Posts with the tag Christian

Godlessness is Good

Christina Marlowe — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:09:19 EDT

Godlessness is Good

I am an atheist. I do no claim to have answers and, conversely, I do not believe that anyone else does either. And, if there truly IS a god, I am thoroughly off the hook for not believing in it/him/her--the only god that I would ever believe in would be a kind and loving and understanding god, and that god would really like the fact that I question such god's existence. I believe that actions are everything in life. We all control each and every moment that we live, totally and completely vis-a-vis our own actions, inactions, words, thought, etc. I do not put the onus on some other thing out there; I take full responsibility for everything that involves my own self. Furthermore I do not believe in repentance for sins or forgiveness for repeating mistakes. Instead, I choose knowingly and intentionally to always do the right thing with respect to living my life. I always do my very best each and every moment of each and every day. I have no hang ups; I am free. Free, that is, from the many and varying twisted and pathological idees fixe that almost every religion seems to impose on it's followers. I always do the right thing, having complete control of myself. I don't make mistakes, except maybe in math. I like to rant, I like to rave, I like to tell people what to do, but I really don't care if they listen...I AM the Jehovah of my own universe. I don't need to wear hair shirts to repent and I don't need to confess to anyone for sins because I don't "sin" in the first place. I am kind, loving, generous, understanding and intelligent. There is nothing in this world that I need or want for myself. I am perfect, PERFECT FLAWS AND ALL.

The question of just which of the many religion has it "right" and has the answers is asinine and useless. My contention is that I and I alone have it all right...get my point?
I kind of like the simplicity of what the 14th Dalai Lama has said. He said: "My religion is simple. My religion is kindness." End of story.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2009

Instead...

Instead of basic human kindness, the world is filled with unspeakable atrocities, mind boggling hypocrisy and countless criminal injustices. Many of these wretched and abhorrent behaviors are personified in organized religions and in the name of "god." So-called Christians are among the worst of offenders. I am a lifelong agnostic, bordering on atheist and, by my witnessing the absolutely reprehensible behavior and deranged beliefs by and of the most dogmatic right-wing fundamentalist religious types, I come to believe more than ever that religion is the root of all evil. I sincerely believe that religion, particularly the various and horrible forms of Christianity, is far more damaging than helpful. I do not believe that one can do one horrible deed after another and then simply repent and ask forgiveness; rather, you, um, to quote the bible "reap what you sow." In Buddhism it's called "Karma." And I am certain that every religion and belief system around the world has a word or phrase for it. What ever it is that you give out, you shall get it all back in spades; I don't believe in repentance or forgiveness; live your life with the best of intentions ALWAYS, and always do your best. That's really all there is to it. Be kind, generous and open-handed. Do not bean asshole or greedy, stingy tight-fisted and judgmental. It's all so very simple, why do so many religious people get it all so, well, so wrong?!?! If more so-called "good Christians" would actually follow the words and teachings of their hero Jesus Christ ( a great prophet, in my estimation) then they wouldn't be the hypocritical, right-wing, bigoted, judgmental cretins that so many of them are in reality. There is absolutely no excuse for such behavior from anyone in this world of ours. Look at yourselves, as you ruin the world!!!! And in the name of god, to boot!!!!! The current rise of Christian crusades, preaching creationism and strict fundamentalism, are more than just ignorant, stupid and vile; they are dangerous. These incomprehensible busybodies want the rest of the world to see things just as they do. Why can't these people just keep their mouths shut and be content in their own lives without trying to force their asinine and evil notions on others?

CHRIST(INA) MARLOWE

It is my contention that each religion has a basic and good foundation, and each has a measure of good words and good teachings. That being said, I think that once human beings, particularly those who don't practice looking closely at themselves and their own behaviors, that instead latch onto a certain book and then these people go on to ruin their own lives in such puzzling and crazy ways. Particularly if you're saddled with the belief that the almighty god is a jealous, nasty, ill-tempered and hateful god, um, that that bastard in the Old Testament. And if you spend your time believing in that, you're, well, you're just fucked.

Cheers,

Christ Marlowe

The blasphemy of Politics in Religion--

(Don't these morons know that the Constitution is purposely an utterly GODLESS document??)

As I cringe again and again at the fact that every single politician, Democrat and Republican alike, tries to pander to the organized religious institutions in our country, I become more resentful that religion of any kind should be an issue at all in the political arena. The presidential contenders in both parties are playing a game of one-upmanship as to whom has more faith in god whilst the word "god" should never, ever, enter the political arena at all. The most omnipresent danger in politics is religion--and time after time, particularly with the fanatical right-wing conservatives, it, religion, seems to be at the forefront; and this is indeed dangerous.

The so-called and much-more-often-than-not-so-good 'Christian' soldiers have been, still are and will continue to be devils incarnate: President Bush, Dick Cheney, Condaleeza Rice, Donald Rumsfeld, Colin Powell, Carl Rove ( just to name a few ) have participated in the most impeachable offenses from the very beginning of their dictatorship; in fact, they are war criminals and repeatedly override the Constitution--there are no checks and balances left and they are ruling the world into irreparable oblivion and a quagmire so deep and dense that it's utterly mind boggling. Yet it's fascinating to watch, you must admit.

Happy New Year of The Bible 2010 by Paul Broun

Peter from Carrollton, TX — Sun, 31 May 2009 19:26:07 EDT

2010 Year of the Bible by Paul Broun AP/Photo

Happy New Year of The Bible 2010 by Paul Broun

On our countdown to a new year in 2010, Paul Broun (R-Ga.) wants everyone to ring in the “Year of the Bible”. He wants to pass legislation to honor the good book. Opposition is strong in the Democratic party, but whats the big deal? We’re already burning them suckers in Afghanistan. I wrote a post about it, and got negative feedback from every dem, saying I’m a GOP’r in disguise. In fact, I’m just a student pointing out similarities between different governments past and present. That isn’t choosing sides at all. When people see a political blog, they are automatically trying to figure out what party I am affiliated with. None. Well, whoever decides to pay me the most. Just kidding(That’s illegal for all you kids out there, no selling votes.) Sorry for ranting but I’ve been enraged at some of my readers that just don’t get the whole picture. Someone said I’m a Christian that hates America. No, I’m a Christian that loves America; the thought of America more like it. It used to stand for something, and all I see and read is how far it has gone from what our forefathers set forth to achieve. I am not ashamed of being an American. Our differences are what makes this country unique. I say instead of the “Year of the Bible”, we just go with the Chinese astrology and name it after an animal. Or we can ring in the New Year as a world united. All across Washington people are joking about what year its going to be after that. Year of the encyclopedia? Quran? Las Vegas escort Pamphlets? Whatever the year, I’ll be ringing it in with a smile, knowing I’m in a country that spends too much time on a stupid idea. Hey Paul Broun, think of a way to get your ass back to work on important things.

Obama's Christian Nation Comment

Homeboy — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 04:30:20 EDT

I don't think this site lets me add youtube videos, so here's the link to the video I'm talking about: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QIVd7YT0oWA

I'm wondering what other christian bloggers opinions are about Obama's recent comment in Turkey about the USA not being a christian nation? I think he's right in some ways that it's not defined by religion like some countries are, but christianity still permeates(sp?) the country very deeply. It may not officially be anything and that's fine, but it's an interesting idea to bring up. I know of many people who WOULD say the US is a Christian nation. I wrote another blog post about this and Obama's Christian t-shirts on my main website, but I'd like to know here what people's opinions are about this. It's something that' affects us all more than some of us might want to believe.

Is Obama Christian?

Jason M. Christos — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 10:14:34 EDT

Obama said "My mother was a Christian from Kansas, and
they married and then divorced. I was raised by my mother. So, I've
always been a Christian." from msnbc interview

Anybody that knows anything about his mother knows she was an athiest, an agnostic at best.

PEACE IN JERUSALEM

WEBMASTER — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 22:53:22 EST

Jewish and Arab Neighbors Hold Hands for Peace

Last Saturday 300 Jews and Arabs from the Wadi Ara region of Israel demonstrated against the harming of innocent civilians in Gaza and the surrounding Israeli region. The rally was organized by NIF grantee Awareness for You, which runs empowerment courses for Arab women in the village of Kfar Kara.

"I only expected about 90 people to attend the rally," explained Amna Ka'anana, "so I was surprised when we had 300 people all dressed in white and holding olive branches, about half and half Jews and Arabs. Many of the drivers who passed by, both Jews and Arabs, called out their support."

In addition to being a forum to voice concern over the conflict in Gaza, the rally was also an opportunity for the Jews and Arabs of Wadi Ara to come together. Among the many banners, one carried by an Arab read "Neighbors call for peace," while another carried by a Jew said "Jews and Arabs hand in hand."

Amna Ka'anana hosts Jewish neighbors in her home in Kfar Kara.

Ka'anana said: "We sent a message of peace and coexistence to all of Wadi Ara, to all of Israel and to the entire world."

Ka'anana, who is an Orthodox Muslim, received NIF's London-Yaari Scholarship in 2007 for her work in women's empowerment. Last year she received the Knesset Speaker's Prize for Quality of Life.

When the fighting erupted in Gaza last month, she feared that the tensions could spill over into violent conflicts between Jews and Arabs in Wadi Ara. She invited several dozen Jewish and Arab activists to her home to discuss the situation, and they hit upon the idea of the Shabbat rally.

"I have always wanted to initiate social activities that bring Jews and Arabs together," explained Ka'anana, "so that we can understand one another's culture. Now the war has taken matters in a different direction. At the end of last week's rally many people started crying and that started me crying."

The rally ended with Jewish and Muslim prayers. Awareness for You plans similar peaceful rallies, with increased expected turnout, every Shabbat while the fighting continues.

barackobama.com sources:

1. http://arabamericans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxbx3
2. http://jewishamericans.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxbx3
3. http://faith.barackobama.com/page/community/post/president/gGxbx3

Also see Spirit of Reconciliation

Barack Obama Comes out of the Closet as a Christian

Fishcounter — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:23:07 EST

He did that by asking Pastor Rick Warren to give the invocation and speak at his Inauguration. To the horror of Democratic liberals and Republican Christians Rick Warren agreed to do it. The Democratic liberals are horrified because of Rick Warren’s anti-gay and other strong Christian values. The Republican Christians are horrified because Rick Warren is speaking at the Inauguration of the Anti-Christ and worse someone who is pro-abortion.

Barack Obama has been a Christian all along, and is the largest move of God in our time, but he had to stay "In the Closet" as a Christian to get elected as a Democrat. In 2006, before the election, when he could talk about it, he gave a 40 minute speech about how he became a Christian, what his faith means to him and the relationship between Christianity and politics. The video of his speech can be seen at

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid353515028/bctid416343938

After watching the video I got the idea that Barack Obama came to Chicago with no real strong views on Christianity one way or the other. He became a Christian when he saw that the churches had the power to bring about the social change he was seeking to bring about. He realized that the black churches were responsible for the whole Black Civil Rights movement in America that made it possible for someone like him to be President.

He picked Rick Warren to speak at his Inauguration because he knows that Rick Warren, like his own pastor, is also big on using the power of God to bring about social change. Barack also knows that many white Christians look up to Rick Warren and might be inspired by him to bring about the needed further social change in America through the power of God flowing in their own churches.

God definitely pulled one over on America with Barack Obama.

Quote of the Week: "About sex? I don't think so..."

Gordon — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:26:01 EST

Is the present crisis in Christian denominations over homosexuality really about sex? I don’t think so. If it were, there would be no particular reason why homosexuals should be singled out for attention; there is more than enough sexual disorder among heterosexuals to fuel moral outrage.
-Luke Timothy Johnson in Commonweal magazine; full article at http://www.commonwealmagazine.org:80/article.php3?id_article=1957

Wall St - Main Street - Tis The Season

memanni — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 08:55:38 EST

I STACKED THESE 3 e-MAILS ON TOP OF EACH OTHER BECAUSE THEY ARE RELEVANT TO THE SEASON, WALL ST, & MAIN ST.

I HAVE SENT THEM TO SOME WHO WERE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL e-MAIL... START AT BOTTOM OF PAGE # 1 2 3 4 Something to think about during this Holiday Season

4I too long to return to Israel, however that will again be God's timing. Distinctly, John the Apostle, the last one alive to speak said only one vitally important thing, at the beginning of his revelation of Jesus Christ

God gave us servants a revelation

The revelation is of what must soon take place (history from 100ad to present)

An angel brought the message (angel message)

John would testify everything he saw (all visions)

That what he saw was the word of God (John1:1)

That it was the complete Testimony of Jesus Christ (The only Issue)

Ok, Now the literal Greek translation is: Happy is he who IS reading, and those hearing, the words of the Prophecy, and KEEPING the things written in it -- for the time is near Revelation 1:3

NO mention of the issues, SPECIFIC mention of the Prophecy

All the things in the Living Prayer text and the text below were occurring in Christ's and John's time or had already occurred when John was guided to write.

Now notice in the list above there is NO mention of the issues - Political-Social-Financial-Religious, only the Prophecy

The assignment is to read the Prophecy

To hear the Prophecy

To take to heart what is written in the prophecy, because the time is near Revelation Chapter 1 verses 1 to 3

Now we can do whatever we want, but when the time comes to say good and faithful servant, I think HE will as HE did before praise the servant who used the talents wisely and therefore was found obedient and righteous.

99% of the church DO NOT know what is in the Prophecy: Because they are too busy with the issues.
Brief EXAMPLE
DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 2007
Most Christians are clueless as to knowing in whom they have believed,

that Christ celebrated Hannukah
what garment was touched that healed the woman with the issue of blood
who made the Garment
what is the 4th commandment
that the as eagles flying (AirForce Attack), lead by Allenby during WWI fulfilled Isaiah 31:5
that Bethlehem is currently over 80%+ Islamic
that a Jewish guy wrote most accurately about Christ, as he lived during the Holocaust years and concluded we (Jew and Christian) had but one destiny (Sholem Asch)
the correct spelling of Christ’s name in Hebrew, his language
that Isaac Newton studied scripture and concluded it was chronological, solar, lunar, calendar and historic
that Newton concluded NO rapture, But Harvest as the Bible states, "swing the Sickle"
*that Christ has commanded the reading and understanding of the book of Daniel, Matthew 24:15
that it is only the hour and day which is unknown, the season was explained to the disciples in detail Mathhew 24 – has been known since John wrote Revelation and must be known since Daniel was assigned to provide the answer to Matt 24:3, the disciples question of WHEN&HOW
that the possession of the land (of Israel) is the very basis of the Covenant of Promise, land possession required for Messiah return
THAT THOUGH THREE FAITHS HONOR ABRAHAM, someone has to be the enemy, whose head is crushed, there has to be a seed of Satan

DURING THIS HOLIDAY SEASON 2008
Most Christians are clueless as to knowing in whom they have believed,

*12 that the 99% NEVER considered the Fig Tree, Matthew 24:32-35, never read nor understood Jeremiah 24 "Two Fig Baskets", major sign of Coming and End of Age
13 THAT 1948, rebirth of Nation of Israel fulfilled Isaiah 66:8
14 That you will observe SABBATH, Isaiah 66:23
15 that Mt. Zion not Mt Moriah (Dome of Rock location) will be the spiritual metropolis of NEW JERUSALEM Isaiah 60:5, 60:14
16 that the Golden Dome was designed and erected by a Gentile Arab, not Abraham
17 that ISAIAH SCROLL, entire book of Isaiah in Hebrew from time of Jesus, even exists or where to find it
18 don't know who the only known human to have held Messiah as a baby, is

OR STUFF YOU CAN'T LEARN ON SUNDAY

The Reason for the Season

N.., You and I were good partners over-there, in Israel

LOVE .......................M

memanni at msn.com

www.hebrewheritage.com

3 From: @aol.com
Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:16:58 -0500
Subject: Merry Christmas!
To: memanni at msn.com

Good morning!! I hope all is well with you and your family.

I personally believe that we (the USA) got just what we deserved in the election...I also believe that God is taking His hand away from us..we have chosen to ignore Him, take Him away from the schools and homes. The saying "God bless America" is ridiculous because God has been blessing us, it is time we should turn that saying around and say "we the people of the US should bless God." Instead we elected a man that is 100% for abortion which is murder in God's eyes, 100% for same sex marriage, and is 100% for giving away the Land that God gave to Moses and the children of Israel. I am not saying that we had a choice at all on the election..we did not..both sides are not Christians. All we can do now is pray for them, that they will have their eyes open and come to the cross.

I pray that you and yours have a wonderful Christmas. I am going to be working at the Salvation Army.

I would absolutely love to go to Israel again with you..think about it.

Love, N

___________________________________________________________________________

2 RE: Daily Devotional (Tue. 12/23/2008) Liveprayer.com 178689 *_*-*_*-*_*-*

From:

memanni at msn.com

Sent:

Tue 12/23/08 11:22 PM

To:

@aol.com;

Just two remarks: I thought it was the lost sheep we were going after whether they call themselves Pastor, President-Elect, Live Prayer, or christian; note: Mystery Babylon is made up of christians who knew of the bridegroom and bride Rev 18:23, who was called out of her; but became the many He did not recognize; as their garments were not correct, they were naked; they lacked knowledge and were perishing; not because of civil ,social or political issues but because they knew not the Son and the Father.

What will the author and LivePrayer committee and most christians say when the Prophet Daniel does the same kind of rant about those who have not studied his book as directed in Mathhew 24:15; the Bride cannot be without spot, with oil and in white garments without knowing and understanding these things according to Jesus, Daniel, Gabriel and the Apostle John.

BTW the first 4 paragraphs below seems to be very similar to what Warren is being accused of.

ANYHOW
Happy Holy-Days

memanni at msn.com
www.hebrewheritage.com

1 From: @aol.com
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 08:12:36 -0500
Subject: Fwd: Daily Devotional (Tue. 12/23/2008) Liveprayer.com 178689 *_*-*_*-*_*-*
To: overcomer1 at att.net

One site keeps you connected to all your email: AOL Mail, Gmail, and Yahoo Mail. Try it now.

--Forwarded Message Attachment--
Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2008 06:38:33 -0500
From: prayermanager at liveprayer.com
To:@aol.com
Subject: Daily Devotional (Tue. 12/23/2008) Liveprayer.com 178689 *_*-*_*-*_*-*

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Rick Warren and President-elect Obama use each other for credibility. Let
me say up front, the ONLY reason Pastor Rick Warren, Senior Pastor of
Saddleback Church in suburban Los Angeles and the author of the Purpose
Driven Life, should deliver the invocation at Barack Hussein Obama's
inaugural is to pray for the following: Obama's salvation, that this nation
will stop slaughtering innocent babies, that ALL states will quit perverting
God's Holy Institution of Marriage by allowing same-sex couples to wed, and
that this nation will turn from its sins and back to the God of the Bible
and faith in Jesus Christ.

Now let's deal with reality. I guarantee you that Warren will pray for NONE
of those things. Do you think for a second that President-elect Obama would
invite him to do the invocation if he was going to pray for the REAL needs
of Obama and this nation? Warren became famous for selling his "Purpose
Driven" marketing strategy designed to fill pews with warn bodies, not
converts to the faith, to churches and pastors around the nation who were
too lazy to get their own vision from God. He has become the poster child
for the word COMPROMISE.

Let me deal right away with the outrage from the homosexual community over
Obama asking Warren to give the invocation at his inauguration. They are so
blinded by their sin that they don't realize Warren is the last person they
need to fear or worry about. Yes, I am well aware that Pastor Warren
supported Proposition 8. For the record, that only happened a few days
before the election after he was shamed and forced by those brave me and
women who championed that stand in California for God's Holy Institution of
Marriage.

Warren made national news during the recent Presidential election when he
hosted a debate between Senators Obama and McCain. The event was widely
promoted as a Warren/Saddleback event, however it was originated and
co-sponsored by the liberal social justice group Faith in Public Life, whose
board president is Meg Riley, a Unitarian Universalism minister who
previously ran the denomination's homosexual advocacy office. Warren also
spoke at one of Robert Schuller's Institute for Successful Church Leadership
conferences. In attendance at that Institute were 80 gay and lesbian
ministers from the now Jesus Metropolitan Churches which cater to
homosexuals and lesbians. Many of the clergy of these churches are
practicing, unrepentant homosexuals!

I do credit Warren for being consistent in his public comments (when
pressed) against the sin of homosexuality and that marriage is to be between
a man and a woman as God dictated. However, he takes ZERO leadership on key
spiritual issues like abortion or gay marriage, and is quick to join forces
with the homosexual community and those in the cults and false religions of
the world to advance his personal agenda. He was at a Muslim convention
this past weekend, where Melissa Ethridge, an openly lesbian activist and
music artist performed. Warren said the two had a "wonderful conversation"
and that he is a huge fan who has all her albums.

At that event, Warren told the Muslims, "You don't have to see eye to eye to
walk hand in hand." Listen, Rick Warren is a PASTOR. He is supposed to be
a messenger of the GOSPEL. He is NOT a politician!!! The Gospel of Jesus
Christ is not something you water down or compromise. It is not about being
politically correct because the eternal souls of men are at stake. There is
no "walking hand in hand" with Muslims! They are on the wide road to
destruction while born-again Believers are on that narrow road to Glory!
Muslims need to understand that they have bought a 1400-year-old lie from
hell, and when they die, their souls will burn in the flames of hell for all
eternity unless they turn from the lies of Islam and embrace faith in Jesus
Christ and the Truth of the Bible!!!

Warren is a case study in the word "compromise." He embraces the damnable
ecumenical movement that seeks to unite people of all beliefs, meaning
Christians are expected to "compromise" and abandon the Absolute Truth of
the Bible! His infamous book, The Purpose Driven Church, was endorsed by
Leonard Sweet, a firm New Age Movement advocate. Warren hired Ken Blanchard
to come to Saddleback to help train people how to be effective leaders.
Blanchard is a huge advocate of the New Age philosophies. He wrote the
foreword to Jim Ballard's books Mind Like Water and What Would Buddha Do At
Work? He was on the front cover of Corporate Mystic and the back cover of
Deepak Chopra's Seven Spiritual Laws of Success and wrote the Foreword to
Ellen Ladd's (clairvoyant) book, Death and Letting Go. Blanchard makes no
apology when he says much can be gained from Buddhism. He and his wife both
encourage the practice of yoga and mantra meditation.

Why does a self-professed Baptist evangelist associate with these types of
people? Not to preach the Gospel to them, but to use his association for
his benefit! Sadly Warren decided that he could make his impact by pursuing
a worldwide social agenda. That is fine. We need people to lead the effort
on global poverty, AIDS in Africa, and other social causes. But you can't
pursue this social agenda and ignore the pressing issues that are destroying
this nation like killing babies, gay marriage, and family issues. IT IS NOT
ACCEPTABLE AT ANY TIME TO COMPROMISE THE GOSPEL AND THE TRUTH OF THE BIBLE
IN ORDER TO ACCOMPLISH ANY PURSUIT, NO MATTER HOW WORTHY! While these
social issues are worth bringing attention to and fighting for, the fact is
all men will die one day and at that moment the only thing that matters is
if they know Jesus as their personal Savior by Faith.

I love you and care about you so much. It is easy to see why
President-elect Obama asked Warren to deliver the invocation at his
inauguration. It was payback for Warren compromising once again and
allowing this enemy of God to stand in his pulpit at a recent conference on
social issues. Actually, Warren desecrates his pulpit often with every kind
of heretic and blasphemer you can name in the pursuit of his global social
agenda. He even boasted about having Obama in his pulpit!

