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

Big Tuesday

1. Macworld happens today. All of the mac lovers out there are geeked up like it’s Christmas all over again. I tend to be on the mildly interested side, due to the fact that I never buy any of this new stuff. But it is fun to see all of the innovation they bring.

2. Michigan votes today. However, democratic leaders voted to strip Michigan of all its delegates to the national convention as punishment for scheduling an early presidential primary in violation of party rules. Some interesting things may happen as a result.

3. American Idol starts tonight. Featuring our own Robbie Seay Bands, Rise, as the theme song! Just for fun, here is a list of my Top Five American Idol Performances of All Time.

Shout to the Heart – Blake Lewis
(Dude is my hero. Best performance on AI ever)

Love is a Battlefiled – Carrie Underwood
(Threw me for a loop with a very un-country performance)

Hemorrhage – Chris Daughtry
(Better than Fuel? IMHO)

I Believe – Fantasia Barrino
(If this doesn’t bring you to tears…)

A Moment Like This – Kelly Clarkson
(First AI performance I ever saw. Very raw and emotional)

Filed under: American Idol, Apple, Democrat, Macworld, Politics, Republican, Robbie Seay Band, Voting

Gangsta Right Lean

Have I ever mentioned that I don’t like politics?

I still don’t, but this go around I’m in the middle of becoming a better steward in all areas of my life. And that includes my vote.

It’s a good time to toss my thoughts into the mix. There are no incumbents, and no givens. It’s a new day for a new direction with new ideas.

I should probably state up front that I am neither a Republican nor Democrat, but I have voted with a right gangsta lean the last few elections. However in the last few years I’ve come to find myself a little more centered. Mostly because I listen to people that make sense on both sides (like my friend and new blogger Jessica). I think it’s great fun that my brother thinks I’m a lefty, and the ladies at work think I’m a righty. I’d say that puts me squarely in the middle, eh?

So I’m looking to familiarize myself with all of the new blood. Barack Obama is the most intriguing to me. I checked out his book, Audacity of Hope, from the library last night, and look forward to seeing what he has to say. My gut instinct tells me that he’s going to be the man on the Democratic ticket. There’s some rumblings that an Obama/Edwards ticket will be a formidable foe for whoever comes out of the Republican side.

If there’s anything you can say about the Obama campaign, it’s that his logo is disgustingly good (great article here). And if Billary Clinton hates his guts, he just might be on to something. (I love the 12th comment down!)

Filed under: Barack Obama, Billary Clinton, Democrat, Government, Politics, Republican, Voting