠ Pro-abortion. It’s ignorant for anyone to think that a pro-choice individual is pro-abortion. Although I hold the stance that all abortions should be banned, the issue is extremely complicated. I can’t think of anybody that is actually a proponent of abortion. And that includes Barack Obama.

It’s Political. This issue is just another way to garner votes on either side. Don’t get sucked into the trap. Ronald Reagan, George Bush Sr., John McCain, Mitt Romney. They all changed their opinions on this issue. Do you think it had anything to do with them running for office?

Other Issues. Are there no other issues in the world today? Do no other issues effect lives? I believe that there are quite a few “life altering” issues that sit on the presidents plate. To narrow it to one is shortsighted. Life may begin at conception, but it doesn’t end at birth.

No Options. If you vote strictly pro-life, all you need to do is show up on a cold day in November, close your eyes, and vote Republican. There is no need for you to follow politics, debates, news, read books. Your decision has already been made.

Nothing Has Changed. When was Roe vs. Wade again? Have we ever had a majority Republican Senate and House with a sitting Republican president? Why hasn’t the law changed? Do you really think their stance even makes a difference?

George W. Bush. For starters he said up front that he didn’t think America was ready for a law banning abortion so he wasn’t going to pursue it. He also believes that abortions should be allowed in the case of incest, rape, and harm to the mother. That isn’t a very consistent stance if you are valuing ALL life. Like I said, it’s a complicated issue.

Adoption. I personally feel like a hypocrite for criticizing pro-choice individuals, all the while not offering an alternative to those mothers who need assistance. If Christ-followers would talk less and adopt more, this wouldn’t be the issue it currently is.

This list is far from exhaustive. It only scratches the surface that a more talented writer and researcher would be able to scribe. To make myself crystal clear, I’m not going to be debating politics or my stance on this particular issue. I’ve stated my opinion, and it’s yours to do with what you will. You can debate it amongst yourselves, and I will absolutely be reading every word, but this is all you’ll be getting from me.

Can a Christ-follower vote fore Obama? Yes we can!

Further Reading:
• delicious.com/russellhawkins/abortion
• mudpuppy.wordpress.com/tag/barack-obama

Filed under: Abortion, America, Barack Obama, Conservatives, Democrats, Liberals, Morality, Politics, Republicans, Unity, Voting