So we took the girls to the church's annual "Trunk or Treat" Friday evening. It was fun and I got to take Madeline down the slide several times (see above). The girls went on a hayride and got enough candy for me for the rest of the year. And that brings me to my first confession of the day: I think I have gained 5 pounds, so I started running again. I had become a slacker, which is all too easy for me, and I forget that my metabolism will not stay up forever unless I shake my groove thang or whatever. So, after church today, which was filled with remembrances of church members who have passed on, handbell playing and choir singing par excellence, I came home, had lunch and ran for 45 minutes. I am finding that this time around, I am not in as good of shape as I was the last time I ran, so I am feeling the burn hours later. The joys of being a fatty and not wanting to end up with diabetes or a club foot or whatever.
As I write to you I am enjoying the best day of the year, the day when we Fall Back. It is the best day ever. The only thing that is not good about it is that evening comes so quickly now. It is amazing, but here in northwest Florida, we are so close to the dividing line between Eastern and Central time (we are about 45 minutes west of the line) that darkness falls inordinately quicker here than it did in Texas. No joke, in Texas the summer days would last until after 8:00 p. m. Here we are lucky if it is not completely dark by 7:00--in July! So, the dark days are worse it seems. Maybe I just have to find something to complain about. This is a blog after all.
I am finding that my funk has lifted, thank God, and as long as I keep on running, I am sure it will stay away for some time. The dark passenger averted for a time. My children are no help here. Emma is getting to be such a mini-adult it really bothers me. We spent an hour at Justice for Girls in the mall while she tried on everything in the store and ended up with a pair of jeans, a jacket, and a couple of shirts courtesy of the elder Mrs. Keaton's gift cards. In some ways it is a lot of fun that she is growing up. She told me she knew who I voted for today. I asked her how that was possible and she told me that I never talk about John McCain, so she deduced I had voted for Obama. I told her that it really was no one's business who I voted for, but I did say it was about time a black person became president. It was interesting because she mentioned that it would be a first for an African American to become president, but that if McCain won he would be the oldest president and we would have the first woman Vice-President, not just one but two historical firsts. I did not have the heart to tell her that the one so far trumped the other two, at least in my opinion. Anyway, I am a big ol' frickin' Democrat so how do you expect me to vote?
I just finished up playing and singing with the children's "choir" here at church. A small aside: I do not mention my political leanings at church for fear that someone may think I am a socialist (like the early apostles), or I want to spread the wealth around (yes, please, give the wealth to me), or that I just might be a baby killer. And don't get me started on the issue of greedy capitalism being equated with loving Jesus. I am not going to even say it. I heard a funny, but sad quote Friday night from Bill Maher (which proves I may be the Antichrist) that went something like this: "Barack Obama spent 20 years in a United Church of Christ which proves he is a Muslim. John McCain spent most of his life avoiding going to church which proves he is a Christian."
I have come to the realization that in less than 2 days the election will be over. I do not think it is a lock for Obama. I mean, George Bush got elected twice (really only won once, but hey, let's not bore you with facts) and he was behind most of the election season. Even the exit polls appeared to show John Kerry winning (thank God he did not). I will likely be unable to rest until I know who won, and I pray that we do not have another 2000 and not know for months who "won."
For as happy as I am today, I sure sound cranky tonight. Sorry about that.
May God bless America, all of it, including the parts that are not really America. I think it may be beyond praying that everyone can just get along, but I am going to try it out anyway. God is bigger than all of this, I just hope Christians can be "big" about however the election ends up. I am not holding out much hope.
Peace.
As I write to you I am enjoying the best day of the year, the day when we Fall Back. It is the best day ever. The only thing that is not good about it is that evening comes so quickly now. It is amazing, but here in northwest Florida, we are so close to the dividing line between Eastern and Central time (we are about 45 minutes west of the line) that darkness falls inordinately quicker here than it did in Texas. No joke, in Texas the summer days would last until after 8:00 p. m. Here we are lucky if it is not completely dark by 7:00--in July! So, the dark days are worse it seems. Maybe I just have to find something to complain about. This is a blog after all.