By accepting this invitation, all Warren has done is give credibility to
Obama, further proliferating the lie that he is a Christian, when the fact
is he takes stands in opposition to the Christ he proclaims and the Truth of
the Bible on EVERY key spiritual issue that faces our nation. By giving the
invocation at the upcoming inaugural, Rick Warren is giving his blessing to
Obama's rebellion to God and the Bible. Sadly, Warren's agenda is more
important than God's agenda! His appearance and compromise actually only
emboldens those who live in rebellion to God and His Word.

For Pastor Rick Warren to bless and give the invocation at the upcoming
inauguration of a man who will help insure millions of babies around the
world are slaughtered, and force US taxpayers to fund this legalized
infanticide, is no different than if Adolph Hitler had asked him to give the
blessing and invocation when he became Chancellor of Germany!!!

True men of God like John the Baptist, the prophets in the Old Testament,
literally gave their lives to stand for God's Truth with the political
leaders of their day. Sadly, Rick Warren is not a great man of God, but
simply a man who has compromised his faith and the message of the Gospel in
order to advance his agenda. I will be praying for Pastor Warren, and ask
you to as well, that he will let the Holy Sprit speak the words this coming
January 20th. I pray that out of his lips will come a prayer calling this
nation back to God, condemning this culture of death and all who support it,
proclaiming that God's plan in the Bible for marriage and family is the
foundation of our culture, and inviting President-elect Barack Hussein Obama
to ask God to forgive his sins and accept by faith Jesus Christ as His
personal Savior and lead this nation as a man of God, not an enemy of God!

THAT IS THE ONLY PRAYER A TRUE MAN OF GOD COULD POSSIBLY DELIVER!

In His love and service,
Your friend and brother in Christ,
Bill Keller

If I can help you in any way you can contact me through my personal email at:
bkeller at liveprayer.com

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FIRST JEWISH PRESIDENT

WEBMASTER — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 13:02:05 EST

Barack Obama: The First Jewish President?
Chicago circle nurtured him all the way to the top

By Tom Hundley, Tribune reporter

December 12, 2008 / Writer Toni Morrison famously dubbed Bill Clinton "the first black president" - a title he fervently embraced.

Abner Mikva, the Chicago Democratic Party stalwart and former Clinton White House counsel, offers a variation on that theme. "If Clinton was our first black president, then Barack Obama is our First Jewish President," says Mikva, who was among the first to spot the potential of the skinny young law school graduate with the odd name.

"I use a Yiddish expression, yiddishe neshuma, to describe him," explains Mikva. "It means a Jewish soul. It's an expression my mother used. It means a sensitive, sympathetic personality, someone who understands where you are coming from."

Obama, of course, is a Christian. And his middle name is Hussein. In the presidential election, he won 78 percent of the Jewish vote and about 70 percent of the Arab-American vote, according to unofficial exit polling. Obama collected 52.8 percent of the overall vote.

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

WEBMASTER — Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:26:14 EST

The Pickens Plan: For those who would like to become an active participant in a solution for our nations energy needs I urge you to join with T.Boone Pickens in his quest for a cleaner planet through alternative energy.

Also see Green Wave Energy: Green Wave was founded by Mark Holmes and was formulated for viable alternative energy solutions. Green Wave Energy is promoting state-of-the-art energy-saving products and services throughout the country.

Green Wave Energy understands alternative energy technology will become “main stream” when

individuals and organizations understand that alternative energy technology exists and
when people see the economic benefits of using alternative energy technologies

Call 949.645.1701 for information on how Green Wave Energy can help you save the planet.

Alternative Energy
Source: David Apperson

url: http://veterans.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/alternative-energy

SPIRIT OF RECONCILIATION

WEBMASTER — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 02:45:59 EST

When asked by FRANKLIN GRAHAM whether Barack believed Jesus is the only way to salvation, Barack eloquently stated, ‘Jesus is the only way for me. I’m not in a position to judge other people.

It is the duty for every believer to help reconcile this nation and this world. To do this we must first reconcile ourselves as children of the Eternal Spirit, and reconcile ourselves as brothers and sisters in faith.

Ancient Tribal Belief - NATIVE SPIRITUALITY

Rather than going to religious services, we attend a sweat lodge; rather than accepting bread from the priest, we smoke a ceremonial pipe to come into communion with the Eternal Spirit; and rather than kneeling with our hands placed together in prayer, we have sweet grass feathered over our entire being for spiritual cleansing and allow the smoke to carry our prayers into the heavens. - Mi'kmaq

Zechariah 14:8,9 - JUDAIC TEXT

And in that day it shall be that living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, half of them toward the Dead Sea and half of them toward the Mediterranean Sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur. And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be - The Lord is one, and His name one. - Zechariah

2 Corinthians 5:17-21 - CHRISTIAN WORD

Therefore if anyone be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new. And all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself by Jesus Christ, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To know, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the message of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray for you in Christ's stead, you be reconciled to God. For He has made Him, who knew no sin, to be sin for us; that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. - Paul

Qur'an 2:183 - ISLAMIC TEXT

O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn not to blaspheme. - Muhammad

??? - Other Belief Systems

Email David - yofast@gmail if you have ancient written text that you believe proclaims a better day for your children's children. When your submission has been confirmed it will be posted in this location.

The tiny flame that lights up the human heart is like a blazing torch that comes down from heaven to light up the path of all mankind. For in one soul are contained the hopes and feelings of all mankind. - Kahlil Gibran [ submitted by Susan Slotter ]

source: http://kids.barackobama.com/page/community/tag/G-d

WEBMASTER LANGUAGE TRANSLATIONS

WEBMASTER — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:31:29 EST

ARABIC * BULGARIAN * CATALAN * CHINESE 1 * CHINESE 2 * CROATIAN * CZECH * DANISH * DUTCH * FILIPINO * FINNISH * FRENCH * GERMAN * GREEK * HEBREW * HINDI * INDONESIAN * ITALIAN * JAPANESE * KOREAN * LATVIAN * LITHUANIAN * NORWEGIAN * POLISH * PORTUGUESE * ROMANIAN * RUSSIAN * SERBIAN * SLOVAK * SLOVENIAN * SPANISH * SWEDISH * UKRANIAN * VIETNAMESE

NEW YEARS PRAYER AND CELEBRATION

WEBMASTER — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 15:22:45 EST

"Today we begin in earnest the work of making sure that the world we leave our children is just a little bit better than the one we inhabit today."
PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA

RSVP MIDNIGHT PRAYER AND CELEBRATION - 31 DEC 2008

PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA IS OUR NEW COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF

We invite everyone breathing, or not, the opportunity to show global unity and dedicate three [ 3 ] minutes of time on News Years Eve to thank God for President Obama and ask the Creator of All Things for a GLOBAL BLESSING for ALL NATIONS, PEOPLES, AND TONGUES.

May we agree that 2009 can be a year of healing for the nation and the world as we celebrate this historic election. All faiths are encouraged to join the festivities. LET US GO DOWN TO THE RIVER AND PRAY.

Text translations of the readings supplied by GOOGLE TRANSLATE through GLOBAL BIBLE STUDY.

BELIEVE THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON

WEBMASTER — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 05:45:52 EST

And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, OF BARACK, of Samson, of Jephthah; and David also, Samuel, and of the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.

Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had test of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, moreover of chains and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were cut in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered around in goatskins and sheepskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; Of whom the world was not worthy: they wandered in deserts, in mountains, in dens and caves of the earth.

And all these, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise:
God having provided something better for us, that without us they would not be made perfect.

Text is available in 35 GLOBAL LANGUAGES

UPDATE: 44TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES and THE GOVERNMENT OF CHANGE

The Maternal Is Political

Brandi Lou — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 02:03:22 EST

because we all know and love someone with whom we can share this moving piece <3<3<3

An Open Letter to My Pro-Life Christian Friends on the Eve of the Election

By Shari MacDonald Strong

When I was about six years old, I decided I wanted to attend the little Baptist Church that was next door to my family’s house – and not just because I loved riding my bike with the banana seat around its parking lot. From that day until a handful of years ago, I attended evangelical churches of one kind or another. So, it’s no surprise that I spent much of my life in the Pro-Life camp, worrying about sanctity of life issues.

And yet, here I am today: a member of the Democratic Party, supporting a Pro-Choice candidate. In fact, these days I consider myself simultaneously Pro-Life (meaning that I would encourage a woman to continue her pregnancy if possible, and I would do whatever I could to help her) and Pro-Choice (because I believe that individual women, and not James Dobson or George Bush, should get to make wise, informed, thoughtful decisions about their lives) – a fact that boggles the mind of friends on both sides of the issue. How did I get here? With days to go before the election, I’d like to explain.

Dear Pro-Life Friend,

As a former Pro-Life Crisis Pregnancy Center volunteer, I’m as surprised (in some ways) to find myself supporting a Pro-Choice candidate as you are to see me here. There was a time when I couldn’t have envisioned it – back when I felt secure in my (comfortable and, I admit, self-satisfied) belief that I knew better than pregnant women whether or not they should have their babies. In church, I was taught that women who sought abortions were selfish, that they wanted a “convenient” way out of their perplexing predicaments. That they didn’t care about the life inside them, and that those of us who did care were responsible for intervening: with our votes in the voting booth, with our bodies at Pro-Life protests, and, yes, with our big, big mouths.

Then, when I was eighteen, one of my closest (and at the time, single) friends became pregnant; she was too frightened to tell her family, and she had nowhere to go. I helped my friend find a family to live with during her pregnancy, and another family to adopt the child. After that, I started volunteering at the Crisis Pregnancy Center. In my training, I learned to tell women that the one-minute pregnancy test took 10 minutes: enough time for them to have to watch the evangelistic VHS tape I was supposed to turn on for them while they awaited their test results. I was supposed to tell them about Jesus, and about abortion tearing their babies to pieces. But when I looked into the tired, anxious, heartbroken faces of the women – none of whom took their decision lightly – what I wanted to do was offer compassion. I never met one who was single and flighty and careless. The women were often married, all of them older than I was, some of them at the end of their ropes. They looked at me like I had no idea what life was capable of doling out – and they were right. My words would do nothing to ease the difficulties of their situations; my judgment would only make the women feel worse about what they genuinely believed they needed to do.

Many were poor, most were struggling, some were in abusive relationships, a number were barely surviving. And there I was: young, privileged, without a care – throwing judgment and Jesus at them, but offering no real help or hope. The pregnancy center claimed to offer support, but there were no real resources available. No halfway houses or homes for pregnant girls ever had room for them. I could help clients sign up for the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program, which gave them access to free cheese. But what good was cheese to the co-ed who had to drop out of college, to the wife in an abusive common-law marriage, to the woman with no place to go? One night, a pregnant girl begged me to help her find a place to live – and no agency I called could help. As she went out into the night, and into an uncertain future, I laid my head on the desk and decided I’d had enough of judgment and finger pointing. I decided the best way to help would be . . . to actually help. Contrary to what I’d learned in church, none of the center’s clients had been looking to abortion as a “convenient” way out; most were figuring out how they would survive, even without a baby. Talk about your inconvenient truths.

These women knew that resources and government support were scarce to nonexistent; they also knew that families were more than willing to adopt healthy white babies, but no one wanted the minority babies, the sick babies, the babies born to mothers who struggled with alcohol or drug addiction. They knew that if they had their babies, most of them would be on their own. It wasn't a question of convenience for most. It was a question of survival.

It was at that point that I began to make a shift. I still wanted to help prevent abortions, help save lives, bring abortion numbers down. But I no longer believed that picketing an abortion clinic or fighting for a law change was the way to do it. I came to believe, and still do believe, that the way to bring down abortion numbers is by helping the women in practical ways: working to get equal pay for women, better access to health care and day care, guaranteed paid maternity leave, etc. A number of studies show that abortion statistics actually go down under more progressive administrations and laws. (I'm sure people on both sides can cite a range of statistics, but it just makes sense to me that when women have more support, they're more likely to have their babies.) So, it's not that I don't care about the abortion issue. It's simply that I come at it from another direction now. I'm supporting the party whose policies I believe help women and families more, and believe their taking office will result in fewer women believing that abortion is their best option.

Finally, to those friends who have painted Barack Obama as “abortion-loving,” let me say that I know a lot of pro-choice folks, and I consider myself both pro-choice and pro-life, and none of us is an "abortion lover." People on both sides of the issue -- including me, including you, including Obama -- are compassionate. We simply disagree about what political actions are most helpful to women and families.

To sum up: I don't support Obama in spite of being pro-life, but because I'm pro-life. Women who are desperate will always find a way to get abortions, whether or not they're legal. I think it's a waste of time to exert our energy on judging women considering abortions and speculating about what their motives may or may not be, picketing clinics, and focusing on laws that won't prevent abortions in the end, anyway. I believe the real goal should be to create a society in which women and mothers and families receive the practical and emotional support they need in order to survive and thrive (again: healthcare, excellent child care, equal pay for equal work, education, access to social services, etc.) if they have their child. I believe that that is the answer to the abortion issue, and that's why I am a Democrat. I realize that many people have other opinions, but this is mine. And that's why I'm voting for Obama.

Love,

Shari

Shari MacDonald Strong is the Creative Nonfiction Editor for Literary Mama. Her essay "On Wanting a Girl" appears in the anthology It's a Girl: Women Writers on Raising Daughters (Seal Press, April 2006). She writes a column for Mamazine, and has also written for a number of publications, including Geez magazine. Shari worked as an editor and copywriter in the publishing industry for 15 years. She writes a blog from her home in Portland, Oregon, where she lives with her husband, photojournalist Craig Strong, and their children: grade-schooler Eugenia, born in Russia, and preschool sons Will and Mac, born via gestational surrogacy.

The Maternal Is Political

http://www.literarymama.com/columns/zen/archives/2008/11/an_open_letter.html

Debbi Verbz Speaks

Teacher Inspirational Singer — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 17:07:06 EDT

Although it's not a black issue, It seems that black people have been enslaved so very long that we don't know how to esteem eachother. That's so sad.Why do we believe that Obama is anti-Christ, when he openly declared his relationship with God? Why do we think that John McCain has not also left abortion rights and gay marriages open to those in unfortunate situations (incest or rape)? They BOTH share the same view on this people. Stop concocting or making yourself to believe lies about Obama just to cover up the real excuse that you do not want to vote for him, BECAUSE HE IS BLACK . So many blacks been brainwashed to believe that NO BLACK MAN CAN RUN THIS COUNTRY. Fact is BLACKS were an integral portion in BUILDING this country. So why do you feel like your own is still inadequate?So come on, black people, face it for what it is, you doubt your own, because you've been chasing the q.o.q. "AMERICAN DREAM" too too long and believe that BLACK is Whack. You've been enslaved too long that you don't know truth anymore. WAKE UP church.Finally God opened the gateway for EQUALITY to abide in the racially segregated driven Presidential seat and some black people still just can't accept it. It's not too good to be true. OBAMA IS THE MAN and OUR FUTURE PRESIDENT of this CROOKED NATION. We DO need a change, CHANGE OF HEART needs to come first. I just voted TODAY...Holy Spirit led and ALL...Hope you will cast your votes on the truth of what each Candidate has openly declared and not John McCains BAD MIND, FRUGAL Ads. Come on people, you know OBAMA has VIRTUE, INTEGRITY, PEACE, CLASS & HUMILITY written ALL OVER HIS FACE.If you have those same traits, then you should have already confirmed that he's A TRUE MAN OF GOD.

Voting my Values

Melissa — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 21:05:21 EDT

I am a committed Christian and a proud supporter of the Obama-Biden campaign. As a United Methodist, the roots of my Weslyan tradition are centered on my relationship with Christ while working for peace and social justice.

After hearing Senator Obama's speech that he presented at the 2004 Democratic Convention and later reading his book, "The Audicity of Hope," I became convinced that his integrity, messages of unity and his wisdom are exactly what our country needs right now as we grapple with issues of war and peace and economic stability.

Senator Obama understands the needs of the poor. He grew up without wealth and worked in poor communities, helping people recognize and utilize the resources that could help them make a better life. As President, Barack Obama will work to make health care accessible to everyone - not just as a privilege for those with means. He and Joe Biden have led with values and conviction on issue after issue. Obama and Biden believe in being a good steward of the environment, personal responsibility, lifting up the poor, and a responsible foreign policy.

Perhaps most importantly, they will change the culture of deception and greed in Washington. They will help us engage in our own democracy - empowering us to make changes in our own communities.

These are the ideals that speak to my faith and our highest calling as a nation.

Senator Obama will be a President who will unite the American people, instead of dividing them for political gain. He has shown an extraordinary capacity to seek the common good, and that is what our country needs right now.

I’m going to vote all my values, not just one or two. That’s why I am proud to be a supporter of Senator Obama and Senator Biden and I urge all people of faith who want to see their values reflected in their government to support the Obama-Biden ticket.

Faith in the Election

Kamden — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:38:22 EDT

As a grad student at a Pentecostal University and an Assemblies of God minister, my support (rather vocal, at that) for Obama has made me the target for quite the number of email forwards, personal notes, phone calls, Facebook posts and messages, and, of course, the occasional sarcastic comment. Inevitably, these concerned friend, University officials, and random acquaintances all have the same primary complaints: Abortion, gay rights, and the faith of Obama himself.

Matthew 25 Network

Josh — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 11:26:04 EDT

A friend of mine emailed me a link that I found to be quite interesting in the Pro-life, Pro-Obama discussion. The website is: ProLifeProObama.com. Below is an excerpt from the site.

Facts on Preventing Abortions Abortion Facts

Half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended.
Almost half of unintended pregnancies end in abortion.
The most frequent reasons given by women seeking an abortion are that a child would limit ability to meet current responsibilities and that they cannot afford a child at this point in their lives.
Unintended pregnancy has increased by 29% among poor women while decreasing 20% among higher-income women.
Women below the federal poverty level have abortion rates almost four times those of higher-income women.
Between 1996 and 2000, while abortion rates for all other groups fell, abortion rates among poor and low-income women increased.
The majority of women having abortions are in their 20s or younger.

Source: Guttmacher Institute, "An Overview of Abortion in The United States"

Overturning Roe Vs. Wade Will Not End Abortion in America

Overturning Roe Vs. Wade, a long time goal of the pro-life movement, would not end abortion in the United States, it would simply send the decision to the states.
If states with more than 45% "pro-life" sentiment chose to outlaw abortion, this would only impact 16 states accounting for 10% of abortions nationwide, or less than 100,000 abortions a year.
Women in these 16 states would still be able to travel to seek an abortion in another state, or seek an illegal abortion, making the impact likely less than a 10% reduction in abortions nation-wide.
States with the highest abortion rates in the country, like California and New York, would be unlikely to outlaw abortion in their states.

Source: Catholics United Study "Reducing Abortion in America: Beyond Roe v. Wade"

Studies Show that Economic Support for Women and Families Reduces Abortion

In a recent study released by Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good finds that social and economic supports such as benefits for pregnant women and mothers and economic assistance to low-income families have contributed significantly to reducing the number of abortions in the United States over the past twenty years.
Economic assistance to low income families is correlated with a 20% lower abortion rate. Across the entire United States, this translates into 200,000 fewer abortions.
In the 1990s, states with more generous grants to women, infants and children under the age of five as provided by the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program had a 37% lower abortion rate.
Higher male employment in the 1990s was associated with a 29% lower abortion rate.
The abortion rate has declined most rapidly from 1990-1996 when there was an economic boom under President Clinton. While rates have continued to decrease, they have declined less rapidly in recent years when poverty rates have been climbing.

Source: Joseph Wright and Michael Bailey, "Reducing Abortion in America : The Effect of Economic and Social Supports" (Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good) and The Guttmacher Institute "An Overview of Abortion in The United States"

Legal Status of Abortion Does Not Necessarily Impact Abortion Rates

Nearly half of all abortions in the world are performed in countries that have made abortion illegal.
The lowest abortion rates in the world - less than 10 per 1,000 women of reproductive age - are in Europe, where abortion is legal and available.
By contrast, in Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean, where abortion law is most restrictive, the regional rates are 29 and 31 per 1,000 women, respectively.
These countries are also much poorer than the U.S. and provide fewer social services; and a larger proportion of their population lives in poverty.
In Western European countries, in contrast, where more social services are provided and fewer women live in poverty, the abortion rates are consistently the lowest rates in the world.

Source: Guttmacher Institute, "An Overview of Abortion in The United States"

Sons of Abraham

Ken — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 12:09:28 EDT

Sons of Abraham

Isaac and Ishmael

Living in the holy land

Palestine and Israel

Both have a charter

Each has a deal

Sons of Abraham

Isaac and Ishmael

Sharing a simple meal.

Together

Forever

Can we see some peace?

Together

Forever

With land to each a piece.

Swarms of hordes

And crusading conquerors

Pitting the two brothers

Against each other

For land olives oil

Raping the mothers

Swarms of hordes

Of crusading conquerors

Claiming covenant as their own.

Together

Forever

Will we see some peace?

Together

Forever

To own and not to lease.

Hagar and Sarah

Could have been sisters

Couldn't have

More blisters

Standing by

Their misters

Hagar and Sarah

Could have been sisters

Each with a womb of her own.

Shalom Alechem

Salaam Alikum

Nobody eats the pig.

Salaam Alechem

Shalom Alikum

The pig controls the rig.

Brothers

Forever

Time to quit the jig.

It's A New Day

Patrice from Williamsburg, VA — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 01:22:03 EDT

The dawning of a new day is here, both for America as a whole and for those who call ourselves "compassionate conservatives," a code name for politically active Christians.

It's a time when our nation has the opportunity to break from the tradition of the past--from racial and class division, from partisan politics, from us against them--and to ride into a bright, new future of unified effort for the good of all Americans, truly non-partisan policy making and cooperation in Washington.

The undeclared but clearly evident leader of this new effort is Barack Obama, an American of mixed racial background (half white, and half black), and of mixed socio-economic background, a recent graduate from the struggling middle class to the echelons of upper class America. He is the leader we need right now not just because of superior intellect, highly effective communication skills, and his high level of educational attainment, but also because of the character and the temperament with which he has been divinely blessed. Character he has demonstrated in this election in quite distinct contrast to his Republican contender, John McCain.

It is for this reason that I, a social activist at heart for the poor and for the good of all men, and a Christian conservative as it relates to the two most pivotal moral issues of our time--abortion and homosexuality--have decided to vote for Senator Barack Obama to become the next president of the United States.

Though the Republican party may attempt to portray it--God is not the God of one political party. He is not more concerned about small government than he is about helping those in need. He did not only send His Son to die for upper class and upper middle class whites. He does not want us to lock-up first time, young non-violent offenders for most of their young adult lives and throw away the keys. He does not want us to ignore the social causes of crime. He does want his people involved with both parties so that both parties ultimately represent His interests, which are the best interests of us all.

This is our opportunity. In this election, we have the ability to show the rest of America that "conservative Christians" can make a balanced, intellectual, and still spiritual choice for President. We can choose to vote for Barack Obama, not because we agree with him on every issue, but because we agree with him on many. And we can make our voices heard during his administration to affect the way he governs on issues with which we do disagree.

Make the change. Take the leap. Make a new choice, and encourage other like minded people to make this choice as well--praying all the way for Christ to grant Sen. Obama the wisdom to make the right decisions at the right time, not swayed by what's popular, but based on the right foundation--God's Word--at "such a time as this" in our nation's and the world's history.

--Pat Perry

excited father and pastor for obama

Rev. Greg Johnson — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 19:42:08 EDT

My daughter is 17 and can not vote, but I have posted on my blog an essay that she wrote on why Senator Obama should be supported and how some “Christians” have got it all wrong about him. I’m very proud of her as a father and as a pastor.

