The Season of Mud

The campaign rhetoric of the mid-terms is turning nasty as usual.  Such a turn is emblematic of our society in general.  We have come to tolerate incivility to the point there are few limits on behavior short of breaking the law.  That is frequently done as well because the consequences are usually light or non-existent except in the most heinous cases -- and then only if caught. 

It is also a manifestation of the loss of moral guidance.  In a society where people are taught that there is no ultimate moral law, how can we expect civil behavior?  The most vitriolic attacks seem to come from the left which is made up primarily of those who do not believe in God.  They may tell you they are Christian, or whatever, but, a lack of belief in God makes such a statement merely a political expedient.  I think that is the case of our "dear leader" in Washington.  Political pragmatism as the guiding principle for leadership means getting the job no matter what it takes (lying, back-stabbing, etc.) and then holding on to it by the same methods.

The American people need to learn to recognize such individuals for what they are -- power-hungry and morally bankrupt.  Sadly, it has become accepted by nearly all political aspirees that not responding in kind is a sign of weakness and a sure-fire way to lose.

Political Pragmatism as Religion

There has been a lot of speculation on the web about Obama's religious beliefs. I think they can best be described as political pragmatism. If Obama claimed Islam, his chances of being elected would sink dramatically. I know this is just speculation -- but I think with a little thought, anyone in this country would agree. Claiming Christianity is certainly the better choice for a politician. Most of the voters at least claim Christianity as their religious preference.

Let me ask you -- if you had NO religious beliefs, what would be the personal compunction regarding claims to a religion that you did not truly believe? Pragmatism would dictate claiming that which would garner the most votes. Only God can judge a man's heart, but I think that there are many indicators that Mr. Obama claims Christianity merely for the name in the hope that it will appeal to Christian voters. If Muslims outnumbered Christians I suspect that his claims would be something different entirely. Do I know his heart? No. Does he know his own heart? Perhaps -- or, perhaps not. One day he will be judged just like the rest of us.

Dr. Dobson's Views

James Dobson is pro-family. There is no doubt. His message arises from his strong belief in the message of the Bible. He is also know as being outspoken about his beliefs. I respect that. I agree with Dr. Dobson in his views and recent statements about Obama. I also agree with him in what I have heard him say about Mr. McCain. I don't agree with him on a key issue however. He seems to have indicated that he would prefer to stay home and not vote rather than to vote for either of the candidates for the Presidency. Not voting is surrender. It is saying that you have given up. Would it not be better to provide a qualified endorsement of the candidate who best fits your values? I certainly agree that the idea of "the lesser of two evils is still evil" but I don't believe that is an accurate assessment of the situation. There is the danger for Evangelical Christians to fall into the trap of being Pharisaical about the issues. God can work with anyone and anything -- shouldn't we find a way to do the same?

A Civil Race for the Presidency?

Civility in a modern political race? What a novel idea. No media spin? Also novel. Senator John McCain is proposing just such a thing to Barack Obama. The response was an immediate entry into a struggle for control over the process.

"What a welcome change it would be were presidential candidates in our time to treat each other and the people they seek to lead with respect and courtesy as they discussed the great issues of the day, without the empty soundbites and media-filtered exchanges that dominate our elections," he wrote.

Agendas within agendas and manipulation within manipulations. That is what it has come to. All of us want to paint ourselves in the best light possible to those with whom we come in contact. At the level of politics in a Presidential race, with the power and prestige that is at stake, the temptation to fall to low standards is great. I pray that this race can be elevated to something higher. It would be wonderful to see a true debate of the merits of the various positions on the issues of our day -- not a propaganda-fest crafted by the power of money flowing from specific interest groups. It is John McCain's opportunity to shine if he can rise above the kind of politics that characterized the Democratic primary race.

China's Drive for Energy

Energy is the currency of the world economy. The growth of China has been one of the driving forces behind the surge in energy costs throughout the world. They are working to secure their energy future by various means -- including the development of oil resources in Africa. In the U.S. we, sometimes at least, speak of moral responsibility that comes along with treating with foreign governments. China isn't hindered by such thoughts. Should they be?