I am finding that my funk has lifted, thank God, and as long as I keep on running, I am sure it will stay away for some time. The dark passenger averted for a time. My children are no help here. Emma is getting to be such a mini-adult it really bothers me. We spent an hour at Justice for Girls in the mall while she tried on everything in the store and ended up with a pair of jeans, a jacket, and a couple of shirts courtesy of the elder Mrs. Keaton's gift cards. In some ways it is a lot of fun that she is growing up. She told me she knew who I voted for today. I asked her how that was possible and she told me that I never talk about John McCain, so she deduced I had voted for Obama. I told her that it really was no one's business who I voted for, but I did say it was about time a black person became president. It was interesting because she mentioned that it would be a first for an African American to become president, but that if McCain won he would be the oldest president and we would have the first woman Vice-President, not just one but two historical firsts. I did not have the heart to tell her that the one so far trumped the other two, at least in my opinion. Anyway, I am a big ol' frickin' Democrat so how do you expect me to vote?
I just finished up playing and singing with the children's "choir" here at church. A small aside: I do not mention my political leanings at church for fear that someone may think I am a socialist (like the early apostles), or I want to spread the wealth around (yes, please, give the wealth to me), or that I just might be a baby killer. And don't get me started on the issue of greedy capitalism being equated with loving Jesus. I am not going to even say it. I heard a funny, but sad quote Friday night from Bill Maher (which proves I may be the Antichrist) that went something like this: "Barack Obama spent 20 years in a United Church of Christ which proves he is a Muslim. John McCain spent most of his life avoiding going to church which proves he is a Christian."
I have come to the realization that in less than 2 days the election will be over. I do not think it is a lock for Obama. I mean, George Bush got elected twice (really only won once, but hey, let's not bore you with facts) and he was behind most of the election season. Even the exit polls appeared to show John Kerry winning (thank God he did not). I will likely be unable to rest until I know who won, and I pray that we do not have another 2000 and not know for months who "won."
For as happy as I am today, I sure sound cranky tonight. Sorry about that.
May God bless America, all of it, including the parts that are not really America. I think it may be beyond praying that everyone can just get along, but I am going to try it out anyway. God is bigger than all of this, I just hope Christians can be "big" about however the election ends up. I am not holding out much hope.
Peace.
13 comments:
They said last night on the news that sunset here in Oklahoma tonight would be at 5:30!!
Quit whining. In London we only get a few hours of total darkness in the Summer. In fact, at its best, I've been sitting outside at 10:00 p.m. and the sun was just finally going down. However, the winters more than make up for it when it gets dark around 4:00. Add to that fact that winter lasts FOREVER here and you've got about six months of absolute brutality. And for SOME REASON England starts its daylight savings time two weeks earlier than the States. Sigh. Talk about depressing.
As for the election: I too don't think it's a lock, but I'm hopeful. Quite literally the WORLD is watching in anticipation. And it isn't just about hoping for a more peaceful America. If a black man becomes President of the U.S., the American dream will once again be alive and well in the eyes of the world. Keep in mind, outside of countries where blacks are the majority, no other country in the world has ever elected a black man President. If he wins, it will be hard not to fly my American flag in pride of what my country has finally accomplished.
I do realize that there's more to it than that. And it isn't enough that he's black. I hope that he is all that I think he is. If so, a new era will truly begin.
I was going to reply to this post last night but was tired and went to bed instead. Now, after reading Tim's post (so upbeat and genuinely hopeful), I'm not sure I want to reply the way I'd planned. You see, I couldn't give a damn who wins this election. I’m just giddy it will all be over, no matter the outcome, about 36 hours from now and we can all move on with our lives.