Please check it out at http://www.gajohnson.org/gregjohnson/2008/10/voting-for-obama.html . If so desired, you can leave a comment there for her.

Thanks!

Greg Johnson

On Life & Faith, please share this video

Ms_CongenialityHI — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:19:19 EDT

This is a timely, thought-filled conversation with Martin Sheen, actor, devout Catholic and Obama supporter. Please share the link and bookmark the page:

"Can you be pro-life and support Senator Obama?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IczsKEe6es0

I am all for Barack Obama.... but

Ang — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 14:12:04 EDT

I am for Barack Obama, but I am having some difficulty with the subject of abortion/ partial birth abortion. As I read articles about this issue I feel a sense of urgency to get a truthful explanation for his voting record on these issues. I am a christian women with children of my own and the thought that if my daughter was raped and in the rare chance that she become pregnant - should she be forced to make her young body go through the changesa that motherhood creates, both physically and mentally?? On the other hand my christian thoughts are - if he brings you to it, he will bring you through it. I would love to hear some insight and thoughts of others on this issue. I would LOVE to hear from Obama himself on these issues. What are your thoughts?

Grandmothers

Barbara from Cypress, CA — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 01:04:38 EDT

I had two of the world's best grandmothers. They didn't raise me. I was very fortunate to have two great parents, both of whom died last year within four months of each other. I do believe they were soul mates.

My father's mother was a very deep believing Christian and as such referred to the Bible whenever there was an important issue to resolve. When I was 19 years old, I married a black man. My parents were very distraught, not because of his color, but of how I might have to endure the racial inequalities that were common at that time. It was 1977. My grandmother returned to her Bible for solace. One day when I was at her home, she wanted to have a serious conversation with me. She found a passage that told her of the marriage between Moses and an Ethopian woman and showed it to me. She told me that if God approved of interracial marriage, then she would agree with it as well. She promised me that I would never hear another word of negative discussion from her over my choice in husband. She lived to see my divorce and marriage to a second black man whom she also loved. She kept her word.

My sons remember both of my grandmothers with great affection as they do my parents.

Much heart felt warmth to Sen. Obama in this time of sadness and worry. He reminds me so much of my older son who is 30, steadfast in love and a family man.

I hold the entire Obama family in my prayers nightly. He will be our next President of the United States. Of this I am sure. God has made it clear.

Spreading the Wealth

Doug Robinson — Sat, 18 Oct 2008 14:01:49 EDT

John McCain recently ridiculed Barack Obama for telling “Joe the Plumber” – in reality “Sam the contractor,” behind on paying his taxes – he wanted to “spread the wealth.” McCain said he wanted “Joe” to keep his wealth – actually much less than reported – to himself. McCain insisted that Obama’s tax plan would hurt Joe’s plan of buying his employer’s plumbing business when all indications are that Sam would actually benefit from Obama’s plan. Such is the continued misrepresentation that has become a hallmark of the McCain campaign. Obama’s desire to “spread the wealth” deserves more consideration.

Abstinence-Only For Non-Conservative Youth Only

Vanessa Edwards from Houston, TX — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 14:04:15 EDT

http://transpolitical.blogspot.com/2008/09/abstinence-only-for-non-conservative.html

reprint from TransPolitical blog 9/7/08

“Poor is the manWhose pleasures depend

On the permission of another.” — Justify My Love, Madonna

The chattering hubbub has somewhat died down on Bristol Palin’s pregnancy out of wedlock. Ironically, it appears that both Republican and Democrats’ campaigns were happy to see this subside. As a blogger, I didn’t really have any issue with Bristol Palin as it’s unfortunate, but still a natural occurrence. I actually felt sorry for both her and her unwitting husband-to-be.

What was saddest was seeing how the oh-so-sanctimonious-and-now-embarrassed Republican National Committee operatives did everything they could to obfuscate. They paraded her out (gotta have those family values), but had baby Trig attached to her as if umbilically, complete with baby blanket plastered strategically over her body to hide the baby-bulge. It wasn’t really overt of a bulge, but the RNC and McCain campaign’s paranoia was such that even the slightest breath of pregnancy out of wedlock was enough to induce palpitations.

Once the news became obvious (how they thought they were powerful enough to shut off all private conversation, I’m at a loss!), they discovered it didn’t matter so much to their evangelical moralist base. Evangelicals rallied round, regardless of the values dichotomy. Now that Bristol was allowed to be a real teenager, sans blanket, and without permanent babysitting penance of mom’s progeny, she actually looked happier. She was just another of the Palin kids, enjoying the moment.

Unmarried Pregnancy And Stunning Hypocrisy: It’s Gotta Be GOP!

Vanessa Edwards from Houston, TX — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 13:55:57 EDT

Rumors were flying on the blogs recently about Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin’s five-month old son actually belonged to her unmarried teenaged daughter. To quell the rumors that her son, Trig was indeed hers, she made public the announcement that her 17-year old daughter Bristol was indeed pregnant.

However, her quote and the response of the Republican pundits and evangelical supporters expose a glaring dual standard.

“Our beautiful daughter Bristol came to us with news that as parents we knew would make her grow up faster than we had ever planned. We're proud of Bristol's decision to have her baby and even prouder to become grandparents," Sarah and her husband Todd Palin were quoted in the released statement. (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080901/ap_on_el_pr/cvn_palin_daughter)

Note the use of “proud of Bristol’s decision to have her baby”? That phrase begs the question: was there ever a decision? If so, why? Gov. Sarah Palin is proud to proclaim her right to life and elimination of choice. If there’s no choice, what is there to decide in the Palin family?

"Catholic Enough?"

Kenzie — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:01:18 EDT

I can across a discussion of Joe Biden's Catholic faith in Michael Paulson's Articles of Faith (and more specifically the comments section) on Boston.com. I was shocked to see the discussion unfold about whether or not Joe Biden is "properly Catholic." I'm deeply hurt by the knee-jerk reaction of the commenters who claim to be more Catholic because they support the pro-life movement. I was shocked to hear them clamor for Joe Biden to stand up against Roe v. Wade, against the legislation in place to allow every American to have no fear of religious persectuion for prescription. It is truly awful to read, Catholics denouncing Joe Biden with no knowledge of him and the way he lives his life. This is not the Church I grew up in.

I think Pope John Paul II may be shaking his head right now, somewhere...

The fact is, it is the Church's responsibility to reach out to the people around it. They do a very good job of that, at least they did in my neighborhood. But if you take away people's right to chose their religious values and their right to chose the way they live (which you are essentially doing if you are passing laws limiting the way they live their lives based on a personal religion), that's just coercion and control and it results in their false morality. If you want people to make the right choice, reach out to them, show them the way you would want them to live. But by trying to force them to live the way you live, this to me is violating the precepts of our Faith. I remember growing up in a Catholic Church of tolerance, understanding, and love. You should always stand up for what is right in the world, yes, but you also have to respect other people's rights to live the way they choose. You can reach out to them and teach them the Way, but they have to choose to take it. And for Senator Biden to support legislation that made the choice for these people, that took away the opportunity for their moral struggle... that would be unCatholic. Joe Biden would essentially be applying his own religion to the entire US, religious or not. And perhaps some think everyone should be Catholic. But Pope John Paul II and I both agree: you have to let them make that choice. Or it isn't real.

I'm appalled we're even talking about whether or not he is Catholic "enough." Same argument going on with whether or not Obama is "black enough." I'll tell you what: they are AMERICAN enough, and they are able to have the vision to live faithfully to their beliefs and still promote equality and pursuit of happiness for every human being, seeing past religion, past party lines. If you think abortion should not happen, reach out to the mothers with gentle words (as Christ would have done, and JPII would have done!), show them their options, support them and love them and show them that things can turn out okay because they will have a support network at all times, and a God who loves them no matter what. Joe Biden knows his faith in his heart, and it is very, very dear to him. When did seperation of church and state become so passé???

My Church is the Church of love, and of choosing to have a close relationship with God. It is not about choosing one's religious values like one chooses fruit at the grocery store, and this is NOT what Senator Biden is doing in his political positions. It's about reaching out with love to the people who do not know how to make the "right" choice (whichever choice you find that to be), and showing them light. Not outlawing their moral dilemma entirely. Or are we supposed to be enacting mass conversion of Jews, Protestants, Muslims, Atheists, like we did to the unsuspective natives of South America, or in the Spanish Inquisition? I believe the Catholic Church has learned from that mistake. We are a new Church, we have grown from the ashes of bloody revolution into a place where people can find comfort, joy, a home. I hope to see more understanding, more reason in the coming weeks, and less of this spiteful drivel. Because of people like this it was very hard for me to grow up being Catholic, and I don't want that for my children. We can be a people of faith and of fairness. We can help people find their own way. I believe in the strength of heart, the fairness of spirit in every Catholic, and I believe in Joe Biden as a strong Catholic who will do right by this country, for every man and woman, Catholic or otherwise. And to me that is beyond "Catholic enough."

What's Wrong With the Christian Right?

TJ Franklin — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 08:19:53 EDT

Before I even get started, let me say that I am and always have been a christian and I plan to stay that way. Lots of people might see this as believing in myths or superstitions, but either my life has had an amazing number of incredible coincidences, or God has been actively answering my prayers on a regular basis.

Sure, non-believers will criticize my beliefs. Unlike many christians, however, that doesn't bother me at all. You see, I have an open mind and don't mind looking at things from other people's points of view. I try to live my life by following one of the bible's most important, and yet grossly neglected morals: judge not, lest ye be judged.

Now, don't get me wrong. Not all christians are close-minded people with a stubborn insistence to ignore every possibility except for their own tunnel-visioned views. However, a surprisingly and unnervingly large group of them are, and they're increasing every day.

This whole post began forming a few days ago, when I saw the news footage of a Sarah Palin rally in which one audience member couldbe clearly heard to yell, "Kill him!"

Answering the Lie

Karen Funk Blocher — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 20:16:18 EDT

I'll come back later and reconstruct the entry I lost last night to site maintenance.* But for now, here's my reply to something that turned up in my spam folder today:

From: Karen @ ...

To: Christian Response <info@christianresponseupdates.net>

Subject: Re: 7 Reasons Why Barack Obama is Not a Christian

You people should be ashamed of yourselves. This lie has been thoroughly debunked, as you well know:

http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/muslim.asp
http://www.snopes.com/politics/obama/church.asp
http://www.newsweek.com/id/145971
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/sliming_obama.html
http://www.factcheck.org/specialreports/that_chain_e-mail_your_friend_sent_to.html

As a Christian who is webmaster for a mainstream church, I am frankly appalled that some self-proclaimed Christians place one or two issues that Jesus never spoke about ahead of His mandates to love your neighbor, love your enemy, be a good steward, care for the poor and be pure of heart. Your willingness to lie and cheat in order to mislead Christians into voting against Obama on the basis of false information is an affront to everything Jesus stood for - and still does.

Oh, and by the way, take me off your mailing list. It will be one less odious spam to delete.

Karen

*Okay, so I never got around to rewriting that lost entry. But you can probably get the gist of it from my recent entries on Outpost Mavarin. See my October 15th entry above for links to those rants.

Christians making the Christian decision!

Art By Michelle Collins — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 08:15:26 EDT

Are you a Christian and not sure who to vote for? Well first off , Jesus Loves! Sacrifice is what he is all about!

Following my long introduction is a questionnaire. Please don't be afraid to take this test to help you to make this important Christian decision in November.

True Christians and our issues

I am a Catholic Christian and I am saddened by the way our politicians have preyed on other Christians using fear and lies to give us a bad name. Its as if "Christian" is a dirty word in this country now a days.

Republicans have hijacked Christians by making pretend they care about hot topic issues such as abortion and gay marriage. These issues may be very important to some Christians and debatable by others but never the less they are far outweighed by the mounds of other issues that I believe Jesus would want to see addressed by the candidates. Christians have to begin to open their eyes wider and take the focus off just these things alone expand their Jesus lens. They need to ask themselves one by one, on each individual problem needing to be addressed in this country; "What would Jesus do?" Then and only then do I believe we are being true to our faith while we are alone and secret in the voting booth with only God to answer to in November.

Bigoted Religionists Redefine Love for Agenda

Mikey — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:45:37 EDT

What is love? Love is the foundation of the Christian Gospel. Without Love, God would not have cared if His creation had no way to heaven, and thus would have had no reason to provide a way though Christ. According to Webster's, Love is:

To regard with a strong feeling of affection; to have a devoted attachment to; to feel great tenderness for; as, to love one's family. 2. To regard with the feelings of one sex towards the other; to be tenderly affected toward; to be in love with; to be passionately fond of. 3. To delight in; to have great pleasure or interest in...(Webster's pg 1007)

What does the Bible say about love? There are many passages about love, and they reflect closely to how Webster's defines love.

Is love based on precondition?

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. (Romans 5:8-10)

We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. (1 John 4:19-21)

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? (Matthew 5:43-47)

It is because of verses like these that Dr. Cone must go through great efforts to redefine Love, and thus redefine Christian love. He rightly asserts that a "new way of doing theology" is needed, because without it "there will always be this barrier between Black Power and Christian love(Cone, 50). Thus he seeks to reinterpret "the message of salvation(49)" so that it will be palatable to those within the Black Power movement, whom Cone has no desire to make Christians out of, nor to "twist their language or to make an alien interpretation of it.(Cone 48)." While he has no problem preserving and accurately interpreting the words of man, he apparently sees no problem with forcing an interpretation on the scriptures that, as he willingly admits is alien to the life of Christ, and thus to the Biblical interpretation of love.

Cone goes through the two parts of the Great Commandment:

Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)

He rightly says that when God's love has gripped a someone that they should behave as if Christ is at the core of his being (Cone, 51). However, just a page later, he says that, "because God is a God of power; of majesty, of might, to love man means that he wills that the black man "reflect in the immediacies of life his power, his majesty and his might (Cone, 52)." He also erroneously says that "to respond to God's love in faith means that he accepts as truth the new image of himself revealed in Jesus Christ (Cone, 52). The Bible teaches that our response to God's love is to believe on Him:

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

That the man becomes a new Creature, and does not merely emulate an image of such is a Bible truth:

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)

We do not see an image in Christ, by accepting Christ in faith, we become a new creature, God's spirit indwells us and empowers us to do his will, to show his love and deliver his message to a world in need. As far as power we as individuals are called to:

Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues; And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.(Matthew 10:16-18)

It is not for us to attempt to emulate God's power and might. Throughout the Bible, God does occasionally use people to show his power, as was the case with Moses and the plagues. However, the showing of power was related specifically to giving glory and honor to God, as Pharaoh was scoffing and rejecting God's revealed will. It was not an act channeled through the unbelieving, or the worshippers of false gods. Since Dr Cone has "no desire to make Christians out of those who see no relationship between their understanding of truth and Jesus Christ (Cone, 48), he asserts that God's power, majesty and might can be demonstrated though sinful unrepentant man by accepting a new image "revealed in Christ." Many religions have images of Christ,

Cone asserts that the black man take Paul's teaching of being a "new creature" literally by telling him to "glorify blackness" as an acceptance of the black self as a creature of God. (Cone, 53)." It is absolutely clear that Dr. Cone misses the concept of the "new creature" The new creature is a direct product of the new birth, which Jesus described in his discussion with Nicodemus:

There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

(John 3:1-7)

The new creature is spiritual in nature. Man was born once as flesh and blood. The birth of the "new creature" is a spiritual event, an event open to "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord." It has nothing to do with the glorifying or uplifting of the physical self.

By combining these unbiblical distortions of the new creature and God's love, Cone has set the stage for his radical redefining of the word Love.

Dr. Cone says that "to love the white man means that the black man confronts him." He goes on to assert that whites see blacks as "its" and the black man must confront them as a "Thou" The emphasis is not on the person hood, but on the confrontation as the manifestation of love between the "races."

Cone further asserts that,

The black man must, if he is not to lose sight of his new-found identity in Christ, be prepared for conflict, for a radical confrontation. As one black man put it: "Profound love can only exist between two equals. The new black man refuses to assume the It-role which whites expect, but addresses them as an equal. This I where the conflict arises(Cone, 53).

There is no grounds for a "radical confrontation" for one not to lose sight of his identify in Christ. In fact, the one time where it was attempted, Jesus himself rebuked Simon Peter:

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant's name was Malchus. Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it? (John 18:10-11).

Also, consider the actions of Stephen who's preaching of righteousness resulted in severe injustice:

Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost: as your fathers did, so do ye. Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted? and they have slain them which showed before of the coming of the Just One; of whom ye have been now the betrayers and murderers: Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and have not kept it. When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed on him with their teeth. But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadfastly into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God, And said, Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God. Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran upon him with one accord, And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.(Acts 7:51-60)

Probably one of the most damnable heresies which Cone proclaims is the assertion that "profound love" can only exist between equals. With how much the Bible talks about God's love for man, this sets up two situations, each equally heretical. Either God does not truly love man, and the Bible lies regarding this, or man is equal with God, in which case man has no need of God, or his salvation. So the question arises, are we gods, or is God a liar? Man's fall in Genesis was at the beckoning of the serpent to "become as gods." Cone here introduces that man is equal with God again offering up the same temptation, the quick and fleshly way of a bloody confrontation to lift up the self, the flesh.

It is this heresy that allows him to encourage the carnal demonstration of "God's power" by ungodly men. He continues by saying that the "christian" love of whites makes the black man a nonperson. Cone goes on to say:

The black man's response to God's act in Christ must be different from the white's because his life experiences are different. Christian love is never fully embodied in an act(Cone, 55).

This is false. Christian love was fully embodied in one act: the selfless giving of Christ on the Cross. To willingly give one's self for his friends is defined as the greatest love in the Bible:

This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:12-13)

From this the greatness of Christ's sacrifice is magnified, for not only did he give his life, but he did so, "While we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8)!" Such an act, by God completely embodies Christian love! There is no greater love, or demonstration of love!

Now compare this to the example of love offered up by Dr. Cone:

The violence in the cities, which appears to contradict Christian love, is nothing but the black man's attempt to say Yes to his being as defined by God...If the riots are the black man's courage to say Yes to himself as a creature of God, and if in affirming self he affirms Yes to the neighbor, then violence may be the black man's expression, sometimes the only possible expression, of Christian love to the white oppressor(Cone, P 55).

Where in the Bible does it say we are to affirm our selves? Where in the Scriptures does it say that violence is a legitimate expression of Christian love to the neighbor? Remember, that Dr. Cone subscribes to Malcolm X's description that theologically, calling whites the devil is not far from the truth. All whites are oppressors in the eyes of Dr. Cone (Cone, P 24).

However, Cone also insists that

White people should not even expect blacks to love them, and to ask for it merely adds insult to injury. "For the white man," writes Malcolm X, "to ask the black man if he hates him is just like the rapist asking the raped...'Do you hate me?' (ellipses in original quote) The white man is in no moral position to accuse anyone else of hate." Whatever blacks feel towards whites or whatever their response to white racism, it cannot be submitted to the judgments of White society.

Basically Cone's definition of the love offered up to whites from blacks is the same as the hatred which whites should expect from blacks. Based on Cone's definitions:

Love = Hate

Hate = Love

Further, he has attempted to insulate his perspective from any criticism. However, despite his linguistic and mental gymnastics, Love, Christian love does not equal hate.

Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.(1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

It is clear from Dr. Cone's radical redefining of Christian love, that his primary purpose is not to show how Christianity is compatible with Black Power, as he claims(cone, p48), but rather to conform the image of Christ and his love to that of the extremists in a movement that is diametrically opposed to Christian Love and everything it stands for.

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)

References:

The Holy Bible, KJV

Caesar's Denari: the 2008 Election--Christians on Both Sides of the Coin

Julie from Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 00:19:08 EDT

Check out this discussion blog among Christians.

http://2008election-christiansbothsides.blogspot.com/

The "Welcome Statement":

Though Christianity’s focus is not on “things of this world”—and when it is, it’s perspective is often global—we as Americans cannot shirk the responsibilities of self-government. A group of us—from the left, right and middle—have started this blog as a political conversation geared toward the needs and beliefs of Christian Americans. We invite you to join with us, as we approach one of the most important elections in recent history. Speak your mind.

We only ask that you not feel the need to be clever or to respond at length (despite the perhaps irresponsible length of some of our postings)—and that you refrain from name calling or harsh language. The point of this blog, this conversation, is not just to disagree, but to educate one another. If you disagree with anything you read here—from the right or the left—tell us why, and explain why you think differently. That’s what we want to hear. What we all need to hear in these next few months.

Go to: http://2008election-christiansbothsides.blogspot.com/ for more

Let me see if I have this straight...

Suds — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:40:08 EDT

I'm a little confused. Let me see if I have this straight...

If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different." Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, and it's a quintessential American story?

If your name is Barack some try and say you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim. Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, and you're a maverick?

Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable, but if you attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded?

If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees,...you don't have any real leadership experience?

If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive?

If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian?

If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian?

If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society?

If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible?

If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's?

If your husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25, and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable?

OK, much clearer now,...not.

We Were Robbed in '00 and '04. Don't let it happen in '08

Uncle Nate — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 07:36:02 EDT

This video that I compiled to accompany my original song chronicles what happens when voters are defrauded and votes are left on the table.

The title of the song is 'We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.)'. It can be found here: We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.)

We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.)

The video for We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.) serves as a reminder that the last 8 years have been run by an illegitimate administration that was thrust into power on the backs of 19000 eligible voters in Florida that were illegally removed from the voter rolls. This was conspired by Jeb Bush, Katherine Harris, Clayton Roberts, Karl Rove, and Database Technologies.

People, you have to get out and vote on November 4 en masse and don't let it be close this time.

The Bush Legacy:
Disenfranchisement, 9/11, Enron, Worldcom, Bear Stearns, Countrywide, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Merrill Lynch, Lehman Brothers, AIG Restructuring, An Iraq War that still has not been Justified after 5+ years, $4 gasoline, Patriot Act, Record Foreclosures, Rising Unemployment, Illegal Surveillance, Tax Payer funded bailouts for Mortgage Companies, Patriot Act. By the way, I have not heard of any bailouts for taxpayers struggling to pay their mortgages.

It's time to say Eight is Enough!
We Were Robbed!

If you dig the video, please feel free to distribute freely to anyone you feel needs to get the message or post it to own your websites, emails, and blogs supporting Senator (and Future President) Obama. At the conclusion of this post I will post the embed code and URL for your personal websites, blogs and emails.

Please distribute freely if you believe in the message. I welcome your feedback.

Respectfully,

Uncle Nate
Obama/Biden '08

Here is the embed code for your personal websites/blogs:

Here is the link for your email:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFerpq2VApg

We Were Robbed! (The G.O.P.)

Americans Convinced That Obama Is Muslim

Mark Ungemach (Democratic Committee Person, Franklin Township, Landenberg, PA) — Sun, 21 Sep 2008 10:41:29 EDT

From The New York Times, September 21, 2008

Op-Ed Columnist

The Push to ‘Otherize’ Obama, By NICHOLAS D. KRISTOF

Here’s a sad monument to the sleaziness of this presidential campaign: Almost one-third of voters “know” that Barack Obama is a Muslim or believe that he could be.

In short, the political campaign to transform Mr. Obama into a Muslim is succeeding. The real loser as that happens isn’t just Mr. Obama, but our entire political process.

A Pew Research Center survey released a few days ago found that only half of Americans correctly know that Mr. Obama is a Christian. Meanwhile, 13 percent of registered voters say that he is a Muslim, compared with 12 percent in June and 10 percent in March.

