Pain and Politics

I haven't posted in a while, I have been writing but it's been on my book, so I haven't had much time to blog. But now, alas, I am home recovering from a quadruple wisdom tooth removal so I have nothing to do except compute and write. And watch politics and read blogs and opinions. Dangerous territory...

I'm for Obama, I like him. I was hoping he'd eventually run for President back in 2004, after it was clear Kerry wouldn't win, but I did think it'd be 2116 not 2008 that he'd run.

I don't really see what's not to like about him. I think his popularity and ability to get people excited is a good thing, not something to be criticized. What's wrong with a little optimism? I don't think he's the messiah, as some anti- Obama folk tease- but I don't see what's wrong with his ideals. He seems like he's got a pretty clear vision, he's intelligent, and I think he gets people involved in wanting positive things for our country. I don't think he's going to single- handedly change the world, but I think he's a good choice. At the very least he seems to be able to reason and he makes sense when he's speaking. I think what we need now for a leader is a diplomat, not a hero. The President doesn't make all the decisions, but we need to be represented by a respectable man. And he might help lead the nation out of this fear- driven, negative mood.

I watched the DNC and thought it was over the top. Biden was dramatic and Hilary had crazy eyes. Bill was the star. Barack gave a good speech. But, as over the top as it was, it was a historical night. We really haven't ever had a black man nominated on a major party ticket. It's not the reason to vote for him, but it has NEVER happened. That does need to be acknowledged. And celebrated. And it's way past time for that to happen. How can people say that's why he's getting elected? I still think his race is making it harder for him. (Just like being a woman is, for Hilary AND Sarah.) It would have been a historical night if Hilary had won, too. All in all, it was a good night for America. Things have been down for a while. We're at war. Gas prices suck. There's been a lot of negative times in the past 8 years. We desperately need a morale boost, and I think making history was a good one.

Then comes the GOP... jumping on the history train. I'm all for women running for Pres and VP. Don't get me wrong. But this was an attention getter, in my opinion. And to pretend it wasn't is even more insulting. I wish they'd just come out and say they wanted to shake things up a bit. I would understand then. It's like if I wore a tutu to dinner and then asked everyone why they're staring at me. Her's is not the same situation as Obama's. She got to bypass the electoral process, she didn't have to campaign or debate, she was hand- picked, not elected. I don't want to argue about experience (experience doesn't mean a better leader IMO, but ability to rally people does.) I kind of think her and Obama's experience is apples and oranges. The main point I want to make is that there is a very real chance she'd end up being President, considering McCain's age and cancer history. I just can't picture it for some reason.

Anyway, that's my take on it all. I have no interest in debating it further. I realize that people are just going to see what they want to see. Somehow equal rights, education, humanitarianism, basic health care, and the environment have become left or right issues. I'm going to err on the side of caution, meaning the side that would ideally turn out better for everyone. Besides, I won't be able to take care of my parents AND send my kids to college! I might need a little help from the 'Gov!

The finished painting... finally posting it

I finished my huge painting. "Epoch" Acrylic on canvas.
I'll sell it to ya for $800. It's 8' wide total...

Presbymeme II

The Rules

In about 25 words each, answer the following five questions.
Tag five presbyterian bloggers and send them a note to let them know they were tagged.
Be sure to link to this original post.
Leave a comment or send a trackback to this post so others can find you.
Neal

I'm breaking the rules with some short answers!

1) What is your favorite faith-based hymn, song or chorus?

I don't know too many, but I enjoyed Robin Mark while he was here.

2) What was the context, content and/or topic of the last sermon that truly touched, convicted, inspired, challenged, comforted and/or otherwise moved you?

Actually, I liked Neal's last sermon before he left. It was about going out into the world... not just being in church on Sundays, etc. Which of course I liked since I'm not really that into Sun. morning Church.

3) If you could have all Presbyterians read just one of your previous posts, what would it be and why?

I would never want ALL Presbyterians to read any of my posts.

4) What are three PC(USA) flavored blogs you read on a regular basis?

Tribal Church, by Carol Howard Merritt
The Fettered Heart By Ryan
Mr. Lockes Classroom By Neal

5) If the PC(USA) were a movie, what would it be and why?

Lost in Translation

Ok, so now we get to pass this on. I'm going to look around & try to see who hasn't done it... BRB