Though I’m a fan of “hope,” I’m sick and embarrassed that Americans genuinely believe either candidate has the power to affect as true and deeply meaningful a course change as the nation seems to demand. The presidency, though important (especially where foreign policy is concerned), has limited authority (regardless of the ridiculous amount of garbage for which U.S. citizens and foreign countries hold he/she responsible). I’ve listened to promise after promise and debate after debate thinking, “but you can’t even do that. The office alone doesn’t have that power. The most you could do is make a speech or a suggestion on the topic and veto anything that gets in the way of your agenda.” (And, don’t get me started on the candidates’ promises regarding Iraq.) Yes, I realize the influence the office wields, but the effectiveness of that influence depends largely on where surrounding legislators and judges stand politically or socially.
It seems to me the election of president is a combination of political promotion by two power hungry, financial/politic organizations and the popular election of a social poster child. What I mean is, the popular election reflects where the largest portion of the country already is, not where it is going. Though electing a black or female or old president may be an historic landmark, none of the major candidates represent a change of course. They merely represent which social/political bent is currently most popular among Americans. It’s a snapshot of what Americans feel for the moment. When the landscape of national and world players/events/economies/etc. shifts (and, inevitably it will), these individuals may no longer represent the majority (or at least the loudest) mindset and, the same constituency who elected them “national poster child,” will turn on them like they were a cast member of “Different Strokes.” That is, unless they constantly reinvent themselves to stay on top. Flopping in the wind like Madonna Ciccone. Now there’s a credible option. GLBT vote?
For a couple hundred years, the majority of Americans were proud of their country in the international community. Instead of embracing personal social incumbency or continuing to pay the mortgage on those bragging rights, a few decades ago, we started blaming the organization for our social irresponsibility and practical apathy. (I’m not saying we haven’t had some bad leadership—but, to be a leader, one must have followers.) The great American dream was redefined as [insert marginalized social group here] having a judge in pocket, a law on the books, and a face in the White House. But these things don’t change society except to either divide it more deeply or feed apathy.
My fear is that we no longer elect leaders in this country. We elect “American Idols.” We hope the one we like best will win, but we have no intention of buying their album. By the time it comes out, we’ve moved on. So, by all means, “viva la revolución!” [choke, cough]
James, you are so mean. Using profanity on my blog. Do it again.
Anyway, I don't believe I ever said I believed Obama could do whatever he wants to do. I am pragmatic about it, but it is true that our standing in the international community will rise if we elect someone other than a conservative old fart (and that matters to me).
And, maybe, just maybe, I would rather feel good about a president's intentions rather than worrying about his blunders. And it is sad that people believe lies, but they really don't have much else to pin any hopes on. I would rather be hopeful than ruefully cynical. I have to believe we can do better, that's all I am saying. And, as our illustrious chief executive once said: "Fool me once . . . well, the point is you're not gonna fool me again."
Rueful, yes. But cynical would imply distrust. I trust our system, its constituents, and the candidates to follow the emerging pattern, true to form. It is the form that makes me sad.
“It is sad that people believe lies, but they really don't have much else to pin any hopes on.”
The idea that people have little else “to pin any hopes” on IS the lie. I’m not saying I believe you to be overly idealistic here. I can’t. It seems I’m already sitting in that seat. But, this is not an autocracy even if by election. A top-down hope (be it the great white or great black) for MOST of the kinds of change people seek seems ridiculous to me. Be more personally responsible with your finances, carpool, make less selfish life choices, return resources to the community instead of just drawing from them… “It’s not that we don’t care, we just know that the fight ain’t fair. So, we keep on waiting, waiting on the world to change” – John Mayer
We used to believe America was the sum total of its smallest parts. Now, it seems, we believe America is the place where you should leave me alone to my own stuff until I want to be heard, and then you’d better listen and listen good. I’m sad our “hope” is that someone will fix it so that we don’t have to actually change our own lives in order to live in a country that represents our grandest ideals. My hope is that I can make a difference in my world, my family, my community, my sphere—not that I can elect someone to do it for me or to blame if it doesn’t happen. Collectively, that has proven to have much greater power than any office, anywhere can exercise on its own. Just sayin’, bro. [he he]
I agree with you on the pinning of hopes on an individual other than Jesus. And I think one thing that would be absolutely wonderful is if we would do all the things you suggest, especially in the church and stop whining about the president being the devil or whatever. It is my hope that if Obama does win, then the church may be able to get back to worrying about things that are truly, eternally important rather than trying to stop the emergence of the big black antiChrist. That's all I'm sayin', ya know what I'm sayin.' And I forgive you for calling me "bro." But that is only a one time forgiveness.