More ominously, a rising share — now 16 percent — say they aren’t sure about his religion because they’ve heard “different things” about it.

When I’ve traveled around the country, particularly to my childhood home in rural Oregon, I’ve been struck by the number of people who ask something like: That Obama — is he really a Christian? Isn’t he a Muslim or something? Didn’t he take his oath of office on the Koran?

Put Away Falsehood - Christians Supporting Barack Obama

Irish Musician for Progressive Solutions — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 21:40:35 EDT

While puttering purposefully around my Facebook page, I noticed that there is a new Chrsitian group in town that endorses Barack Obama. I am heartened to see more people turning toward truth and beauty as this campaign struggle comes to the heated last few weeks. This IS the message, whether you're a practicing worshipper or just have a good heart. By golly, let's spread the good word! Power to the People and Peace to all Brothers and Sisters! Finally!

http://www.matthew25.org/paf/index.htm

"Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are all of the same body."

Ephesians 4:25

A Voice of Reason on Family Values

Erica R. — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 01:07:18 EDT

I am a fairly young voter and this will be my 2nd election that I am privileged to vote in. I do not understand the idea that a Christian voter must be a Republican voter and that all Democrats are out in left field when it comes to family values. My husband and I are devout Christians. You could even call us 'evangelicals' although we are members of a non-demoninational church. We have 5 beautiful children, even when during one pregnancy I was told that that child could have down-syndrome. I am pro-life, but I am also a proud Democrat! Obama cares about,is passionate about, and truly understands the issues that matter to the American people - the economy, health care, the war, national security, and fairness for all Americans. He has been more right than John McCain on numerous issues and has taken numerous stands without waivering on those issues. Although I am pro-life, and I believe marriage should be between a man and a woman as God intended it in Genesis, I truly do not believe issues like abortion and homosexuality should play a part in this election as these are both substantially personal issues. Many Republicans are horrified by an ad by McCain that suggests Obama voted against the right to life bill in Illinois that dealt with what to do in the event of a botched abortion attempt. None of us have read the bill so we cannot make a judgment call on whether or not Obama should have supported it. We only know what the commercials tell us. However, I can think of a couple of reasons that would totally justify Obama not supporting such a bill. For instance, if a woman went into a clinic to have an abortion and that abortion failed, who exactly is government to tell that woman she must now keep her baby? If she chose not to keep the baby, who would ultimately be responsible for him or her - the hospital, an orphanage run by the supporters of the bill - who? The real issues with these cases are the mothers who waited so far along in their pregnancy to attempt abortion in the first place - not the politicians who choose not to interfere in their lives! I believe all life is sacred and I also believe that babies who die go to heaven. The children not receiving care and not being forced to go home with mothers who do not want them are much better off with Jesus. Jesus told his disciples that when you help those less fortunate than you, you are doing the same for Him. When Obama turned down a high paying legal career to help those less fortunate on the south side of Chicago, and when he champions his causes for the down trodden, he is doing the work of a true Christian. In conclusion, there are some Democrats who love the Lord and desire to serve His people. However, we do not need to wear the Christian mantra on our sleeve as some Rebulicans do becuase a tree is known by the fruit he bears.

Message from a recovering republican

Andrea from Tacoma, WA — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:48:05 EDT

I realize this blog will rankle many of my liberal friends and many other Obama supporters. However, I feel it might help some people who see it as a crisis of faith to switch from the Republican ticket to the Democratic ticket. Please share this blog with your friends who are conservative Christians and are either on the fence or voting for McCain on the basis of religious beliefs.

One of my dear friends said during her hasty speech at the community caucuses so many months ago, “Barack Obama has the power to unite liberals and conservatives.” She was referring to our friendship. In Obama’s candidacy, we had mended our political fences. We had also found hope again. She is a card carrying member of the ACLU, and I have been active for most of my life in a Christian religion and community.

In 2000, I voted for George W. Bush against my better judgment. I heard many people say, and believed (at least in 2000), that he was a prayerful man. I admit to being duped. But that only partly explains my full, wholehearted support of Obama’s candidacy.

Unity, hope and faith are empowering, ennobling principles. And they are the principles upon which Obama’s campaign rests. He calls upon us to unify ourselves over common concerns, to hope again for change and goodness and responsiveness in our elected officials. No religion has the corner on faith. Faith is a principle of action and progress, and that is the central tenet of Obama’s promise to the American people. Just look up: "I'm asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington...I'm asking you to believe in yours."

Over the past eight years, the Bush Administration has simultaneously squandered our once burgeoning treasury and the trust of the American people. When Bush took office, our economy supported the global economy, and the US dollar was stronger than most in the world. Today, the IMF and several foreign prime ministers have not so subtly called for global monitoring of US fiscal policy, and the dollar is weaker than at any other time in my lifetime. Congress is deadlocked in partisan bickering. Our people have lost faith in governance, and the world has lost faith in the fiscal and social integrity of the United States. The Bush administration repeatedly lied to our people to justify taxes, war, and everything in between.

Throughout my life, I have struggled to find a candidate who will best protect and serve this country that I love and who I feel will best represent my interests. It is the very right of a United States citizen to do so, and from the moment Obama announced his candidacy, I have explored within myself both questions of politics and faith and find his values to coalesce nearly perfectly with my own.

Why have I felt separate from my religious community in supporting Obama/Biden? For one thing, Republican Party rhetoric targets conservative Christians. The wealthy represent only 5% of the voting block. Since the Reagan administration and the promulgation of “trickle down” economics, the Republican Party has served big business at the expense of all else. How do they garner the votes necessary to attain the White House when they serve only 5% of the population? Primarily, they achieve support by fanning the flames of a faith-based social war to define “American values.”

In supporting the Obama/Biden ticket I stand united with most Christians in believing the following:

Social Programs

It believe it is my duty to be my brother’s keeper, to love and care for the afflicted. We are all beggars before the Lord. We are commanded to serve and fight for the rights of the downtrodden, the persecuted, the weak, and the voiceless. Because of this belief, I also stand united with Obama/Biden:

Obama has promised to cut taxes for 95% of US families. Still, I would support and happily pay increased taxes for universal health care, increased support for single mothers, and any action we take to improve the broken welfare system.

Again, Obama has promised to cut taxes for 95% of US families. Still, I support and would happily pay for increased educational opportunities for all children who live in America, and would happily pay more taxes for increases in teacher’s salaries, increased technology in the classroom etc.

Energy Policy

I believe God created the earth, and requires His children who inhabit it to take care of it. Based on this belief, I support Obama/Biden because:

McCain’s energy policies are built on the “drill, baby, drill” premise. His solution to the energy problem is to stay at war and to drill locally, continuing to deplete local and global resources while supporting, at worst, tyranny - and at best, foreign economies at the expense of our own.

Obama’s energy policies draw upon the innovation, intelligence, and creativity of the American people. His proposed energy policy is green in two ways, simultaneously stimulating the economy (making green jobs and keeping them in the country) and preserving the planet.

Life/Choice

I believe in choice. I also believe in natural consequences. My views aren’t popular. They certainly aren’t politically correct. As a woman and a Christian, I see it this way: If, as a result of a conscious choice to have sex, a woman becomes pregnant, then she already exercised her right to choose. It is against both the laws of God and the natural order to terminate that life. Except in cases of rape and incest, I see abortion as a myopic response to a difficult situation. How can I support Obama/Biden if this is my personal belief?

Since Roe versus Wade, several Republican administrations have inhabited the White House. Not one of them has done anything to reverse Roe versus Wade. Yet, they’ve all garnered the conservative vote by speaking openly against abortion, politicizing a very personal issue and promoting division.

Although Obama’s stance on this important issue is more liberal than McCain’s, Obama’s message is one of unity. He proposes workable solutions. Rather than playing politics and manipulating the conservative vote, he asks us to find common ground. He recognizes that this is a complex and emotional issue. We, as an American people, are not likely to agree on abortion legislation. So, Obama proposes that we search for ways to work together to reduce unwanted pregnancy. We can all agree on the role of education and providing workable options. Additionally, it is likely that many women who would otherwise choose to terminate a pregnancy would actually choose to give birth if they had the opportunity to engage in affordable higher education, good health care, a reasonable wage, and equal pay for equal work. All of these issues are at the center of Obama’s campaign.

War

McCain seconds The Bush Doctrine. (I’m sure Palin would, if she actually understood it). The Bush Doctrine supports pre-emptive war. Christian doctrine eschews invading other countries and cultures on the basis of property or power. Although in modernity and historically many fundamentalists co-opt(ed) God for these purposes, all monotheistic interpretations of God and God’s doctrine clearly contradict The Bush Doctrine. We should not invade another country unless we are first attacked. We have a duty to defend our nation, but only to protect our homes, our lives, our families, and our way of life. So far, I see no proof that Iraq invaded or attacked the United States. The Bush administration now admits to this fact. Yet, we are still at war and McCain has committed to more war, indefinitely.

As anyone who follows voting records or the news knows, Senator Obama voted against the war in Iraq from the beginning, even when it was enormously unpopular to do so. His plan includes timelines for bringing home our troops, and bring them home with honor and respect.

Religion

America is built upon the separation of church and state for good reason. As a Christian, I fully support this separation. The right to worship God as we understand God, including no God at all, has made the United States a safe haven for every follower of a moral code. This separation must be protected for the sake of all citizens, including Christians. However, since Kennedy’s nomination (and probably even before then) religion has been an issue in the race for the White House.

McCain’s smear tactics decry Obama as Muslim. First, this hateful prejudice alone is problematic. Islam is not a terrorist organization. It is a monotheistic religion in which jihad actually refers to the inward struggle between good and evil. Even if Obama were Muslim, we would do well to understand that the Koran’s teachings are consistent with democracy, as well. That being the case, Obama is a Christian. This is how he defines himself, and he has publicly described his conversion process and his faith. McCain’s campaign of prejudice and manipulation should serve as fair warning that we would see more of the same, should they take office.

Democratic Principles

McCain’s proposed economic policies further the claims of a plutocracy, which is the right of the wealthy to govern. His campaign is supported by the wealthy, and his campaign advisors are among the most powerful lobbyists in Washington. Their campaign and their choices thus far clearly demonstrate a desire to increase and garner ever greater power for the wealthy, disenfranchising the middle class and obliterating the poor.

McCain’s smear tactics have denounced Obama as both an elitist and a socialist. (This web of lies converges to illustrate one great truth: McCain cannot even get his slanders straight.) Obama is neither a socialist nor an elitist; rather, he is a populist. He is a man of the people. Populists built this great democracy, this country that I love. Obama’s history speaks for itself. From humble beginnings, he attended the finest schools in the country. After graduating from Harvard Law, he pursued civil rights advocacy, a far less lucrative form of advocacy. For many years, he organized and galvanized his community. He became a Senator by stumping from the northern spread to the southern tip of Illinois, asking his people questions and listening to their answers. Sometimes he was received in the town hall; more often his audience consisted of a few people. He met with the few to be able to eloquently define and politically support, over time, the desires of many. And, despite his so-called “celebrity” status today, he is still meeting with people in small towns everywhere: Elko, Nevada is one very recent example.

From the beginning of this race and of his career, (some might even say the beginning of his life) Obama has represented the power of the people and of the American dream.

WWJD?

Jeff — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 12:27:55 EDT

It's a mystery to me why the religious right is so conservative? I believe in Jesus Christ and I have studied his teachings and deeds. From a national policy standpoint What Would Jesus Do?   I'm not suggesting that we promote ourselves as a 'Christian Nation' but if you are a Christian wouldn't you want your country to demonstrate Christian values. What are Christian values?   That's getting be be a real scary term for me.  People are beginning to associate Christian values with anti-gay movement, anti stem cell research, right to life, censorship, abstenance only programs.  Interpreting the New Testament on these issues will have to wait for another time but let's look at the basics. It's easy to see some clear national goals within the miracles and deeds of Christ.
   Jesus clearly demonstrated a desire for healing. Most of his miracles were healing the sick. Conservatives will say will can't provide universal health care because it cost stoo much.  At the same time they are quite willing to spend many times more money on war. For the cost of the Iraq war we could have had universal health care many times over.  Conservatives have choosen, as a national policy, not to relieve pain and suffering but cause pain and suffering instead.
Jesus also chose to feed the hungry. From a conservative, national policy standpoint that's known as an 'entitlement program' or a government hand-out. I don't have a solution for the problem of people that chose to be be hungry and needy but we can not let people starve for fear that someone will take advantage of the program.
These are only 2 examples of miracles Jesus performed and how I think they relate to national policy. There's also the water-to wine miracle. I'm not sure what that national policy coorelation would be.   And, after the stock market tanked this week maybe I'll look at how Jesus felt about the finance industry of his day.
Time and again I look at a national policy debate and it is obvious that Jesus stands with the liberal Democrats.  I beleive that if we were to actually act like a Christian nation we would not need a military and the world would admire us.

The Decision

colby — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 16:48:11 EDT

i posted this on my facebook, and it's generated pretty good conversation, with some heat thrown back and forth, so i figured i's post it here...oddly enough, i haven't been to this page since they changed things, so it's like i'm new all over again...whatever the case, my passion has been renewed, reignited since the conventions

is the choice REALLY that difficult? honestly?

is it not obvious that if you choose to vote for McCain, you are voting for at least four more years of the the eight we've just endured? McCain can try and latch onto the "Change" banner and throw Palin on the stage with himself every day, but does that change his positions? does that change his vision for America? honest to God people...just do the research...just dig a little and you will see that the McCain/Palin ticket isn't just lying about Obama's record and Obama's attitdue, but they are lying about their own... LYING...straight faced.... why does nobody care that they are lying? what is it you use to say, harv? and the peasants rejoice? i don't get it.

listen...if you're happy with the place america is at, if you are happy with the direction we are currently heading, then McCain/Palin is your ticket. if you like reading about banks closing everyday, people losing their homes and everything they own, college students (speaking from experience) drowning in school loans, billions being spent in a war that should have never been waged, broken ties with all of the world, then McCain/Palin is your ticket...go for it

real quick aside...on Iraq...it's pretty popular, always has been, to say that people who don't support the war, people who say we shouldn't be there are unpatriotic...i don't say this in vain, but for God's SAKE, people, don't you see that we aren't fighting for freedom there, we aren't fighting to protect America...it's the great lie force fed to us...if we truly cared about liberating oppressed people, why would we not be in Darfur, or Tibet, or one of the many countries that struggle with leadership like that of Saddam's...do you not understand that in our lifetime we will see this administration, surely Cheney, and possible Bush, charged with war crimes? it was all a lie, every readon they gave us for going was a lie...A LIE. it's not fighting for freedom..it's not defending America...God bless the people who volunteer to serve in the military, but this isn't what they volunteered to do...have you heard the story of the soldier who hired a hitman to shoot him in the leg so he wouldn't have to go back? or the guy who strapped a bag of tools to his back and jumped off a roof and crippled himself so he wouldn't have to go back. these people are destroying themselves...and it's our fault

and if you're voting for the McCain/Palin ticket because ideologically you line up with them, then fine...but consider this...did you not line up with Bush for this reason...is that not what got him a second term? because the people who were against gay marriage, or abortion, came out in droves to push that idea? and has anything changed thanks to bush? i mean, more states offer gay marriage, and roe v. wade stands just as strong, even after bush appointed conservative judges...
don't you get it? McCain's party will keep trying to sell this shit as gold. none of them have any desire to change what is...none of them want to overturn roe v. wade...if they did, why would you vote for them? if they did, they would never win another election...

you're being played. we're being played. i can shamefully admit that i was played in 2004 and have regretted it ever since.

change isn't lying about your record and not talking about the future. change isn't putting up a new face and a new banner.

change is saying, "we shouldn't be happy with what is, but we should be striving for what we can be." change is pushing ourselves to go beyond ourselves, byond our limits on ourselves, to see this country, this world as bigger than my county line, and realize i have to change if i want things to be better. don't you see that's the choice. we all have to change if we want this country to, if we want it to be better.

I'm a God-fearing, Jesus follower who believes abortion should be legal, because my faith shouldn't govern my country. I believe gay people should have the same civil liberties as straight people, whether or not i agree with their lifestlye, because condemning and smearing isn't loving my neighbour...because it's the next step in the evolution of civil rights...CIVIL, not Christian. I believe it's wrong for our leaders to use our military to strong arm themselves around the world, screwing us at home all the while. I believe in equal rights to every faith, because the Lord of mine told me to love.

I'm voting for Barack Obama because i am finding the courage to change myself, and hoping to help change my country for tomorrow.

A SWIFT BOAT ATTACK II ON SENATOR BARACK OBAMA

funkfresh01 — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 22:27:22 EDT

Saturday September 13th the News and Observer will be distributing a DVD to their 160,000 subscribers entitled "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West" If anyone hasn't heard about this movie you can view the trailer here.

I don't know about you but I do not remember any other time where a news paper has ever sent out a DVD let alone one that his very biased and portrays Islam as an extremist religion!!!!!!!

I find it quite appaling that this type of garbage would be sent out to further instill fear into the public. It again puts innocent Muslims on the defensive and makes them worry about backlash.

http://www.obsessionthemovie.com/trailer.php

John McCain On Computers and Email : "I just never really felt a need to do it. "

KravitzKravitz — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 21:09:44 EDT

McCain agrees with the 'out of touch ad.'

Senator Obama need not change the 'John McCain is out of touch because he doesn't use computers or the internet' ad or copy one note or punctuation mark, nor need anyone back down from or question just how valid it is.

McCain, to reiterate, agrees with the statement made in the ad.

This is an update of my Daily Kos post, "John McCain Uses A BlackBerry."

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/9/13/103735/543/712/597294

Why I'm Pro-Life and Pro-Obama

Mary Fox — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 12:21:10 EDT

An evangelically minded Orthodox convert, Frank Schaeffer, whose father was the late evangelist Francis Schaeffer recently wrote an article called "Why I'm Pro-Life and Pro-Obama." (You can view the article at:

Why I'm Pro-life and Pro-Obama
http://buzz.yahoo.com/article/huffington_post:main_feed_503:705f99590c59d2548714f1417c82fc00 ).

I'm very excited about this article because I'm also Pro-Life, yet find myself strongly Pro-Obama. Does this have to put me in a spiritual crisis? No.

A recent study commissioned by "Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good" had Political Science and American Government Scholars from Penn State, Notre Dame, and Georgetown to conduct studies on how best to significantly reduce abortions in America. The results were shocking! Economic pressures upon pregnant women is a major cause of their abortions. To read the full study with charts and everything, go to
http://www.catholicsinalliance.org/ and click to read full Abortion study (19 pages). Or another option is to simply read the press release. I am very impressed that this study was done in a very non-partisan manner. Here is a snippet from the press release:
“Too often our abortion debate has been used to score political points by both sides, rather than to identify what kinds of public policies will actually prevent and reduce abortions in America. This data shows that policy makers on both sides of the aisle have a moral imperative to enact legislation that provides economic and social supports for vulnerable women and families in order to reduce abortions,” said Alexia Kelley, Executive Director of Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good. “Being pro-life is not just a slogan. It requires concrete programs and public policies that help women and families with robust economic and social supports. Both political parties can agree to unite behind comprehensive strategies that reduce abortions.”

The Republicans had the opportunity but dropped the ball on eliminating or reducing our nation's dependency on abortions due to economic neccessity. Now we need a new approach. Obama is committed to economic progression and civic and community programs to help people in general. I believe that under his leadership many abortions which occured simply out of financial or social necessity will be signifiantly reduced. If he adopts the measures proposed by the Catholic Alliance Abortion study to simply give mothers support - by their figures this will reduce Abortions by 95%. That's why I can be Pro-Life and still vote for Obama.

Why the Orthodox Communities Can Win this Election for Obama

Mary Fox — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 23:41:55 EDT

Christ is in our Midst! Fellow Orthodox Christians, we may just be the key untapped resource to winning this election for Obama! Perhaps more than other minority groups, we need him now more than ever. I am not alone in this assessment. Read a blog which clearly spells out how the Orthodox communities in Swing states can make the difference and why the Greeks especially are favorable toward Obama:

Sitalces: How to Win this Election
http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/demetriuskokkinakis/gG5pcj

The Greek Americans for Obama (Hellenic League of America) on their blogsite explains how Obama has handled the situation of Greek Orthodox in Turkey: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/blog/greekamericansforobama

While there are many crucial issues at stake in this election - essentially the well-being of every American and the viability of the great experiement which is the United States of America - for us American Orthodox Christians of every background - whether convert, Greek, Russian, Serbian, Arabic, Ethiopian, or any other ethnic background - our very survivality rather than our extinction is at stake. With ongoing wars in the Middle East and the current U.S.administration itching for a war with Russia, we need someone coolheaded and not predjudiced against us in office. See my last blog for more about the Russian situation which shows why McCain is bad for Russian-American relations. Obama, on the other, is widely popular in Russia because of his respect for for the Russians.

Obama's message of Hope and Unity and Peace and Love seems much more Christ-like than the messages we have been hearing the last few days from the McCain camp, which stirs up divisiveness and fear.

For these and many other reasons, I strongly urge you to help other Orthodox Christians understand what is at risk in this election. May God Bless the United States of America and allow her to continue to be the land of the free and the brave.

A Quick Fix?

Mike Jordan Jr. — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:42:21 EDT

Dear Fellow Americans,

Just short time ago Sarah Palin 44, a social conservative, former union member and mother of five has been governor for two years joins the GOP presidential ticket as John McCain’s running mate. This is JUST what McCain needs--so he says.

She is young, fresh, bright and attempts to paint McCain as the not so usual Washington puppet as we have ourselves done so in the past.

But really now, what do we know about Palin?

Bible verses about lying

Benjamin Vos, Nashville — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 10:44:02 EDT

Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

So I tell you this, and insist upon it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.

You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.

- Ephesians 4:14-25

You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father's desire. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is not truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.

- John 8:44

But what if someone leads one of these little ones who believe in me to sin? If he does, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and be drowned at the bottom of the sea. How terrible it will be for the world because of the things that lead people to sin! Things like that must come. But how terrible for those who cause them!

- Matthew 18:6-7

Then you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.

- John 8:32

If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of a raging fire that will consume the enemies of God.

- Hebrews 10:26-27

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

- I John 1:4-8

Debunking Some Myths About Obama One-By-OneShare

Michelle — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 09:38:44 EDT

My mom just called me flabbergasted about the support for McCain in Miami among Cubans and Cuban-Americans -- hardly a surprise to me or her for that matter. What was surprising to us is the reasons these people give for supporting McCain and therefore voting against Obama. Because I have heard these same "myths" as reasons for not supporting Senator Barack Obama from others outside of the Cuban sector, I thought it would be beneficial to take a "mythbusters" type approach to each and debunk them all, one-by-one. After all, if they are all false, then that leaves no reason not to vote for Obama, now does it?

"OBAMA IS RACIST AGAINST BLACK PEOPLE" or "OBAMA IS NOT REALLY BLACK"

Obama is biracial, born of a white mother and a Kenyan father. He is an African-American male who has never denied his African roots and has embraced both the issues facing Black people in America and the importance of his culture and upbringing. As Time Magazine stated on February 1, 2007:

"Back in the real world, Obama is married to a black woman. He goes to a black church. He's worked with poor people on the South Side of Chicago, and still lives there. That someone given the escape valve of biraciality would choose to be black, would see some beauty in his darker self and still care more about health care and public education than reparations and Confederate flags is just too much for many small-minded racists, both black and white, to comprehend.Barack Obama's real problem isn't that he's too white — it's that he's too black. "

When people say that Obama is racist against Black people (or anyone else for that matter), I can't help but wonder if that is their way of hiding the fact that they are too racist to vote a Black man into the oval office, but are too afraid to be politically incorrect and racist enough to say so. And when they say he is not Black enough, I wonder what more they want? As the same Time article said, Obama has been called "the 'first mainstream African-American who is articulate and bright and clean and a nice-looking guy,' implying that the black people who are regularly seen by whites are none of these things. Clearly the problem lies in those evaluating Obama's "Blackness" not in Obama himself.

Looks like this myth is BUSTED.

OBAMA IS A MUSLIM

Throughout his time in public office there has been much controversy about Barack Obama's religion, many believing he either grew up Muslim or is still Muslim.

As Newsweek points out, Obama was "born to a Christian-turned-secular mother and a Muslim-turned-atheist African father, [growing] up living all across the world with plenty of spiritual influences, but without any particular religion." Growing up appreciating all religions but ascribing to none, he found Christianity and was baptized in the early 1990s as a Christian in Chicago at Trinity United Church of Christ.

Of his time at Trinity, Obama stated:

"For one thing, Trinity insisted on social activism as a part of Christian life. It was also a family place. Members refer to the sections in the massive sanctuary as neighborhoods; churchgoers go to the same neighborhood each Sunday and they get to know the people who sit near them. They know when someone's sick or got a promotion at work."

In the same Newsweek article, Obama states that "[his] family says grace at mealtime, and he talks to the children about God whenever they have questions." He also says that, on the campaign trail, "thanks to the efforts of his religious outreach team, he has an army of clerics and friends praying for him and e-mailing him snippets of Scripture...to think about during the day."

Looks like this myth is BUSTED.

OBAMA'S MOM HAD HIM AT 18. THAT SHOWS NO FAMILY VALUES.

You know, I'd rather not go here given the grace that the Democratic party has show on this issue thus far, so I will keep it short and sweet. Yes, Obama's mother had him at the young age of 18. His mother's decision to bring him into this world, however, does not affect who he is as a Senator or the family values that he instills in his two young children. We all know by now that Palin's unwed daughter, Bristol, is pregnant at age 17. How can a McCain supporter back the McCain/Palin ticket where Palin's own daughter is 17, unwed and pregnant and yet attack Obama for being brought into this world by an 18 year old mother. While Palin had the chance to instill family values in Briston to make informed decisions on sex, Obama did not have the same chance to influence his mother and her decision to have him.

As Obama said, "I think people's families are off-limits, and people's children are especially off-limits." Let's hope that the Republican party has the same respect and leaves Obama's mother out of the family values debate.

ESPECIALLY FOR CUBANS - MCCAIN HAS BETTER POLICIES FOR CUBANS

I know that since the time of Kennedy, Cubans have held contempt for Democrats and have thrown their vote into the Republican hat. Rather than continue to follow this blindly, I ask that Cubans evaluate where Republican policies have gotten us since and whether it is wise to continue being led by the Republican party and it's promises of a non-Communist Cuba. Reagan didn't end the reign of Castro. Bush didn't end it either. And now that Castro's brother, Raul, is in power, what makes you think McCain will be any different?

McCain has said that "Obama's policy of offering talks with the Cuban regime and easing some US trade restrictions 'would send the worst possible signal to Cuba's dictators,'" but where has the strict Bush-era embargo gotten us with Cuba? The answer is - nowhere different than we were before. Cuban-Americans that have decided not to follow blindly and to actually evaluate what is being said by Obama and McCain are supporting "Obama's call for lifting parts of the five-decade-old sanctions against Cuba. . . amid frustration over travel and money transfer restrictions imposed by President George W. Bush in 2004."

The media in Miami does not always provide the full story and it's time Cuban-Americans focus on the facts and disallow themselves to be led by a party spouting what they know Cuban-Americans want to hear for the sheer purpose of garnering another vote. How does the embargo help Cubans on the island? After the island was recently hit by Gustav, CNN reported that two prominent Cuban dissidents wrote a letter asking "President Bush to loosen restrictions temporarily on travel and sending money to the communist-run island to help tens of thousands left homeless by Hurricane Gustav." The Republicans talk about smaller government but when it comes to sending food and money to your family members left in Cuba that are suffering in the wake of a tragic storm do you want to wait for your government to decide if it's okay for you to help your family? How much bigger can government get than this?

A Washington Post article notes that "if elected, the Illinois senator would lift restrictions imposed by the Bush administration and allow Cuban-Americans to visit their relatives more frequently, as well as ease limits on the amount of money they can send to their families." The article also notes that:

" 'Senator Obama feels that the Bush administration has made a humanitarian and a strategic blunder,' spokeswoman Jen Psaki said in an e-mail. 'His concern is that this has had a profoundly negative impact on the Cuban people, making them more dependent on the Castro regime, thus isolating them from the transformative message carried by Cuban-Americans.' "

Before the Bush-era restrictions on Cuba, Cuban Americans could visit their family once a year and send up to $3,000 but now, Cuban-Americans can only visit the island once every three years and can only send quarterly remittances of up to $300 per household to immediate family members. (Washington Post)

The embargo has been in place for 45 years and now, Cuban-Americans have less ability to see or help their families than ever before and less of a chance to have any ties to their homeland. Obama is gaining ground with leading Cuban exile groups for this reason.

Joe Garcia, a former head of the Cuban-American Foundation said of Obama and his stance towards bringing change to Cuba and its people:

"It shows courage, and it shows commitment to move beyond the status-quo politics of rhetoric, which is all the Cuban-American community has received from any party for the last half century."

It is time Cuban-Americans stand to bring real change to Cuba, to bring down the communism that cripples the Cuban people and to have control over when they visit Cuba and how and when they can help their family. So far, the Republican party has offered nothing but words -- 45 years and the embargo has not helped Cuba one bit.

Looks like Obama is the better choice here too. This myth is BUSTED.

Conclusion
Hopefully, this helps debunk some of the myths that I have heard of late about Obama. If you have others you have heard that you would like facts on to see what is true and what is not, please leave a comment. I'd be more than happy to check out their veracity and include it in a future note.

Hello everyone, my soap box as follows!

Stopping the Republican's hijacking of Christianity — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 23:00:15 EDT

I admit I was duped for a long time, but now I'm fired up and very angry; now I want to make up for it. I always knew that it is wrong to shun homosexuals and deny them the right to be in a real relationship with someone that is recognized by the govt. I always knew that the poor, especially single mothers and their children, are to be loved and supported, fed and clothed, and treated with respect and dignity. I always knew that one shouldn't judge and try to convert someone; that is not my job it is God's. I am always available when inquiries are made, but we are to live by example and no wonder people have the wrong impression about Christians. They look like mean, hypocritical, hateful, divisive, judgmental people because Republicans have muddied up the name Christian by using the issue of abortion to dupe people into believing they are Christian. Well guess what they are NOT! I realize that I have no right to tell a woman she cannot choose what to do with her own body. It is between her doctor and herself. I do think we should reduce the number of abortions and that it shouldn't be used as a form of contraception. I say this because I know what it can potentially do to your body. We need to lift women up and teach young girls what men will say to them to get in their pants. We need to take the false ideas of beauty off the pages of magazines and teach our women to be strong, capable, educated, lovely women who can do anything they set their minds to! Then if they do end up with a child they have a hard time raising, support them if we are to choose life in a way that will give that child a chance to succeed and thrive in any situation. One child at a time, all the time! We can do so much together whether we are Christian or Atheist, Hindu or Muslim, Agnostic or Wiccan we need to band together as good, honest decent people who care about each other because we are brothers and sisters who really did come from some organism whether human or otherwise of common ancestry. We owe it to each other to love our neighbor as we love ourselves.

In Cincinnati: Michelle Urges Voter Registration at the National Baptist Convention

Michael in Ohio — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 21:47:24 EDT

Today in Cincinnati, Michelle Obama spoke before a large, receptive crowd at the 128th National Baptist Convention, which is the country's oldest and largest Baptist denomination. Michelle strongly reiterated the importance of registering to vote, and the responsibility that community leaders have to make sure their friends, family, and peers get registered.

Her husband, as director of Project Vote in the early 90's, of course knows about the civic necessity of registering to vote. But Michelle also, in accompanying her father as he went door-to-door on Chicago's South Side to register his neighbors, has personal experience of just how sacred and fundamental that right to vote really is.

(Note: This image is not from today's event)

Here is some of what Michelle had to say:

Talk to your friends, neighbors, coworkers, and members of your churches. Sit down with your children, your sisters and brothers and aunts and uncles. You all know a few folks who aren’t engaged, aren’t inspired, and don’t think their vote matters. Tell them they’re wrong. Challenge them to rise to this moment. Make sure they are registered to vote—and then, make sure they vote.

Are you registered to vote? Are your friends, neighbors, co-workers, and members of your church? Click HERE to get yourself registered... and then send them the link!

A Call to Christians to Join the Democratic Party

Jerrard — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 18:48:13 EDT

A CALL TO CHRISTIANS

My fellow Americans and Christians,

This election is very important to us all. There are so many concerns on hand in this ever more dangerous world. In what direction are we to look? Jesus inspired us with his works and his deeds. The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Psalm 12:6

I write to you today as a Barack Obama supporter and hoping to earn your trust and your vote for this election. Whenever possible, I provide sourcing to support my claims from The Bible and respected daily newspapers.

My question is this, “What would Jesus do?”

Of course, it would be presumptuous of me to say I know the answer to that question. I believe, though, it is a helpful exercise to ask and debate this question. These are some of the things that mattered to Jesus and apply to Christians as well:

1) Character What is the measure of a man other than his character? I have reviewed many articles about John McCain and George Bush. They operate by not telling the truth. For example, the war in Iraq was brought about by a deception to the American people and the world.[i] We have put the earth at war. I do not believe in killing other human beings. 21"Ye have heard that it was said by them of old, `Thou shalt not kill,' and `Whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.' Matthew 5:21

2) Killing and War I believe that unless it is in defense, it is morally wrong. John McCain whole heartedly endorses the war in Iraq. He has joked at times to, “Bomb, bomb, bomb Iran”.[ii] He is a self proclaimed maverick and warrior.

In a recent interview with the Alaska Business Monthly[iii], Palin made the following statements about Iraq:

Alaska Business Monthly: We've lost a lot of Alaska's military members to the war in Iraq. How do you feel about sending more troops into battle, as President Bush is suggesting?

Palin: I've been so focused on state government; I haven't really focused much on the war in Iraq. I heard on the news about the new deployments, and while I support our president, Condoleezza Rice and the administration, I want to know that we have an exit plan in place.

Now that she is on the McCain platform, she has changed her mind. The quotation also indicates a huge experience gap in awareness of international affairs. Joe Biden, on the other hand, may be the most well respected member in all of government in terms of International affairs. His knowledge has been deemed “encyclopedic [iv]” and praised by members of both parties. In the Senate, he is the Chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Senate committee. On the other hand, Barack Obama was always against this war which has cost 100s of thousands of lives. Biden voted with Congress to support the bill Bush sent to Congress which authorized war only after his own proposal which was not as aggressive was rejected.

3) Loving one’s brother as thyself. Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.1 Thessalonians 4:8-10

This is the main command of the Lord. During her acceptance speech, Sarah Palin mocked community service. Jesus himself was the all time greatest server of humanity that ever lived. The words were insulting to me. As the days pass since the announcement of her nomination, numerous examples of deeds where she has not supported community have arisen. The Legislature is investigating whether Palin fired public safety commissioner Walt Monegan after he refused to fire a state trooper who had divorced Palin's sister. The complaint alleges that the governor or her staff may have improperly disclosed information from Wooten's personnel records. The complaint also alleges "criminal penalties may apply." [v]

Barack had questions arise about the reverend of the church he faithfully attended. It is without doubt that he has gone through a spiritual journey in his lifetime and discovered his faith in Jesus Christ. Meanwhile, McCain isn’t exactly sure as to what faith he actually belongs.[vi] Joe Biden, like me, was raised a Roman Catholic and espouses the values advocated in this leaflet.

There is also no doubt that Sarah Palin is very religious. Sarah Palin’s church minister Brickner stated, while she attended just two weeks ago described terrorist attacks on Israelis as God's "judgment of unbelief" of Jews who haven't embraced Christianity.

"Judgment is very real and we see it played out on the pages of the newspapers and on the television. It's very real. When [Brickner's son] was in Jerusalem he was there to witness some of that judgment, some of that conflict, when a Palestinian from East Jerusalem took a bulldozer and went plowing through a score of cars, killing numbers of people. Judgment — you can't miss it."[vii]

Prejudice is wrong. It begets more prejudice. There is no reason for it. In a pluralistic society, The United States of America being the best example so far in human history, we must embrace the contributions that we all have to give. Hate will get us nowhere.

4) Greed and avarice

Jesus instructed us to help the poor. Personally, I am an economic conservative and believe that free markets are the best rule of governance. However, I also believe that Government should step in when unbridled capitalism have lead to the deadly sins of greed and avarice.

We are living in an age when the gap between the rich and the poor has grown tremendously. Most of the money in the world is concentrated into very few hands. For a period, the very rich can afford a higher tax rate in order to stimulate a correction in the distribution of wealth in our great nation. This is what Barack Obama is proposing.

Sens. McCain and Obama differ sharply, starting with the Bush tax cuts due to expire in 2010. McCain would make them permanent, while Obama would eliminate them for families making more than $250,000. The cornerstone of Obama's tax plan is what he calls the "making work pay credit." It would give any worker making less than $150,000 a credit of $500 - up to $1,000 per family. That tax credit would be refundable, which means even if you owe no taxes, you could still get a check from the government.

Obama would also create a similar college tax-credit for the first $4,000 of tuition. In return, a student would have to perform 100 hours of public service.[viii]

This sounds like the Christian moral of sharing and I advocate it. Most Americans will have more money after taxes under Obama’s plan than the current tax code (which McCain endorses).

5) Abortion and Education

In my younger years, I was foolish and could have accidentally impregnated a girlfriend. My life would be very different now had that occurred. My personal feeling, like those of Barack Obama, is that abortion is an abomination. However, in the hypothetical about my youth, it could have been the case that the girl would have decided differently and chosen abortion. Regardless if it is legal or not, I know in my heart that abortions WILL occur anyway and at great risk to often young and confused mothers. It is in our ability to CHOOSE that we sin.

Barack’s solution is more education for our children. We live in a culture today of information bombardment. Children can be exposed to bad information and good information. It is Barack’s belief and mine also that we should teach about sex and abstinence and other important topics like venereal disease so that they do not believe bad information when it is given to them. This is the way that there can be less abortions and more educated citizenry.

6) Caring for Mother Earth

10your kingdom come,
your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.

Mathew 6:10

Drill! Drill! Drill! It is the mantra of the McCain/Palin ticket. One of the aspects of the Obama plan that the Republican quixotically rebuff is conservation. Conservation is good. We waste not, we want not. The meek are the salt of the earth and they shall inherit it.

Palin has also tried to make gunning down wolves (and even bears) from the air easier and financially rewarding. Last year, the state offered a $150 bounty as an incentive for pilots and aerial gunners to kill more wolves. And leading up to this week's statewide vote on Measure 2 to stop the aerial shooting of wolves and bears, Palin's Board of Game spent $400,000 of PUBLIC money on brochures and radio ads to influence the election. She not only took an inhumane and unsporting position at odds with the principles of wildlife management and fair chase, but did it in an undemocratic and underhanded way.

*Palin doesn't believe global warming is man-made. At every campaign stop, McCain says that human activity is the driving force behind global climate change. For the first time in its history, the GOP caught up to the rest of the planet by accepting the reality of man-made climate change in its 2008 platform. It reads, "The same human activity that has brought freedom and opportunity to billions has also increased the amount of carbon in the atmosphere," and "increased atmospheric carbon has a warming effect on the earth."

But Palin is among the conservative fringe that rejects the scientific consensus. According to the Washington Post, "Sarah Palin told voters there she wasn't sure climate change wasn't simply part of a natural warming cycle." Palin told the conservative Web site NewsMax, "I'm not one ... who would attribute it to being man-made."

This may help explain why Palin announced this year that Alaska would sue the Department of the Interior over its decision to add the polar bear to its list of endangered species. If people are "over-reacting" to global warming, as Palin has said, then the polar bears' rapidly dwindling habitat should be FINE and those bears can FEND for themselves. As Palin explained in an op-ed in the New York Times, "I strongly believe that adding them to the list is the wrong move at this time... The Center for Biological Diversity, an environmental group, has argued that global warming and the reduction of polar ice severely threatens the bears' habitat and their existence. In fact, there is insufficient evidence that polar bears are in danger of becoming extinct within the foreseeable future."[ix]

7) The Democratic Party should be the home of Christians.

Importantly, I believe the Party of the Christian is the Democratic Party. The Republicans have used and forsaken Christians and Evangelicals without receiving anything in return. Ralph Reed, Jack Abramoff and Tom Delay [x] cynically have betrayed your vote, only to increase their own monetary wealth. On the other hand, the Democrats believe in social programs to help the poor. The Democrats care about the Earth. The Democrats care about the community of nations. The Democrats are for the eventual destruction of all nuclear arms. Within the Democrat’s platform is a greater respect for state’s rights.

I propose that Christians should be in the Democratic Tent and be working from within for a party compromise. For example, South Dakota recently had on her ballot a measure defining the legality of abortion. Whereas the Republicans have consistently in their history frowned on state’s rights (different from Reagan’s state’s rights which were a wink and nod to prejudice [xi]), the Democrats are more liberal in their application of what rights belong to the federal versus local and state governments. This is a more conducive environment for staunch pro-life advocates as perhaps there can be a compromise which may eventually allow states to restrict abortion. This is the type of compromise our forefathers envisioned in the framework of our great Constitution.

One more thought for all of my friends. It is time to end this "culture war" which has been started and inflamed for political means. The good Christian who has been taught to love his brother is at cognitive dissonance within himself when he judges or shuns anyone. The two stances are irreconcilable. It is time to join hands in America and move forward again with joy in our hearts.

I encourage you to bring this debate to your churches. Blessings will certainly come if we look inwardly and contemplate walking in the footsteps of the Lord.

Peace be with you.

David Jerrard Givens

September 10, 2008

[i] Isikoff, Michael and Hosenball, Mark. Spies, Lies and the White House. Newsweek, June 11, 2006. http://www.newsweek.com/id/141009

[ii]Edwards, David and Brynaert, Ron. Unplugged McCain sings 'bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran' The Raw Story.April 19, 2007. http://rawstory.com/news/2007/McCain_unplugged_Bomb_bomb_bomb_bomb_0419.html

[iii] Washington Post.com Who is Gov. Palin? Questions abound. Wednesday, September 3, 2008 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/02/AR2008090202445.html

[iv] Associated Press. Biden choice reflects Obama campaign refocus

Sunday, August 24th. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26376918/

[v] Quinn, Steve Huffington Post. Palin Hires Lawyer For Trooper-gate. September 1, 2008 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/09/01/palin-hires-lawyer-for-tr_n_123016.html

[vi] FOX News.com. McCain identifies himself as Baptist. September 16, 2007http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,296973,00.html

[vii] Sullivan, Andrew. The Atlantic.com. Sept. 2, 2008

[viii] CBS Evening News. September 10, 2008. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/09/eveningnews/main4433097.shtml

[ix] Current. Top ten most disturbing facts and impressions of Sarah Palin

http://current.com/items/89263615_top_ten_most_disturbing_facts_and_impressions_of_sarah_palin

[x] Wikipedia entry, Jack Abramoff Indian Lobbying Scandal. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Abramoff_Indian_lobbying_scandal

[xi] Greenberg, David. Dog-Whistling Dixie. Slate Magazine. November 20, 2007. http://www.slate.com/id/2178379/

¿What's God Got to Do With It?

The Word Pimp — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 14:43:19 EDT

I know I haven't been posting much about this year's contest for POTUS lately, but as most of you know I'm in the tank, as they say, for Obama. There's really not much I can say without the risk of sounding like a little schoolgirl who just made it onto the cheerleading team. That's not to say I'm not perturbed by some of the goings-on during our most recent attempt at picking the Face & Voice of Our nation.

Take religion. Really, take religion. I'm not using it. Seriously though, I've seen some frightening things going on in our country where religion is involved. I'm talking about now, not the good old days where people died daily for their beliefs. Wait. That's still happening. I meant the good old days when untold numbers of our fellow human beings were brutalized for their faith. It still astounds me some of the foul things done in the name of a deity.

I hesitate to even bring this up. Religion's one of those things you're not supposed to discuss as the discussion usually breaks down to a pissing contest about who is "closer" to God. However, certain things about this campaign have gotten caught in my craw so deep that I fear I risk a stroke if I don't get them out. Besides, it might be nice to hear from a recovering Christian who's evolved into agnosticism (my version of agnosticism: in short, I believe in something but don't give it a face or a name, nor do I make up a personality, nor do I believe It conciously controls Us.) Nevrtheless, I apologize in advance if anything I say offends anyone.

The muslim thing bothers me. Not that so many people actually believe Obama’s a muslim, but that if he were, that it would make a difference. How can a country that was founded on the guiding principle of Freedom—Freedom of religion above all else—allow itself to care whether any candidate is a muslim or not. I'm ashamed.

I don't behoove anyone their right to worship as they like, as long as they respect my right of doing likewise. However, If anyone out their genuinely believes they couldn't vote for someone because they don't pray to the right god, then that individual vehemently opposes what America stands for.

I was a devout, if meandering christian until I was 17 or so. At one time or another I've attended church with Catholics, Jehovah's Witnesses and Baptists. I was less than a year away from my mission when I escaped the Mormons. I've also worshipped at a couple of synagogues, have been to my fair share of Passover Seders and have even been present at some Wiccan rituals. My father-in-law is muslim. And I haven't even mentioned the Santeria rituals I've personally performed (and I won't mention more since that's a topic I'll be tackling in my second novel, Chango Crying).

A result of my religious travails was my ultimate decision that choosing any specific religion was tantamount to damning a good deal of my Friends & Family to some kind of painful afterlife they didn't deserve. That was one of the reasons I had chosen mormonism in my teens. They always seemed to have the answer for every question, and as a precocious fourteen year-old, I had lots of questions.

When I questioned the idea that only by faith in God through Jesus could one earn the much vaunted paradisical afterlife, the mormon missionary drew a star in his little book of potential converts and proceeded to let me in on the ritual known as Baptism for the Dead. Everybody would have the option of getting to heaven if they simply accepted this ritual initiation posthumously. It is a beautiful ritual that I’ve had the honor of participating in on a few occasions, but I'm a sucker for rituals. I even cried at the hours long Good Friday Procession that paraded through the streets of San Miguel de Allende in Mexico during last spring break.

When personal problems with the mormon church led to little action besides continual pronouncements that while the members were not perfect, the religion itself was, I took it upon myself to see it as a challenge to prove or disprove the veracity of that statement. It didn't take long for me to discover that the Church of Jesus Christ and Latter Day Saints did not allow blacks full membership until 1978. I heard plenty of excuses, from the idea that black folk just were not ready until then to bear the full responsibilities of mormonism to doctrine stating that blacks of African descent were descended from Cain therefore blacks were unworthy of "full" worship. I could never accept a religion that excluded folks based simply on the color of their skin as "perfect." It was enough to put me off organized religion for good.