And another thing. Leaders can make a difference. If we have someone who can cause us to seek our better selves and the best intentions for our nation, our communities, and the world, then that is something to be hoped for. Maybe I am naive, but I so want to be hopeful.
Leaders DO make a difference. It would hypocritical and self defeating of me to believe otherwise. I'm just not sure they should be expected to make THE difference. Leaders should, in theory, direct, equip, and empower people to be the difference—in turn, to step up into their own point of personal leadership. I'm pretty sure that is one of the primary reasons you and I are in leadership positions. No?
For the record, democratically speaking, I have more hope in an Obama presidency with regard to his ability to execute the larger will of the people (good, bad, or otherwise). This is not to say I believe him to be the best, most capable, or preferable leader (by no means to be read as a backhanded endorsement for McCain). But, I also voted for W in his first run based on his track record as the measurably effective, less-partisan governor of my former (by two months) state. You can see how trustworthy my instincts on this particular issue have been in the past.
As for Christians in America under an Obama presidency—I understand your point. I think I’m just weary of trying to stomach religious moralists’ unrealistic view of America. I’m equally disheartened by the thought of abandoning hope we could be “one nation, under God.” Talk about idealism. I just believe that will take more than a national election. Whatever the outcome… here’s hoping!
Agreed. And, I unfortunately thought the exact same thing about W and look where it got me, not to mention all those OB-GYNs who can't practice their love with women all across the country. What will we do without his funny Bushisms? Obama is just not funny. Maybe that is good enough for now.
James,
I partly agree with what you’re saying. The President only has so much power. The Congress and Senate have to be willing to work together. However! Eight years ago I no longer believed that the President mattered at all except to appoint Supreme Court Justices. Oh my what eight years have done to change that opinion! The President may not have a LOT of power to change things for the good, but he’s CERTAINLY got enough power to change things for the bad!
Now for the record: I don’t believe that John McCain is the next George W. Bush. Don’t be ridiculous. In fact, eight years ago he was amazing and would have made an amazing President. In the last three years, however, he’s had to pose as the next George W. Bush to get the conservative vote. In doing so, he lost mine. The question for me is; if he becomes President, does he serve as the guy he’s posed as for the last three years, or as the guy he once was? If he goes back to The Maverick John McCain, I’d take him. That said, I’d still take Obama over either one of them. Why?
You’re right, Obama can’t do all that he says he wants to do. At least not on his own. And he may be going into office as naïve as Bill Clinton did, believing that he alone can change the world. But I don’t think so. In fact, he’s already further ahead than Clinton was. But what really gives me hope about the guy are the following, some of which are intangibles;
Wisdom. I’ve known a few guys like Obama over the course of my life. They always take forever to make a decision. But once they’ve made it, it’s always the right one. These guys both drive me crazy, and have my full admiration. Obama is clearly one of those guys who makes sure he understands a situation fully before he makes a decision on it. Kennedy had that.
Personal responsibility. Though Obama has been labeled as a socialist, he’s actually talked a lot about personal responsibility in this election, especially when it comes to energy. I’m hopefully that Obama is going to push legislation that requires Americans to take responsibility for their consumption. One of the things I’ve learned while living in Europe is that, if you require people to act responsibly concerning the environment, they may whine about it for a little while, but eventually they’ll get on living responsibly. Just ask the Germans and the Swiss. I was once in Switzerland, sitting in a parked car that was running. A police officer walked up to me, knocked on my window, and “reminded me” that I could be ticketed for sitting in a parked car that was running. When she figured out I was an American, she made a little remark about our need to help take care of the environment. And do you know how hard it was to turn off that car? Literally the flick of the wrist. But it took somebody telling me I had to to make it happen. America needs somebody with some guts to stand up and say, “No more waste!” I think Obama might just be that guy.