Now, I didn't exclude Romney, today's most famous mormon next to Donny & Marie, from those I felt might make a decent POTUS because he was a mormon. I do have a problem with a leader who's continued membership in his church implies that his church was justified in curtailing anyone's ability to worship for decades, but mostly it was his republican affiliation that I found repelling, not his faith. Mormon or not, if I felt Mitt was the best choice to lead Our country, I would have endorsed him regardless of his ontological choices.

I can sense I'm starting to lose some of you, so let me get back to the gritty of the nitty, so to speak. I suppose what bothers me the most about where Our religious beliefs have led us as a Nation is the idea that Christianity holds some kind of trump over other faiths here. First off, it's bunk. Our wise founding fathers, many of which eschewed Christianity for more universal Deist beliefs, recognized the fact that pushing any faith as Our National Faith was a dangerous proposition. They used all the blood uselessly spilled in the European struggle of catholicism against protestantism and the tragedy of the Salem witch trials as proof positive that religion should be left up to the individual, not government.

This ideal stuck for a while. At least until the Christian Revival movements that arose in the mid 19th and early 20th centuries. Now things have devolved to the point that many Christians believe that we were founded as a Christian Nation. The Communist scare of the 40s & 50s prompted the government to insert "God" into various aspects of Our lives like our Pledge of Allegiance, sadly, without ever realizing how it infringed on the rights of Our fellow citizen Atheists. Now we're at a point where there seems to be a religious test for the office of president, and you CANNOT pass said test unless Christ is in your equation.

And now there’s talk about Sarah Palin being a Dominionist /Kingdom Now follower , one of the neo-charismatic sects whose goal it is to turn Our nation into a Christian theocracy. You may be familiar with the movement if you’ve ever seen the movie Jesus Camp. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather have a Islamic POTUS who respects diversity than one who believes Christianity should be Our official religion and approves of training our children for some upcoming spiritual war.

Now anyone who has trolled my profile should know that Jesus of Nazareth is one of my personal heroes. I view him as one of history's most benevolent iconoclasts, opening the best of Judaism's principles for all to follow while railing against some of the faith's most antiquated and hypocritical tenets. He opened up the belief that we could all be chosen, if we make the right choices, and that no one is lesser than anyone else.

Unfortunately, Jesus was assassinated before truly realizing his vision, and as typically happens after such a tragedy, his followers chose to venerate the Man over his Message. Like Buddha, Jesus was elevated by his followers to the point where living by his ideals of Love of ALL and that belief in God need not be bound by region or nationality meant nothing unless one also added Jesus to one’s pantheon. I believe this is antithetical to Jesus' teachings, and continues to corrupt Christianity to this day.

So not only is it troubling that we question Obama's faith, but more troubling is the fact that being Christian has become a litmus test for Our highest office. It's not just imperative that a viable candidate be Christian, but We've now gotten to the point where it's important how "good" and "devout" of a christian one is. Not only is this antithetical to Jesus' teachings, but it runs counter to Our nation’s ideals. If you don't believe me, look at the recent study that shows an overwhelming percentage of Our fellow Americans no longer believe there is only one path to salvation.

Sadly, I can do little but watch as a very vocal minority (those who adhere strictly to the idea that the U.S. is or should be a Christian nation) continues to push its agenda and denigrate those who oppose them or may stand in their path. Worse, they perpetually prod Our nation frighteningly closer to theocracy.

Even with all that, I continue to hold on to the hope that, as usual, common sense will eventually prevail in our fine nation. Then I can look forward to the day when even a simple agnostic like myself, one who truly respects Everyone's right to worship as They see fit, can successfully run for Our highest office.

KEEP HOPE ALIVE

(that means donate)

Why I'm Here

Nicole — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:49:22 EDT

First, some background: I am a Christian. I was a registered Republican since 2000 (I switched to Democrat this year). I still consider myself to be a fiscal and moral conservative.

I love politics; I’m addicted to the news during political seasons. However this year, I gave serious thought to not voting. I recently read Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw, and was very challenged by their premise that political involvement is NOT a requirement of Christian life. Many conservatives seem to feel differently. They seem to think that an R behind a name or a pro-life record automatically confers the approval of God.

I used to think that way. Don’t get me wrong- I see the value of voting pro-life. Abortion is a terrible thing. But so are war, the death penalty and poverty. We moral conservatives should be giving them as much weight as abortion. The Democrats address these issues much better.

So, I chose to switch my affiliation to Democrat for the primaries (as PA primaries are by party) and to no longer be a one issue voter. This year, I am trying to see the whole picture. I am researching and reading. And this has led me to Barack Obama.

Guns and God

Eric — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 15:55:14 EDT

It's obvious that the culture war is back on (as if it ever went away). For all of the talk about executive experience, etc. it is clear that the principal characteristics that got Sarah Palin picked for the McCain ticket are that she is a lifelong member of the NRA and an evangelical Christian.

Obama got so much flak for his off-the-record observation that blue collar voters compensated for economic distress by clinging to their guns and their religion. It seems that John McCain was not only listening, but he agreed. The massive Palin bounce after the RNC shows Obama's insight was powerful, indeed.

I hope that the combined judgement, gravitas, and policy orientation of the Obama/Biden ticket burns through the fog of Republican demagoguery. I don't have confidence it will without lots of grassroots effort from people like you and me. The Reps have once again hamstrung the media by tagging them with the leftist elite moniker. It's up to us, folks.

Christians for Obama

Angie — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 10:32:24 EDT

I have been a Republican most of my adult life. I was raised a Christian and still consider myself one and as we all know, if you're a true Christian you simply must vote Republican. However, events in my own life and in our country started to challenge my thinking. I decided to read, to investigate, and to educate myself. All I knew at the time was that I was angry, very angry. Hurricane Katrina and No Child Left Behind were fresh in my mind. But how do I balance my change of heart with my beliefs? Here is how:

Abortion..

Roe vs. Wade is not going to be overturned. I believe in the sanctity of human life, but I also know that the Republican Party has had more then enough time in office to do something about it if it were really a top priority. John McCain has voted against pro life more than once and supports embryonic stem cell research. Just because late in the game he is spouting the talk, doesn't mean I believe a word he says.

I also find it more than ironic that the platform of pro-life can completely turn an election. So pro-life of the unborn, but what about the pro-life for those who are already here? Does an ongoing war that is killing thousands of our troops support life? Does illegal torture support life? Does denying critically ill people health care support life? Does leaving people face down in sewage in New Orleans while you eat birthday cake support life? Does leaving our troops who have served so valliantly on the streets homeless or with horrible benefits support life? Does being stubbornly married to the ideal of not teaching about birth control support life or increase the number of abortions?

Matthew 25:34-40

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.'

Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

I have not seen this Christian principle in action during my experience as a Republican. The poor go forgotten in New Orleans, in Darfur while we cater to corporations and oil. How is this Christian?

James 2:15-17
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

Talk is cheap.

Don't get me wrong. I hardly agree with everything Democrats stand for. I do happen to believe that life starts at conception. What I'm saying is, in an imperfect world with imperfect people, how do I vote my heart? I simply cannot marry myself to one issue. I have to look at all the issues. I have to think about Jesus in the Bible. Jesus who drew big crowds of poor people and fed them. Jesus who told us to turn the other cheek. Jesus who hung out with the sinners and scorned the Pharisees. Jesus was a radical in his time. The established church feared him and ultimately put a stop to him here on earth.

What I do know is that Jesus would never eat cake while people suffered. Jesus met physical needs so that Spiritual needs could be met. The poor would not sit in rancid trailers while oil companies made record profits.

Yes I struggle with the abortion issue. Yes I agree it should not be an easy form of birth control. But I also found what Obama said to be interesting. He is not pro abortion. He is pro education. It would be great if all Christians in the country could hold these women to their own personal standards. But the truth of the matter is.. abortion is legal. If you truly want to reduce the numbers, you must be willing to educate people about preventing the pregnancies to begin with. You must show support and love to women going through the pregnancy, not march at them calling them murderers.

When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her Woman, where are those thine accusers?' hath no man condemned thee? She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
--John 8:10, 11

I could go on for days on McCain's voting record, his horrible treatment of his first wife, Cindy McCain's drug addiction....but I'm going to stop. I'm going to stop because this is the very tactic I see used by the Republicans. Obama is a Bible hating Muslim, don't you know? Even though Obama himself has professed his Christian faith.

1 "Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2 "For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3 "Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 "Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5 "You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

Matthew 7

I have heard Obama called the Anti-Christ. Why? Because of his name? Because he draws large crowds? So did Christ. I am not comparing this man to Jesus in any way, I am simply saying that in a nation that is hurting, the message of hope and truth will always appeal to people more than that of half truths and fear.

I want to see change. I want to see the "least of these" taken care of. I want all people to be able to see a doctor if they are sick. I want the soldiers to come home. I want a leader who will seek peace. I want to be a good steward of this earth that has been given to us. I want someone to say they will do something and do it. I want people to live in decent homes. I want a president who cares about the least of these.

The actions of either candidate will never be perfect. We all are wrong in so many ways. But rather than listen to someone tell me they're something that clearly they have never been, I'd rather disagree on one issue, but know that this person is being honest. The Republicans have had all the time in the world to actually do something. The fact is they never will. But they will continue to make you think that voting against them is not voting for God.

If I honestly believed that McCain would do anything at all about abortions in this country, I might have to reconsider. But only if he showed respect for life across the board. I highly expect the will do neither.

The God I know spent most of his time defending the helpless, healing the sick, forgiving the downtrodden, and standing up for massive change from the status quo. He walked into a church and turned it upside down with anger at the way they had turned God into a business. Is it not the same to talk about God and issues only when it buys you a vote?

I respect any and all views regarding someone's vote, but this is mine. I happen to believe that I can live in a world where my beliefs do not require others to think as I do. I think it is the responsibility of every voter to know the records of those they are voting for. It is also our responsiblity to vote for the greater good of our people.

That is why as a Christian, I am voting for Barack Obama.

9:59 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos

Is Mrs. Sarah Palin's speech consider Manifest Destiny

funkfresh01 — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 23:00:35 EDT

Is Mrs. Sarah Palin's speech consider Manifest Destiny

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a--9ZEf42rE

http://www.ireport.com/docs/DOC-77413

What is your Opinion?

Don't know if anyone has seen this-Just more proof Palin is WRONG.

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 20:08:19 EDT

(This is from a Bryn Mawr college grad to her fellow alums)
Dear classmates -
As an Alaskan, I am writing to give all of you some information on Sarah Palin, Senator McCain's choice for VP. As an Alaska voter, I know more than most of you about her and, frankly, I am horrified that he picked her.

Great blog about Palin's real views - feel free to email

Amanda Thompson — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:53:22 EDT

Yet another call to action to all you moderate women - forward this to all you know.

Miles Mogulescu @ The Huffington Post

Palin: The Most Extremist Candidate Since Goldwater

Posted September 5, 2008 | 06:48 PM (EST)

Sarah Palin is the most extremist major party candidate since Barry Goldwater, aligned with the most far right wing elements in American politics on issues ranging from denying that human activity has helped bring about global warming, to seeking to block protection of endangered species, to advocating the teaching of creationism in the public schools, to opposing abortion even in the case of rape and incest, to preventing teenagers from learning about contraception in school, to advocating drilling for oil in the Alaska National Wildlife Reserve, to flirting with Alaska voting to secede from the Union, to proclaiming our troops in Iraq are on a mission from God.

Moderates, centrists and independents need to be made aware of these positions and consider whether they want to elect someone with such extremist views to the second highest political office in the land, a heartbeat away from the Presidency of a 72 year old cancer survivor.

Moreover, they should questions John McCain's judgment and claims to be a moderate and a maverick within the Republican Party when he caved in to pressure from the extreme right-wing of the Republican Party to choose someone with the thin resume and extremist views of Sarah Palin to stand second in line to the Presidency.

Palin's nomination marks a decision by McCain to try to turn the election from one about the economy to a replay of past elections about cultural issues and about which candidate represents real Americans. If Republicans can make the election about cultural imagery and who is more of a "real American"--focusing voters minds on the war hero and the hockey mom--they may well win. But when it comes to the specific issues of the culture wars, the religious right represents a minority of voters and their positions scare many moderates and independents. Democrats need to focus on Palin's extremism on the issues and McCain's endorsement of such extremism by choosing Palin to stand a heartbeat away from the Presidency.

Here are some examples of of Palin's extremist ideology which the McCain campaign wants to hide and Democrats must expose:

* Palin does not believe in science.

** Palin does not believe that global warming is caused by human activity. In an interview for the September issue of the conservative magazine Newsmax, Palin said"A changing environment will affect Alaska more than any other state, because of our location. I'm not one though who would attribute it to being man-made."

** Gov. Palin recently sued Bush's own Interior Secretary for determining, based on the scientific evidence, that the polar bear is an endangered species. Documents released through a Freedom of Information Act request show that Alaska's state biologist agrees with the science of Bush's Interior Department, not Palin. "She's either grossly misinformed or intentionally misleading," according to Kassie Siegel of the Center for Biological Diversity. "Even the Bush administration can't deny the reality of global warming. The governor is aligning herself and the state of Alaska with the most discredited, fringe, extreme viewpoints by deny this."

** Palin believes that creationism should be taught alongside evolution in the state's public schools. "Teach both," she said in a forum while running for Governor. Palin's statement closely mirrors the language of "Teach the Controversy", the slogan of the intelligent design campaign, under which evolution's "unresolved issues" and the "scientific weakness of evolutionary theory" would be presented alongside intelligent design concepts in public schools. This despite the fact that in 2005, the Federal District Court ruled in Tammy Kitzmiller, et al. v. Dover Area School District, that teaching intelligent design in public school sciences course violates the establishment clause in the 1st Amendment of the US Constitution.

* Palin is part of the most extreme wing of the anti-abortion and abstinence only movement. This should particularly worry moderate suburban women.

** In response to a questionnaire from the far-right Eagle Forum, Palin responded that she opposes abortion even in the case of rape or incest. While a Gubernatorial candidate, Palin stated that if her then 14-year old daughter were raped, she would not permit her to have an abortion. This places Palin on the far right of the anti-abortion movement. Even many pro-life supporters agree that abortion should be permitted in these extreme circumstances, Sarah Palin disagrees. In fact, when a majority of the legislature in the heavily pro-life state of South Dakota recently put an abortion ban on the ballot which would band abortion even in cases of rape or incest, many pro-lifers opposed the ban and it was defeated by the voters.

** In answer to another Eagle Forum question, Palin stated that she supports schools funding "abstinence-until-marriage" education and opposes schools funding sex-education programs, school-based clinics, and the distribution of contraceptives in schools.

** There are serious questions whether Palin even believes in birth control. While in general, a candidate's personal family decisions should be outside the realm of political discussion, the pregnancy of Palin's 17-year old daughter raises questions about Palin's beliefs on birth control. Palin is a member of the deceptively named "Feminists for Life" who would criminalize not only abortion but the IUD and hormonal birth control methods (e.g. the pill). Although Palin's decision to keep and raise a baby with Down's syndrome may be admirable, the same questions are raised by Palin herself, already the mother of 4 other children, becoming pregnant at age 44. Palin is lucky that her failure to educate her daughter about contraception only led to an out of wedlock pregnancy. It could have led her to contract a sexually transmitted disease.

** Palin's answer to the Eagle Forum questionnaire also reflected other extremist views. She supports the right of parents to block their public school children from reading books or participating in curricula and classes which disagree with their religious beliefs. (This is consistent with Palin's firing of the Wasilla town librarian for refusing to remove books to which Palin objected from library shelves.) Palin is against expanding hate crime laws. She opposes the decision of the Alaska Supreme Court according spousal benefits to same-sex couple who are state employees.

* Far from putting "Country First", Palin has been closely associated with the far-right wing whack job Alaska Independence Party which questions the legality of the vote for Alaska to join the union and wants to hold a referendum for Alaska to secede. Just 6 months ago, Palin gave a speech to the AIP conventions calling on them to "keep up the good work" and wished the party luck on what she called its "inspiring convention." Palin's husband was an AIP member for 7 years until 2002 and she and her husband both attended AIP's 2000 Convention. AIP founder Joe Vogler said "I'm an Alaskan, not an American...I've got no use for America". There is evidence that Vogler was connected to domestic terrorism--He died in a plastic-explosives sale gone bad.

* Palin seems to believe that she knows God's will and that he is on the side of Republican political positions. She has said that the US sending troops to fight in Iraq is a "task that is from God". She called the building of a $30 million natural gas pipeline in Alaska "God's will." One can debate the pros and cons of these political positions, but claiming unique knowledge of God's will in human affairs is scary and contrasts sharply with the views of the first Republican President, Abraham Lincoln, who proclaimed, "Don't pray that God's on our side, pray that we're on his side."

* Palin has close political and religious ties to theocratic groups which do not believe in the First Amendment's separation of church and state and want America ruled by biblical law rather than the Constitution. Many of these groups are associated with Dominionism, an extreme religious ideology which, according to journalist Frederick Clarkson shares the following beliefs:

"1. Dominionists celebrate Christian nationalism, in that they believe that the United States once was, and should once again be, a Christian nation...2. Dominionists promote religious supremacy, insofar as they generally do not respect the equality of other religions, or even other versions of Christianity. 3. Dominionists endorse theocratic visions, insofar as they believe that...'biblical law' should be the foundation of American law."

** This Dominionist ideology is consistent with Palin's statement that she was the first "Christian Mayor of Wasilla", which was objected to by the prior Mayor of Wasilla who was also a Christian, must not one of Palin's denomination.

** Right before McCain selected Palin, she was vetted for McCain at a meeting of the secretive Council for National Policy, whose members include such leading Dominionists as Rev. James Dobson of Focus on the Family, Tony Perkins of the Family Research Council, and Tim LeHaye, author of the apocalyptic "Left Behind" books which predict the coming rapture in which true Christians will be instantly transported from earth to heaven and while the rest of humanity will be left to face plagues and pestilence on earth. After this vetting, Dobson, who once said he would "never" vote for McCain, issued a statement hailing Palin as an "outstanding" choice. It is reported that McCain caved in to the Council for National Policy in choosing Palin, after they unequivocally rejected his more moderate first choices of pro-choice candidates Tom Ridge and Joe Lieberman.

** Palin's home church, the Juneau Christian Center, and its pastor Mike Rose advocates Dominionsim and is closely connected to the Dominionist movement. Rose is an advisor to Rodney Howard-Browne's Revival Ministries, one of the leading Dominionist organizations. Palin's church is also connected with the "Joel's Army" movement which uses stealth methods to recruit teens to the cause. One cannot definitely connect Palin to these extreme politico-religious views, but she certainly has her own "Pastor problem".

These views place Palin on the extreme right-wing of the American political spectrum and should raise serious concerns among moderate, centrist and independent voters. The McCain campaign will try to bury these views behind a rosy picture of an all-American hockey mom and mother of five with a Downs Syndrome baby. Despite Republican attacks on media coverage of Palin, the media seems to be focusing on the personal aspects of Palin's story and not the issues.

Democrats need to inform swing voters, in particular, of Palin's extremist views and McCain's caving in to the extreme right wing of the Republican Party in choosing her. If they are fully informed, centrist, moderate and independent voters are likely to think twice about voting to put Palin a heartbeat away from the Presidency.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/miles-mogulescu/let-swing-voters-know-tha_b_124384.html?view=screen

NEED YOUR COMMENTS! I wrote a story to Sarah Palin on my blog on Yahoo Shine,

Bobbi Miller-Moro — Sun, 07 Sep 2008 13:43:51 EDT

I have been trying to keep up with the Republican comments. The Democrats are standing up, but perception is everything. This was one of the last comments I made on my own blog. Please go there and comment!

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/money/mother-of-five-fights-back-wake-up-sarah-palin-250800/

The best bumper stickers around

squarevince — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 00:26:57 EDT

Nota religious person myself, but I do really like these bumper stickers. Not a bad gift to pass out to those religious folks in our lives:

http://www.cafepress.com/timroff.24232699

http://www.cafepress.com/KosmicStore

The more things like this that can get your average middle-of-the-road Christian-American voter to see the Republican spin-machine for what it is, the better. There's nothing better than one Christian reminding another that the attacks on Obama have strayed incredibly from the "Christian Values" they purport to represent.

Thanks to timroff and desertguy on DailyKos for creating these!

Obama on Faith

Tal from NPR/Trinity — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 21:31:10 EDT

In a speech he gave on June 28, 2006 at the Call to Renewal's Building a Covenant for a New America conference, Barack Obama made the following observations about faith in the public square:

"There are some liberals who dismiss religion in the public square as inherently irrational or intolerant, insisting on a caricature of religious Americans that paints them as fanatical, or thinking that the very word "Christian" describes one's political opponents, not people of faith . . . Not every mention of God in public is a breach to the wall of separation - context matters. It is doubtful that children reciting the Pledge of Allegiance feel oppressed or brainwashed as a consequence of muttering the phrase "under God." I didn't. Having voluntary student prayer groups use school property to meet should not be a threat, any more than its use by the High School Republicans should threaten Democrats."

Sarah Palin - Christian Extremist

geekpro — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 20:59:22 EDT

Sarah Palin's Pastor:

"What you see in a terrorist -- that's called the invisible enemy. There has always been an invisible enemy. What you see in Iraq, basically, is a manifestation of what's going on in this unseen world called the spirit world. ... We need to think like Jesus thinks. We are in a time and a season of war, and we need to think like that. We need to develop that instinct. We need to develop as believers the instinct that we are at war, and that war is contending for your faith. ... Jesus called us to die. You're worried about getting hurt? He's called us to die. Listen, you know we can't even follow him unless you are willing to give up your life. ... I believe that Jesus himself operated from that position of war mode. Everyone say "war mode." Now you say, wait a minute Ed, he's like the good shepherd, he's loving all the time and he's kind all the time. Oh yes he is -- but I also believe that he had a part of his thoughts that knew that he was in a war."

Is Sarah Palin a Christian Extremist and a Separatist? <<< click and read

Palin Sex Education Plan Failed At Home

Ed Hansen — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 11:08:08 EDT

It's Peyton Place in Wasilla, Alaska. But everywhere else is Peyton Place, too, with lots of glass houses.

I want to believe that the media should leave Alaska Governor Sarah Palin's family members alone. But I'm not certain that's possible for the family of a candidate for national office. I know that the personal lives of the young people can be separated from the discussion that their situation has ignited.

I firmly believe the soon-to-be-nominated Grand Old Party Vice Presidential Candidate, the same Sarah Palin, should be questioned directly and intensely about the veracity of her abstinence-only sex education position. Most certainly, not learning about family planning and birth control did not prevent an unplanned, unwanted, out-of-wedlock, high school student pregnancy in her own family.

The American electorate, um, voters, deserve to understand how she justifies her convictions.

From the Campaign Trail: Saddleback, Biden, and Traditional Family Values

Jay Garrano — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 12:35:23 EDT

(from Revolution newspaper #141, August 24, 2008)

From the Campaign Trail:

Saddleback, Biden, and Traditional Family Values

Barack Obama’s mission of “bringing us all together” included three major events over the past two weeks, heading into his acceptance speech Friday night at Mile High Stadium.

First, on August 16, Obama participated in the first exchange between the two Presidential candidates at Saddleback Church in Orange County. Participating in what was, in essence, the first debate of the ‘08 election at Rick Warren’s megachurch was a major move on Obama’s part to embrace and legitimize the imposition of Christian fundamentalism into all realms of society. Then, on Saturday, August 24, Obama announced that Joe Biden, would be his running mate. A long-time ruling class insider, Biden has not just been complicit with, but a key player in the whole development of the so-called “War on Terror,” a war for empire that has brought a million deaths to Iraq, and bloodshed and suffering across the Middle East. And Michelle Obama’s August 26 speech to the Democratic National Convention was a major statement—an acclamation of oppressive, patriarchal traditional family values.