Internationally. The rest of the world is looking at America with hope right now. And I have to tell you, that feels good. And as somebody who believes in the American dream and that America can and should be a leader in the world, I’m hopeful about gaining back the respect of the international community. Our Canadian and British friends can say anything they want, but America still does government and country better than anybody else. I believe that we should be a beacon of hope for others and an example of how a government should treat its people. Now, I don’t mean to suggest that we’ve perfected anything, but I think we’re ahead of most and I’d like to see our standing in the world repaired. Obama would really have to screw up for that not to happen. The world absolutely adores the man.
These are just a few of the things I think he brings to the table. I think he will have a very tough road ahead of him. Bush has left an absolute mess for whoever the next President is. And the economy doubles the work. But hope is a valuable commodity right now, especially during a recession.
And I haven’t been hopeful about a President since Reagan.
Tim,
I live in California. Our governor once starred in Conan the Barbarian, Kindergarten Cop, and Twins. Our Senators are Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein—two of the most militant, somewhat renegade, extremists in Congress. The Golden Gate Bridge is San Francisco’s Statue of Liberty, welcoming safe harbor for the destruction of biblical family. Tom Cruise lives in the same neighborhood as one of our congregants. This is my state. Because of the Electoral College, essentially this means that the Democratic Candidate has been a lock since before he was chosen. It doesn’t matter how I feel about that. Even if I thought there was a better option (which, I’m not sure I do- at least no one that actually made the ticket), that part of this election is a done deal. In light of this, our big ticket item has been Prop 8 (the marriage definition amendment to the Cali State Constitution). Truthfully, this discussion has occluded all else. The posts in this thread represent the most discussion I’ve had with almost anyone about the presidential race since it began.
For the record…
1. I will vote today. Regardless of the flaws in our system, my vote counts to me. And, that’s more than enough.
2. I agree that inspiration may be the most significant power wielded by ANY leader at ANY level. May they use it responsibly.
3. I disagree (with qualification) that George W. was principally responsible during his tenure for leading the country down the crapper. He has NOT been a particularly good leader on MANY fronts, but there have been moments (though few) that I have been very proud to call him our president (and that’s saying a lot for me). He is one (significant) piece of a large and complex organization of government. He is complicit but not alone. And, because of the state of our nation, its mindset, its global and personal irresponsibility—his job has now become one of impossibilities. At least Clinton had a good sex scandal to distract us all from how little he was able to really accomplish. All poor W. had was 9-11. (this is where I would love to have that sarcasm button you wrote about)
4. International opinion regarding the U.S. is very important to me. I am glad to read from you that there is some sense of global hope in one of our candidates. But, frankly, regardless of what the world community thinks, this cannot simply be a season of ideals. Our country is in some serious trouble and will require leadership that encourages, enables, and (where possible) takes strong action. Much of what is required may not make whomever is elected very popular with individuals at home or abroad. Our family gardener just pruned back our shrubbery for winter. I hate it. The rose bushes, which had still been in bloom, are now nubs. The grounds look naked and ugly. It will look beautiful again in the spring, but in order for that to happen, things have to get ugly. Americans don’t embrace ugly. They turn on it. Neither candidate has been particularly realistic about this. That terrifies me.
By the way, weren't we around 9 or 10 when Reagan was elected? I'm impressed. I was more hopeful about The Empire Strikes Back than I was the election. I jest. Okay, not really.
Oh and as for...
"America needs somebody with some guts to stand up and say, “No more waste!”
I couldn't agree more. But, Christians in this country don't want (read elect) leaders who will require us to live responsibly. No, we seek to legislate "morality" (like that works), responsibility be damned. (Oh sh... er, I mean crap, I did the swearing thing again... sorry Brandon)
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