Each of these events provoked new rounds of outrage from many of Obama’s supporters. But the basic question for those people is: Are they betrayals of Obama’s principles? Or examples of what Obama’s mission is all about?

Seeking clarification on the following: "conservative," "family values," & "christian"

Karen — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 22:17:43 EDT

I have no idea how to blog. I only know that there are a few things about the Republican party that are perplexing to me: 1) How can a party that borrows more than 10 BILLION dollars, EVERY MONTH, from China, Saudi Arabia,.., for perpetual oil wars, have the balls to claim to be "conservative?" That kind of spending seems truly radical to me. What is the definition of a conservative according to the dictionary? Am I missing something? 2)How can a party that is so absolutely pro-war keep a straight face while hollering that they alone are "pro-life" and "pro-family?" Huh? War creates death on a huge scale and breaks up families in every way possible. What kind of family "values" are these? Who would Jesus bomb? 3) How can those who claim to be "christians" be SO resistant to the liberal and compassionate teachings of Christ? What are those teachings? It'll only take you a few hours to read those for yourself in a RED LETTER EDITION of the BIBLE starting with the book of Matthew. Jesus consistenty taught NON-violence, even with one's "enemies," and compassionate actions such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, visiting prisoners, and protecting the poor from the exploitation of the rich. He clearly said that these actions determined who was and was not a real Christian. Why then do the fundamentalists of United States completely disregard Christ's teachings if they claim to be His followers? If He returned to the world today and retaught these same "radical" teachings of peace and compassion, would these modern-day Pharisees crucify Him all over again? My hunch is that they would. How absolutely bizarre that religious fundamentalists are SO cozy with corporations, especially weapons manufacturers and Big Oil. Why do these so-called christians continue to give their votes to the candidates who have been bought by the weapons manufacturers and oil executives? I simply don't get this. Pro-war "christian" fundamentalists are just as dangerous as muslim, hindu, or jewish fundamentalists. I think all fundamentalists discredit their faiths. Perhaps they could all get more converts if they would all lay down their weapons. Just a thought.

Why I Support Obama's '08 Campaign

DMJC — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 13:05:00 EDT

Why I support obama's '08 campaign
I, am a woman, an African-American, and a person of diverse genetic and cultural history.
I am also a Spirit, the Real Me, who lives in a body and has a Soul who greatly transcends the color of my skin or combination of genes or cultural history.
The Real Me has a voice that comes from within my very heart of hearts. It can not and will not remain silent, but will be raised to help bring the change that is needed in my community, in my country, and in this world.

My "Real Me" Voice was used in the Primary election to vote for Barack Obama, the first "viable" African-American presidential candidate in the USA who can act as a unifying, and not divisive, force. I understood then that this was a great historical act that I could not pass by.

I am a christian who believes in the importance of the Church and in the Holy Bible as God's Word and my Final Authority, my Standard. So, yes, the media drama and spun news regarding his affiliations and dis-affiliations made me doubt my decision to support Obama, initially.

BUT,
then I read an article written by Pat Buchanan entitled "A Brief for Whitey". Pat helped me to become more conscious (to wake up) and remember all of the important reasons why my "Real Me" Voice needs to keep speaking up in support of Barack Obama. Pat helped me to get past all of the smoke screens caused by the media spin distractions.

Thanks, Pat! For helping me to wake up and speak up.

SO,
I am helping to be part of the solution for change by officially joining and supporting Barack Obama's campaign for the US Presidency. Here are my reasons:

*I am a mother of children that I want to be given opportunities to create new businesses and create new jobs for our community, instead of just being "given opportunities" to work in them. For my kids, and all kids, I want entrepreneurial training and apprenticeship opportunities, instead of just being considered as "fresh new college talent" to work as employees for the corporate executives downtown and then thrown to the side 30 years later when healthcare and pension costs increase. I want them to own and operate the major sports franchises, instead of just being scouted and recruited onto the teams to be thrown aside when they are injured or have lower performance.

*I am the friend of several very intelligent men, like Barack, but, unlike Barack, never received proper elementary education as children and have struggled to get ahead for their entire lives; this was as a result of being left behind the curve that their counterparts excelled around, as they lived in other neighborhoods that have historically had access to better public schools, and economic ability to attend private school, when integration became a threat to their families.

*I am a globally-minded person, and the world is fed-up with the superior stance of American government and diplomats. They have tolerated it for a while, but, as seen during the current Bush administration, will not tolerate it for much longer. America needs leadership that is willing to talk with world leaders and build positive relationships, instead of constantly being divisive and haughty. As evidenced by the move of American jobs overseas, and by the increasing gas costs, America needs to do things differently in regards to our international relations.

*I am a human-being, not a dog, and My "Real Me" Voice is what makes me truly equal with other human-beings. I do not want a government that supports the superior view of certain established segments of society and ignores the needs of the largest segment of society, which is still being falsely called "minorities". I should not have to be happy and content that another equal person was nice enough to let me have anything.

*I am an American, and Yes I Can, with my husband, create a viable, equal, independent, and self-sufficient future for my family, by using My "Real Me" Voice to vote for change in my American government. That is my Right, and I will not let any superior person cause me to sit down and shut up and do nothing.

My name is Donna, an Average American, and I support this message.

*Average America for Obama Squidoo Page

Unions And Common Sense

Timothy — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:17:20 EDT

Welcome to the inaugural post of the Common Sense blog on my.barackobama.com! Thanks for stopping by, and I hope you will find something interesting and unique about my personal brand of blogging. Geographically, this blog will focus on two main regions: Ohio (and the Midwest in general) and Utah, specifically the college town of Provo. Topically, we'll hit on all the issues that we can possibly cram in to this space. Common Sense will examine Barack's positions on various issues and the news coverage of the race from the perspective of a young voter. In the interests of full disclosure, I am a married college student attending Brigham Young University, and I will be trying to hit on as many Christian themes as I can in my blogging. That may unsettle some people, and you are more than welcome to let me know if anything I say strikes a nerve (good or bad) by shooting me out an email or sharing a comment.

On to the content: Unions and the Presidential race. When I moved from Southeastern Ohio town of Athens out to Provo, Utah, I left behind a job at the local CVS. I worked nights (and often days as well) as a shift supervisor while my wife finished up college. Our CVS in Athens belonged to the UFCW, which meant a lot to me. I grew up in a union family, and it felt good to belong to a union of my own. As a worker, I have always been a fan of unions, and I envied my friends who were fortunate enough to belong to them. In Athens, belonging to a union meant a guaranteed fair wage, even in a town where the job market was so bad that college graduates struggled to find minimum wage employment. As a political enthusiast, however, I wondered about the value of unions when it came to presidential politics.

John McCain's Secret Line of Attack

Darrick — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 21:47:50 EDT

John McCain is going to select Sen. Joe Lieberman (I) CT as his Vice-Presidential running mate. There are two reason for this selection. It display's McCain's bi-partisanship muscle. The second reason requires some set up. First, John McCain's been dropping Judeo-Christian like it's hot lately. He's planning to paint Sen. Obama as a Muslim v. the Christian and the Jew. Secondly, Mike Huckabee is dispatched to Israel to rally the troops. That is the master plan and it must be defeated now.

WHY ARE 40 MILLION NON CHRISTIAN AMERICAN CITIZENS BEING IGNORED?

Steve Sulkin — Sun, 17 Aug 2008 00:30:29 EDT

If you’re one of the nearly 40 million American citizens who are not Christian, how did you feel when McCain was telling his "cross" Vietnam story on the Rev. Warren “Civil Forum?” The moral of McCain’s story was that non-Christians are suspect, only a true Christian would have been so kind as to help a suffering prisoner. I didn't know we lived in a theocracy, where if you don’t believe what the majority believes, you're not in the right club. I thought America was founded on the principle that whatever your religion, that you're viewed the same. I guess we have a long way to go in that regard.

• 79.8% of our country is Christian

• 5.2% are other religions

• 8.4%, no religion, atheists or agnostics

Combine other and no and you get 13.6% of the U.S or about 38,273,380 people, which approximately equals the population of Arizona and California combined! That's nearly FOURTY MILLION PEOPLE who were told that they are lesser people by the fact that this forum represented Christians only. FOURTY MILLION PEOPLE who were told by McCain that since they would not have “drawn a cross in the sand" they could not be compassionate people.

How has it become acceptable to be so bigoted as to openly ignore FOURTY MILLION AMERICAN CITIZENS and their right to have a differing view and not be considered lesser, less morale or less religious?

Barack Obama is religious, as McCain is, but he’s clearly more sincere. I’ve read his books, I know where he’s coming from. He doesn't suddenly well up with tears while telling a war story (that McCain has told on the stump thousands of times) to gain votes and sympathy. Is it really reasonable to assume that after someone’s told this same pseudo religious parable a thousand times that he would happen to well up with tears on the night of a forum on religion? Stump speeches do not create spontaneous emotion. Fakery does. Obama is religious simply because it is in his culture. That’s the Black Christian culture by the way, not the Muslim culture in case those 12% of Americans who still are naïve enough to believe the smears that he’s a Muslim weren’t listening.

Our country needs someone who is sincere. It'll be many years, maybe never, before we get someone who is an atheist, Jewish or certainly Muslim, Hindu or Buddhist as our President, so until then, why not elect Barack Obama, who is at least actually tells the truth?

Show the better world we want.

Robert Michael Foster, MA — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 11:52:36 EDT

In 1957 I was a painfully shyteen, that had just taken a 2 credit college course on our US Constitution in high school. I later found out that my shyness went away my fears were transformed. I also was selected for an engineering co-op program for the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, and I also joined the United States Marine Corps Reserves. I raised my right hand for the USMCR, and swore to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. I was one of the few, that knew our Constitution I was swearing to defend. Later, my co-op I was sent to a course in New York on a naval fire control system. I paid extra to return to California, via my nations Capitol, Washington DC. I was shocked to find that in my nation's Capitol, the hotels were listed in the telephone book as "whites only". I decided to make my peaceful protest right there, in violation of my culture, and even part of my family. I found a black hotel, and instructed my cab driver to take me there. His eyes got big, and he asked me if I was sure that I wanted to go there. Even though that shy young man was feeling his fears, he said yes. I was demonstrating peacefully, that I wanted my nation to live up to its Constitution. No one but the hotel clerk spoke to me and others appeared uncomfortable. I felt good that I was demonstrating what I wanted in spite of my fears, and still do. The Marines had taught me the difference between healthy and unhealthy pride. I have since learned how to go to the deeper levels where there are no differences. I can only hope that many others, will also defy their cultures, feel uncomfortable, and peacefully demonstrate, for what they want to see transformed. What are you interested in demonstrating peacefully that our culture is not ready for yet?

Very Respectfully, Michael

Resume: http://RecoveryByDiscovery.com/resume.htm

As a system engineer, I am especially interested in our energy challenges. If we do not solve our energy challenges, we will not have the resources to solve our other challenges. I am also especially interested in helping our troops PTSD challenge because I have some unique insites from my training and experience.

Petition in Response to McCain's "The One" Ad

Denise from Medford — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:10:22 EDT

Shocking! If you haven't seen the ad the McCain campaign put out on YouTube comparing Senator Obama to The Messiah, you should take a look. It's insulting to me as a Christian and as an Obama supporter. An Obama suppporter has started a petition asking McCain to remove it. Please follow the link and sign:

http://salsa.wiredforchange.com/o/5167/t/3594/petition.jsp?petition_KEY=430

Race IN the Race: Whazzup wid da Media?

Marjani — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 21:32:43 EDT

Did Obama or McCain pull out the race card first?
Does it even matter?
And wasn't Obama speaking the truth: Did NOT Hillary Clinton and John McCain do exactly what he (Obama) told his supporters they would do?

They attempted to make this nation afraid of:
a) His race
b) His name
c) His upbringing
d) His church
e) His religious affiliations
f) His wife
g) His actions (fist bumps, flag pin, hand over heart, his 'confidence factor'-called "arrogant" on a black man and "confidence" on a white man-, and all of that)
h) His African father's heritage
i) And that's just the beginning...

So far, Obama has been challenged on every aspect of his life except the fact that he is a man and on his social work values in Chicago's inner city ghettos, which would be viewed as too charitable to come against and might quickly cost them the election if they tried (squawk! And, and, and "HE HELPED THOSE POOR BLACK PEOPLE IN THE GHETTOS, TOO!!!")

Hillary even came close to trying to call him on the fact that he is a man; BUT for the fact that America has NEVER had a female president and may not any time soon, she might have hit him up on that, too.

If Obama drew the so-called "race card" first, he MOST CERTAINLY CALLED IT RIGHT.

It was better that he do it himself; because that effectively watered it down when they did exactly what he expected and said that they would do.

And why is the news media continually hyping and hawking this old news as if everyone BUT them has not totally put it out of their minds?

Can you say "yellow journalism"?

Happy Birthday, Barack Donation!! :)

Rosewalker — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 20:04:29 EDT

Hey, everyone, come on over to my fundraising page:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/outreach/view/main/Rosewalker

and donate a birthday gift to Barack!!! :)

I suggest dozens -- or even HUNDREDS -- of donations of $8.04 for his birthday date -- or $47 for his age. Let's make it a truly memorable birthday!

Or give whatever amount you can afford -- $1, $2, it doesn't matter -- no gift is too small when there's love and HOPE behind it!!

SEE MY STUDENT CHALLENGE....AND MY CHRISTIAN CHALLENGE...on my fundraiser.

COME ON!!! LET'S ROCK THIS BIRTHDAY BASH!!!

------------

Happy Birthday, Barack!!!! May you be specially blessed on your special day!!

Blessed to Be Free to Support Senator Obama

Tammy — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 01:58:54 EDT

I am struck by the consistency with which some of my conservative Christian "friends" are bombarding me with fallacious, hate-filled attacks on Senator Obama. I realize that these individuals are attempting to "enlighten" me and even, apparently, save me from eternal damnation. I generally welcome meaningful debate, but it is difficult to engage with those who believe that I am in league with Satan. These seemingly-altruistic souls perceive that I am plagued by a demonic impairment that renders me unable to discern truth. If only I will watch the latest Obama-bashing You-tube video, they insist, I will be cured from my affliction...

Invariably, the distorted diatribes regarding Senator Obama end with an ominous, pity-filled declaration that my friends are “praying for me" to see the error of my ways. Each week it seems that the accusations against Obama become more outrageous and the pleas for me to abandon my political beliefs become increasingly urgent. Evidently, as I immerse myself further in the Obama campaign, my wickedness is growing exponentially!

I have experienced the full range of grief reactions regarding the implication that I will be forever removed from God’s presence if I continue to exercise free thought. Shock and dismay, sadness and anger have evolved into reluctant acceptance: I am, indeed, doomed. I am not willing to accept that I am doomed to the innermost circles of hell. Rather, I acknowledge that I am doomed to disappointment if I do not abandon an assumption. I cannot continue to assume that as long as I tolerate the views of others, they will tolerate mine - no matter what staunchly-held religious beliefs they profess. It was naive of me to assume otherwise.

Perhaps the attacks have enlightened me, after all.

We all struggle to find our version of peace - in this life and the next. I am not choosing to vote for Obama IN SPITE OF my Christian faith, but, rather, BECAUSE of it. I am at peace with my decision, and extend the offer of peace toward those who seek to condemn me.

John McCain Surrogate Says Muslims 'Going to Kill Us'

funkfresh01 — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 18:29:03 EDT

(WASHINGTON, D.C., 7/18/2008) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called on presidential candidate John McCain to repudiate remarks seemingly made on his behalf by a GOP spokesman during a campaign call in Florida.

On a conference call with journalists arranged by the Republican Party of Florida, Bud Day reportedly said: “The Muslims have said either we kneel or they're going to kill us... I don't intend to kneel and I don't advocate to anybody that we kneel, and John doesn't advocate to anybody that we kneel.”

SEE: McCain Surrogate Makes Controversial Muslim Comment (CNN)

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/07/18/mccain-surrogate-makes-controversial-muslim-comment/

SEE: McCain POW Bud: Muslims 'Going to Kill Us' (Miami Herald)

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2008/07/mccain-pow-bud.html

Excited about the Mathew 25 Network

Barbara Rademacher — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 19:21:56 EDT

The Huffington Post, the Washington Post and NPR all discussed the same news item today: the Mathew 25 Network. This is a PAC not directly linked to Barack Obama, but supporting him and running pro-Obama ads on conservative, evangelical Christian radio networks.

I am so exicted. I thought I might be the only liberal Evangelical Christian in the world. I even wondered if something was very wrong with me that I deeply love Jesus, know He exists, and yet believe Americans should have universal health care and gays should have the right to marry.

I feel like singing, "There's a place for us, somewhere a place for us." The real Mathew 25 in the Gospel of Mathew is the Sheep and Goats Parable: what you do unto the least of these, you do to me. That has always been my favorite Gospel, but I can't remember ever hearing it discussed in a Protestant church.

Wow, am I happy! I feel like running up the church steps and yelling: Yes, I'm an Obama supporter, and YES, I have a personal relstionship with Jesus Christ.

Reports of Mosque Surveillance Concerns Muslims

funkfresh01 — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:00:53 EDT

http://religion.info/english/articles/article_385.shtml

Source: Religioscope

Author: Richard Cimino

While there have been allegations in the past of government investigation of mosques on issues relating to terrorism, the recent report, first featured in the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper, is said to be the first confirmation that surveillance is taking place.

An article in the Los Angeles Times (May 29) reports that information about the alleged spying surfaced in a case about classified files concerning terrorism that were stolen from a secure office used by military and civilian law enforcement officials at Camp Pendleton. Some of these classified records referred to the surveillance of Muslim communities in Southern California, specifically, the Islamic Center of San Diego. The records alleged that the mosque had been monitored as part of a federal surveillance program targeting Muslim groups, according to the Union-Tribune article.

The FBI's Plan to ‘Profile’ Muslims

funkfresh01 — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 18:03:03 EDT

http://www.salon.com/opinion/feature/2008/07/10/muslim_profiling/index.html

Source: Salon

Author: Juan Cole

The U.S. Justice Department is considering a change in the grounds on which the FBI can investigate citizens and legal residents of the United States. Till now, DOJ guidelines have required the FBI to have some evidence of wrongdoing before it opens an investigation. The impending new rules, which would be implemented later this summer, allow bureau agents to establish a terrorist profile or pattern of behavior and attributes and, on the basis of that profile, start investigating an individual or group. Agents would be permitted to ask "open-ended questions" concerning the activities of Muslim Americans and Arab-Americans. A person's travel and occupation, as well as race or ethnicity, could be grounds for opening a national security investigation.

The rumored changes have provoked protests from Muslim American and Arab-American groups. The Council on American Islamic Relations, among the more effective lobbies for Muslim Americans' civil liberties, immediately denounced the plan, as did James Zogby, the president of the Arab-American Institute. Said Zogby, "There are millions of Americans who, under the reported new parameters, could become subject to arbitrary and subjective ethnic and religious profiling." Zogby, who noted that the Bush administration's history with profiling is not reassuring, warned that all Americans would suffer from a weakening of civil liberties.

Memo to Obama: Moving to the Middle Is for Losers

Paul B — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 17:13:57 EDT

By Arianna Huffington, Huffington Post. Posted July 5, 2008.

Last Friday afternoon, the guests taking part in Sunday's roundtable discussion on This Week had a pre-show call with George Stephanopoulos. One of the topics he raised was Obama's perceived move to the center, and what it means. Thus began my weekend obsession. If you were within shouting distance of me, odds are we talked about it. I talked about it over lunch with HuffPost's DC team, over dinner with friends, with the doorman at the hotel, and the driver on the way to the airport.

God can use Democrats too! Pray Before You Vote!

Freya from Grovetown, GA — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 12:14:46 EDT

This past week, I saw an article that 70 Christian leaders are choosing to endorse John McCain because they feel the alternative is much worse. Although John McCain has denounced the comments of Rod Parsley and John Hagee. These are two men that I really admire in Christendom because they know how to stir up the soul and lead people to Christ. I always say if I want my loved ones saved, put them in front these two powerhouses of God! With this being said, I am concerned because I still see the loyalty to the party structure.

In my book, Pray Before You Vote, Jesus Is Not a Democrat or a Republican, Jesus Is Lord! http://www.praybeforeyouvote.org. I talk about how can use a Democrat or a Republican. The Christian vote does not belong to the Republican party only nor does it belong to the Democrat party only. It belongs to who God is saying He wants to use. I am asking "on what basis do we as Christians discount Senator Obama"? When we say the alternative could be worse, I struggle with that. I have not seen Senator McCain defend his faith. I know he has accepted the endorsements of many Christian leaders as part of a political marketing strategy. I say this because he turned around and denounced the same group after the kitchen got to hot.

So again, what has McCain done that Senator Obama hasn't? My plea to the Christian voter is to seek God and not man. Do not allow yourselves to be caught up in a political marketing strategy. Allow yourselves to be caught up in God's word. Why has God allowed this man to rise to the ranks? Why did Christians choose to vote against Mike Huckabee and for John McCain? Why Did Christian Pastors choose to endorse John McCain and not Mike Huckabee? Being a Christian, the obvious choice would have been Huckabee (even though we had to prayerful about as well), but that passed us by. We wanted to go with the sure win, McCain, I guess. So for those of you have made up your minds that the Christian vote = the Republican vote, be prayerful.

Before Jerry Falwell passed away, he stated on a CNN interview that social issues will be important this time around. God gave us 8 years to work on the moral issues and we haven't restored prayer back in school, removed Roe v. Wade, or stopped same sex marriages. God can use a Democrat or a Republican! When I hear a message of hope, inspiration, and motivation, I think of Jesus Christ. He loves all people and He wants His ambassadors, His people to walk in love, share the gospel and teach others about Him. When we turn our backs on certain groups, neglect the poor and the needy, and allow corporate America to dictate the lives of people through high gas prices, lost pensions, lost jobs and unfair taxes on the middle class, something is wrong. So let's check our hearts.

I am not a supporter of gay marriage or homosexuality (God's word speaks against it), but those won't be my deciding factors. I'm looking at the whole picture. I'm being led by God and not fear! I'm not afraid of his middle name. I'm not going to vote for someone because the alternative could be worse. I'm voting because I trust God and I believe that one that seeks God and hears the heart of God will also know how to govern the country. I still haven't heard Senator McCain talk about this. I like Senator McCain and I admire him as well. I just don't know who he is yet.

Whoever God leads me to vote for is who I'll vote for because of course, I'm still praying about it. What I see in Senator Obama is an Independent. He appeals to all people although he wears a Democratic banner. We hear those who say, "what has he done?" I say look at his record as well. It's not the length of time you've worked, it's the impact you had while working. Jesus was only here 33 years and he was able to accomplish so much in His 3 year ministry than many of us have in a lifetime. God hears the cries of His people. He hears the Republican Christians, Democratic Christians and Independent Christians. He's not limited to just one party. I'm already seeing instances of where he's willing to go against the norm to speak up for what is right. He has a moral conscience! He's a Christian with a social and moral conscience! I'll continue to pray that he will not endorse same-sex marriage or abortion, just as I prayed for President Bush to push God's laws as well.

Since Senator Obama is a Christian, he knows that the word of God does not support this and it is an abomination to God. John McCain may be a Christian as well, but I've never heard him speak about Jesus Christ. Jesus said if you deny Him before men, He will deny you before His father. (Matthew 10:33). I only hear this when it's time to court the Christian vote! Yes, there may be statement on the site, but I have not heard him profess Jesus Christ. So there will be a battle for the Christian vote! I'm looking for the one who professes Christ, who seeks Christ in his decision-making and who has the moral and social balance as well. Please test the fruits of the candidates as the word encourages us to do.

Again, this won't be the only deciding factor because even with this, deception can lead us to vote against these things while the world continues to be turned upside down by ignoring the weightier matters as Jesus said in Matthew 23:23. "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cummin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faith. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone." Jesus said this because he showed they paid attention to the tithe and the mint, but neglected the weightier matters such as justice, mercy and faith. Jesus said we should do both!

So pray before you vote. Don't allow one group to steer you. As Christians, allow the word of God to steer you! You can never go wrong. Be blessed. Freya S. Williams is the Author of "Pray Before You Vote! Jesus Is Not a Democrat or a Republican, Jesus Is Lord!" http://www.praybeforeyouvote.org

Inside Obama's Christian Crusade

Paul B — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:41:08 EDT

By Max Blumenthal, TheNation.com. Posted July 2, 2008.

Obama has made a major effort to woo evangelicals, but at what cost to church-state separation?

On June 10, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. Barack Obama convened a meeting in a law office in downtown Chicago with a wide array of about thirty evangelical leaders, in an unprecedented effort to win their support. Obama insisted that the meeting remain entirely off the record, forbidding participants from disclosing his statements to the press. His campaign has kept the names of attendees a closely guarded secret. But through interviews with participants and overlooked statements in obscure publications of the Christian press, a first-hand picture of the meeting emerges, starkly at odds with the news reports that accepted the formal version at face value.

I can't believe this

Erik from Camas, WA — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:54:41 EDT

First, Senator Obama did not deal adequately with the reverend Wright debacle and now he has promised to engage grass roots religious groups with federal money if they tackle the country's social ills. Does he want religion to play a political role in America? His position is embarrassing and faith based programs will confuse and alienate a lot of supporters and only gain a few new Christian votes. I hope his staff has done the math. I am shocked and will reconsider my vote (I voted in the WA caucus and supported financially his campaign). He will have to win my vote back.

Obama Support For Expansion Of 'Faith-Based' Program Is Disappointing, Says Americans United

Paul B — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 20:28:18 EDT

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

But Watchdog Group Says Candidate's Opposition To Religious Discrimination In Hiring And Publicly Funded Proselytism Are Steps In Right Direction

Rather than try to correct the defects of the Bush “faith-based” initiative, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama would do better to shut it down, says Americans United for Separation of Church and State.

Is Obama the Messiah?

Tricia — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 23:46:09 EDT

"What I can do, you can do also." - Jesus Christ

The first error in any movement is to idolize the founder.

I love Barack Obama. He is an excellent example of the American Experiment, but many many people walking the earth are as good and smart and spiritual and ambitious as Obama. The difference is that he is answering a call to service so high that his personal Imitation of Christ is public and apparent. Bravo to him~!

We all could do aand should do the things Jesus and Moses and Buddha and Ghandi and Babaji did for God, but we don't live it out to the fullest. Their teachings implore us us again and again to see we have power as individuals and that most of our problems could be solved by the Power of Love.

In our time, this furure president presents us with an opportunities that are practical ways to create more perfect unions with each other in the workplace, in the family and in Washington and with the world.

Each of us has our part to play and we must ALL answer the call and be saviors of this wonderful promise of freedom in our time.

The Kingdom of God is within each of us, so beware of pinning all the saving on just one person, even a person like Barack Obama. May his request in the banner of his website be granted by each awake American. "I am asking you to believe. Not just in my ability to bring about real change in Washington... I'm asking you to believe in yours."

Christian Leaders Come to Obama's Defense

Elidet — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 22:52:00 EDT

Interesting website defending Obama against James Dobson.

http://www.jamesdobsondoesntspeakforme.com/

President Kennedy once said:

"I am not the Catholic candidate for President. I am the Democratic Party's candidate for President who also happens to be a Catholic. I do not speak for my Church on public matters -- and the Church does not speak for me." (Sept. 12, 1960)

I think I can see Obama heading in the same direction.

Dr. Dobson convinced me to vote for Obama

James Matthew Branum — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 20:27:59 EDT

Cross-posted from: JMBzine.com

Dobson accuses Obama of 'distorting' Bible"

(CNN) -- One of the country's leading evangelical leaders is accusing Sen. Barack Obama of deliberately distorting the Bible and taking a "fruitcake interpretation" of the U.S. Constitution.

In comments to be aired on his radio show Tuesday, Focus on the Family founder James Dobson criticizes the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee for comments he made in a June 2006 speech to the liberal Christian group Call to Renewal. . .

"I think he's deliberately distorting the traditional understanding of the Bible to fit his own world view, his own confused theology," Dobson said, later adding that Obama is "dragging biblical understanding through the gutter."

I decided to see of for myself and read what Obama said in the speech in question...

Obama.Senate.gov: 'Call to Renewal' Keynote Address
Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Such a powerful, thoughtful address. Here are a few parts that I though were worthy of special attention (but I recommend reading the whole thing if time permits) . . .

What helped me to see WHY I wanted to vote for Obama....

Shanda Scott — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 17:27:50 EDT

Hello there...=0)

I have to first admit that I am NEW to all of this and have never really been active in supporting ANY ONE for president... I would just pick the lesser of the two evils and do my duty as an American and cast my vote...which often lead me to BELIEVE that as a CHRISTIAN I HAD TO vote Republican...(which I believe NOT ALL but a lot of Christians feel this way too..)

I am starting to worry

SITALCES — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 02:00:26 EDT

Hillary Clinton and her husband have pledged support for Obama, but after four weeks I have not seen it yet. It is rumoured that the Clintons want the Obama campaign to pay the bill for Hillary's debt incurred during her campaign against Obama. I believe that the Clintons are wealthy enough to pay their own debt. I wish I could say the same for the millions of Americans who are stripped of every single dollar they had saved for retirement by the four years of corrupt Republican rule, Republicans who were put in power partly because Bill was procrastinating in supporting Al Gore's candidacy for the presidency. The Obama campaign must make one thing clear to its supporters and that thing is that no money will flow from them to Hillary's pockets. Let those who prolonged the primaries by voting for Hillary share the burden of her debt.

Another thing that amazes me is the talk about the possible attack of Israel against Iran just before the election. John McCain is counting on such an event because only a third world war will scare the voters enough to give him the presidency. I say it amazes me because people are talking high treason in public. A foreign nation deciding about who is going to govern the USA and with a threat of a nuclear holocaust no less?

Meanwhile some people are preoccupied with the head scarf of Muslim women and whether Obama is a Christian or a Muslim. We have come to such sad state as to not remember the principles of our own constitution; separation of church and state, for example. And this bring us to the Evangelist Dr. J.C. Dobson. Is there anybody in Barack's corner to put this man to his place? If not I am starting to worry.

Just War, Iraq and Christian Voters

Edgar from San Anselmo, CA — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 19:33:04 EDT

This week we have seen Bush’s press secretary Scott McClellan before Congress. Since Scott has just re-expressed the view that the case for the invasion of Iraq was oversold, it is time to revisit this issue. As we do so we can discover that most U. S. religious authorities protested Iraq as a “Unjust” war. And, since Obama also objected from the start to this war, we can reach out to voters based on the Church teaching. Let’s start with Catholics an important block in swing states. “As a Cardinal, the new pope (Benedict XVI) was a staunch critic of the U.S. led invasion of Iraq. On one occasion before the war, he was asked whether it would be just. ‘Certainly not,’ he said, and explained that the situation led him to conclude that ‘the damage would be greater than the values one hopes to save.’” The background for his thinking is as follows: Catholic Just War TheoryTaken from the U.S. Catholic Bishops’ 1983 The Challenge of PeaceThe theory of the just war or limited war begins with a presumption that binds all Christians, we must love our neighbors and our enemies. The possibility of taking even one human life must be a prospect we should consider with fear and trembling. Jus ad Bellum:Criteria that must be met in order for a war to be considered just.Just Cause: War is permissible only to confront “a real and certain danger,” i.e. to protect innocent life, to preserve conditions necessary for decent human life existence, and to basic human rights. Competent Authority: The right to use force must be joined with the common good; war must be declared by those with responsibility for public order, not by private groups or individuals. Comparative Justice: No state should act on the basis that it has “absolute justice” on its side. Every party to a conflict must acknowledge the limits of its “just cause” and the consequent requirement to use only limited means in pursuit of its objectives. Right Intention: War can be legitimately intended for only the reasons set forth as a just cause. Last Resort: For war to be justified, all peaceful alternatives must have been exhausted. Probability of Success: This is a difficult criterion to apply, but its purpose is to prevent irrational resort to force or hopeless resistance when the outcome of either will clearly be disproportionate or futile Proportionality: The destruction to be inflicted and the costs incurred by war must be proportionate to the good expected by taking up arms. Destruction applies in both the temporal and spiritual sense. Jus in Bello:Criteria that must be met in order for actions within war to be considered just.Discrimination: This criterion requires that actions within a war must never be “total war”, nuclear war, and must never target civilian populations or non-military targets. Proportionality: Destruction caused by actions in war must be proportionate to the good expected by the actions. Destruction applies in both the temporal and spiritual sense. As we reflect on over five years of the Iraq war, it is easy for us to see the concerns of the Pope and his Bishops about whether “Just” criteria would be present were well warranted. It is also worth noting that denominational leaders among Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Methodists, Lutheran, Baptist, Mennonite, and the United Church of Christ likewise declared the Iraq war to be “Unjust” and continue to protest it. Within these denominations are tens of millions of voters ready for change.

Rev. Edgar Welty

Why be surprised?

Ed Conley — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 14:40:20 EDT

Today's Internet news said evangelicals are surprised by Obama's successful reach into their territory. And I thought why are they surprised? Maybe it's because the Christian message is being applied to politics for the first time in a long time. I find that message in the simple theme that runs through Obama's speeches and actions: find the common ground of basic goodness in both sides. Finding the basic goodness that is the ground beneath duality—the red and the blue in our politics—is the common message of both Buddhism and Christ. Obama just works it instead of preaching it. In Obama's world there are no boundaries.

Rapture Ready Board: Specializing in Obama Hate

Joseph Nobles — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 18:05:13 EDT

At first I couldn't believe it.

I'd seen the lengths this board could go to. It's a group of evangelical Christians, supposedly, who gather together to share beliefs. That's all well and good. Some of their statements about preparing for the rapture seemed excessive to me, but whatever. As long as they weren't harming anyone.

And then I found a thread there about Barack Obama. And I just couldn't believe that Christians, people of the Truth, followers of the law of Love, could post such hateful lies.

But there it was, all in response to the campaign setting up a response team to squash viscious rumors:

Mezuzas: This sounds like quite a threatening strategic tactic. If you dare say anything that they don't like, they go after you. Sounds so much like the "religion of peace" does it not?

The religion of peace? What has that got to do with responding to the kind of lies these people are content to spread?

The "Eleventh" Commandment and McCain and Obama's tax plans

Ty — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 22:52:21 EDT

Matt 19:16-26
16 Now a man came up to Jesus and asked, "Teacher, what good thing must I do to get eternal life?"
17 "Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
18 "Which ones?" the man inquired. Jesus replied, "'Do not murder, do not commit adultery, do not steal, do not give false testimony,
19 honor your father and mother,' and 'love your neighbor as yourself.'"
20 "All these I have kept," the young man said. "What do I still lack?"
21 Jesus answered, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me."
22 When the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had great wealth.
23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "I tell you the truth, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.
24 Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
25 When the disciples heard this, they were greatly astonished and asked, "Who then can be saved?"
26 Jesus looked at them and said, "With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

Wow, so Jesus' concern for the poor is so great - that he in essence creates an Eleventh Commandment. So, who's economic plan does a better job of responding to the concerns of Jesus?

BREAKING DOWN THE NUMBERS Here's how the average tax bill could change in 2009 if either John McCain's or Barack Obama's tax proposals were fully in place.
MCCAIN OBAMA Income Avg. tax bill Avg. tax bill Over $2.9M -$269,364 +$701,885 $603K and up -$45,361 +$115,974 $227K-$603K -$7,871 +$12 $161K-$227K -$4,380 -$2,789 $112K-$161K -$2,614 -$2,204 $66K-$112K -$1,009 -$1,290 $38K-$66K -$319 -$1,042 $19K-$38K -$113 -$892 Under $19K -$19 -$567

Source:The Tax Policy Center

I think the record is clear. Obama has the more Christian tax plan. The four lowest economic groups would receive more benefits under Obama's plan. In fact more Americans would benefit from Obama's tax plans then McCain's. If Christian taxation values or relief from high gas prices is a primary voting concern - there is only one candidate to vote for: Barack Obama.

The Return of the Reverend Wright's Comet

Dr. B, — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 20:31:54 EDT

A. Person vs. Persona

I find it useful to distinguish between Reverend Jeremiah Wright, the person, and the public persona that suddenly flared across our national consciousness like a scary comet a few months back. The comet was a fiery interaction of the Reverend's person, the media, and the opportunistic exploitations of the Reverend's person and the media by Senator Obama's critics. Indeed, I found it difficult to perceive the person beneath the glare of the persona. No matter. Only the members of the Reverend's church, his family, and his closest friends have to deal with his person; those of us who are committed to the Senator's election must focus our energies on anticipating the next appearance of the Reverend's persona and on devising ways to minimize the damage it does to the Senator's candidacy.

When he was in Washington, the Reverend asserted that he had a contract for a book. Assuming that his publisher will try to maximize its sales, we should expect its arrival in the bookstores at least a month before the election in November, with its most sensational chapters appearing as magazine excerpts a couple of weeks before the Democratic Party's convention in August.

B. Fundamental Questions

As I see it, Reverend Wright's persona poses two show-stopping questions with regards to Senator Obama's candidacy:

1) Why did the Senator remain in a church headed by such a flamboyant pastor?
2) Why did the Senator join that church in the first place?

The first question raises short-term, tactical concerns; the second involves deep-rooted, existential considerations. Indeed, I have been brooding over the second question for the last couple of years, ever since I read, then re-read, then re-re-read the chapter on religion in the Senator's superbly crafted collection of essays, "The Audacity of Hope."

When Senator Clinton declared that she would not have remained in a church headed by a pastor who made such offensive statements, I found myself chuckling at the irony. It is a fundamental tenet of our society's conventional wisdom that women are more concerned with relationships than men, that men are more likely to become involved in shallow functional associations, associations that are readily severed when they no longer serve their participants' current interests. Yet here was the female candidate firmly asserting that she would have "walked out" ... and there was her otherwise super-articulate male opponent fumbling to explain why he was "still involved". At that point I realized that Senator Obama could not give a satisfactory answer to the first question until he addressed the second. Why did he join that particular church in the first place?

In my opinion, neither question has been invalidated by the Senator's prior renounciation of Reverend Wright's statements nor by the Senator's recent resignation from the Reverend's Church. So when the Reverend's comet comes blazing back in August and/or September, these questions will surely follow in its tail.

C. The Senator's Conversion

I was perplexed, even vexed by the Senator's discussion of his faith in Chapter 6 of his book because his basic framework was so different from my own. Whereas I had left the globalized Catholic Church as a young man in a quest for Truth, the Senator had joined a localized Black church as a young man in a quest for Community. But why did he join that particular church in Chicago?

The tumultous reactions to Reverend Wright's flamboyant speeches at the NAACP and at the Washington Press Club in April 2008 provide the answer. Even his loudest and harshest critics conceded that Reverend Wright has been an effective pastor whose leadership has enabled his church to render substantial services to its members, especially to its poor, to its sick, and to its elderly and disabled. The Senator was evidently attracted to the Reverend and to the Reverend's church because of these services, because of these good works. In other words, the Senator's conversion is really not so surprising after all. It is just a particular, albeit highly prominent instance of the historic truth that Christians have always made more converts by their good works, i.e., by acting like Christ, than by the persuasive logic of their theologies.

D. Reverend Wright's Inconvenient Truths

The Reverend Jeremiah Wright did not work so hard for all those decades in order to become "Pastor to a President."

To be continued ...

How I judge Obama's faith

Benjamin Vos, Nashville — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 10:49:06 EDT

"The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender." - Proverbs 22:7

I hear a lot of Christians talking about Barack Obama's faith these days. They want to pretend that he's not really a Christian. Some people claiming to be Christians have tried to paint him as a Muslim or an anti-Semite, like Bill Hobbs and Robin Smith from the Tennessee Republican Party. I don't know how those folks measure people's faith to find out whether it's real. But I measure faith like Jesus did in John 13:35: "This is how all will know you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

So, when I look at the political landscape today, I have to look at who is encouraging a culture that is respectful and loving - not only to believers, but to unbelievers as well.

Is it loving for us to neglect genocide in Darfur?

Is it loving for us to support the taking of innocent lives in Iraq and call it "collateral damage"?

Is it loving for us to live in a culture where we want to overturn Roe v. Wade but we don't want to ensure that children grow up safe with the love and care they need?

Is it loving to live in a culture that offers tax cuts for the wealthy while millions of Americans are suffering because of an economy built on greed and corporate corruption?

Which brings me back to my original thought from Proverbs 22:7. In our culture, the wealthiest one percent have been the beneficiaries of half of the economic growth we've experienced in the last 7 years. Tax cuts for the wealthy have left our nation spiraling rapidly into debt. The national debt has grown under the Bush Administration, even when you measure debt against the Gross Domestic Product (http://zfacts.com/p/318.html). We are living beyond our means as a nation, and we're taking out loans to non-Christian nations like China and the United Arab Emirates.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_public_debt

Barack Obama's economic plan will put money back in the pockets of hard-working Americans, and he will restore honesty and fiscal discipline to our government.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/fiscal

Of course, there are people out there who want to spread lies and vicious rumors about him. But if you look at his life, look at the facts, and look at how he's spent his time and energy, you'll see that it's all about love. Of course, there are modern-day Pharisees out there who want to attack him because he doesn't wear a flag pin, or because his pastor said something controversial. But I listen to what his wife said: "Barack Obama will always take the high road. Over and over and over again."

I watch the way that Barack has worked to protect the rights of oppressed people. And I believe that he will do more to prevent abortion in our country because he will focus on the economic and cultural forces that drive women to choose abortions over life. He will protect the rights of women, but encourage fathers to get involved in their children's lives instead of abandoning their kids.

So, that's how I make my decisions. How about you?

The Evangelical Misperception

Keith Schubert — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:44:34 EDT

I no longer consider myself an evangelical although I grew up evangelical. In fact, I've spent nearly my entire life as an active evangelical/fundametalist. I was a staunch Republican for years because of my perception that the Republican party best represented the interests of evangelicalism, especially when it came to issues such as abortion & homosexual rights. However, a dramatic chance has taken place in my life. Indeed, it took several years to evolve. This transformation changed me from a Bush-praising evangelical fundamentalist into a liberal Democratic who is solidly convinced that America desperately needs leaders like Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, and John Edwards in the highest places of power in our government, especially the White House.

What was it that so profoundly impactied my life and changed my outlook? To most people's surprise it was the Bible. Specifically, reading the teachings of Jesus Christ as found in the Gospels. In reading, and rereading those teachings discovered that Jesus himself was a liberal with a genuine compassion for people. When his contemporaries where looking for a Messiah who would overthrow the Romans he taught that the way to a happy life was by being a peacemaker (could this apply to Iraq?). When he was criticized for sitting down with the traitors and prostitutes to share a meal and talk he responded that it's the sick who need a physician (reminds me of Obama's willingness to talk to Iran or Hamas). When he was asked about the way to God he did not give easy answers, in fact some turned away because he didn't say what they wanted to hear (can anyone say "tax-holiday").

Listen, I'm not comparing Barack Obama to Jesus but I am making a point. The evangelical crowd has been misled by the Republican party. If we truly wish to follow Jesus Christ's teachings then we need to reevaluate which party and candidate best represents what Jesus would want for our country: an end to war, healthcare for everyone, and dignity and respect for all people regardless of their sexual orientation.

John McCain is portraying himself as a seasoned leader and a "safe choice". He'll get no argument from me on that. But what America needs is not so much a seasoned leader as a idealist and a visionary. We don't need a "safe choice" we need someone who will shake up the status que and take our country in a new direction.

If you're a McCain supporter then take this challenge: spend some time reading the teachings of Jesus. I believe that if you'll do that you'll begin to see that Barack Obama and the Democratic party are the best hope for CHANGE you can believe in for America today.

How Obama can win Appalachia

Morgaine Swann — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 18:56:39 EDT

Appalachia knows the Clintons well, but they don't know Barack. They can be reached if he gets to know them, and talks about issues that are important to this area. There are a few issues that Democrats never seem to get right when they campaign here. Everybody knows we have problems with poverty and education, but there are other issues that never get addressed. People here care about:

Coal
Unions
Health care
Environment
Tobacco
Guns
Corruption
Christianity

I have a few ideas how Barack can make some friends in this area by addressing these issues.

New York Muslim’s Struggle for Justice in America

funkfresh01 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 16:08:55 EDT

http://atlanticfreepress.com/content/view/4016/32/

Source: Atlantic Free Press

Author: Stephen Lendman

Yassin Aref is a 37 year old Albany, New York resident and one of many Muslim victims of police state justice in post-9/11 America. They've been hunted down, rounded up, held in detention, kept in isolation, denied bail, restricted in their right to counsel, tried on secret evidence and trumped-up charges, then incarcerated as political prisoners or deported to where they face possible arrest and torture.

Because of his faith and ethnicity, Aref was victimized by US "justice" in a post-9/11 climate of fear. He's an Iraqi Kurd who emigrated to the US as a UN refugee in 1999 with his wife and three young children. He's now in federal prison but committed no crime. He's also the author of a poignant memoir/autobiography titled "Son of Mountains: My Life as a Kurd and a Terror Suspect." He wrote it in custody at Troy, New York's Rensselaer County Jail after his wrongful conviction in October 2006.

Muslim Activists Seeking Probe of Reported Surveillance

funkfresh01 — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 15:18:08 EDT

http://www.pe.com/localnews/rivcounty/stories/PE_News_Local_C_muslim30.426eaa8.html

Source: Press-Enterprise

Author: Paige Austin

A civil-rights group and a coalition of Muslim activists headed by a Corona man called on Congress this week to investigate a report that military and law enforcement officials stole surveillance records of Southland Muslims from Camp Pendleton.

The request stems from a news report that military officials and law enforcement members of the Los Angeles County Terrorist Early Warning Group illegally took the top-secret documents from the base's Strategic Technical Operations Center.

According to the San Diego Union-Tribune, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Gary Maziarz has been court-martialed and convicted for his role in the thefts.

While the details of the surveillance and the alleged theft remain largely unknown, the incident provides confirmation that the military and law enforcement groups have been gathering information about local Muslim communities, said Michael German, policy counsel for the American Civil Liberties Union's Washington Legislative Office.

Florida Muslim Leaders Testify at United Nation Racism Hearing

funkfresh01 — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 20:59:14 EDT

MIAMI, FL, 6/4/08) - On June 2, 2008, Florida Muslim leaders met with Doudou Diène, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance, at a Miami hearing to discuss Islamophobia and anti-Muslim discrimination.

For photos of the event: http://picasaweb.google.com/bedier/UNMiamiHearingOnRacism

Special Rapporteur Diène is visiting several cities across the United States to "gather first-hand information on issues related to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia."

Reuters: U.N. racism investigator to visit U.S.

http://www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSL16843098