Yeah. We know why he is smiling so big.
John McCain – decorated war hero, veteran civil servant, Republican presumptive candidate and a man with an eye for the ladies.
First, we meet Cindy… now, he introduces us to Sarah.
What’s next, dude? Halle Berry and Angela Bassett to join your advisory council? Kate Beckinsale to head a foreign relations task force? Aishwayra Rai to sponsor a Middle East USO tour for the soldiers? What a dream job this septuagenarian is making.
Anywhoo… evidently since he introduced the rest of the country to “Sarah Palin, Medicine Woman,” Christian circles have been moving around the news so much we should just call them hula hoops now. At least that’s the word according to this story on CBN News.
“It’s an absolutely brilliant choice,” said Mathew Staver, dean of Liberty University School of Law. “This will absolutely energize McCain’s campaign and energize conservatives.” Staver called Palin a “a woman of faith who has a strong position on life, a consistent opinion on judges.. She’s the complete package.”
Just in time for Christmas, here’s HiScrivener’s question about said package, “Does any of it matter?” The ballyhoo about her faith, the hype over the pick, the dirty old man tracking the McCain campaign with binoculars. Does it matter?
Other than Dan Quayle, can you think of a Veep candidate that made you change your mind about your vote for President? Not so much.
She is a bold woman of faith, and for that, I’m thankful. We need some reality with God in the White House. McCain tapdances around his faith. Biden isn’t that serious about his (a die-hard Catholic with no gumption about abortion?!). And Obama… well, what hasn’t been said about his. However, how close will her ability to pray and intercede for this nation get to making real decisions about energy, the economy or the War?
There will be so much more said, heard and thought about Sarah Palin that the nation will discover, the McCain campaign will divulge, the media will dissect and the Church should pray for deliverance. That said, let us not forget WHY WE VOTE, Wall Watchers.
When you march to the polls in November, don’t do it because McCain picked a woman Veep or Obama didn’t. That would be asinine. The reason the body of Christ chooses a president is what ticket will make faith-based issues paramount – caring for the poor, the unborn, the impoverished and unheard. We all have voices and in November, you get to shout out loud. Just make sure you are backing up those cat calls with scriptures when you do. Your vote could matter more to the Church than you think.
The Writing on the Wall 
Thank you, hiscrivener.
I think that people hide behind the “politics and religion don’t mix” because it’s convenient not to be accountable. I would rather err to be on the side of someone who has their Christian priorities in a row than those who “separate” any faith they do have (and I do question the level of faith one has when it doesn’t affect any judgments). Maybe it’s a WWJD moment, but where would Jesus be in all of this?
As for the bad mother comment…How can Obama be a good father to his girls and run the country? We all know that being President is a full-time job, so he will be an absent father, no? He’s putting his life in danger running the risk of leaving them fatherless. This will scar his girls for life. How insensitive can he be to their needs?
Of course, this is for illustrative purposes only because we all know that a MAN can balance all of that and of course, he has a WOMAN to take care of all that. How disingenious, J. You are drinking the Kool-Aid thrown out there by Obama/Biden and the minions of the Democratic spin machine. You trust lawyers rather than real-life citizens to understand the issues? And, Biden? Really? A man of the people?
As one of those women who have worked to help support her family for over 25 years, I take exception to such drivel. I have a great marriage, my son is an honor student expected to get a scholarship to college, he’s an accomplished soccer player and I am nationally respected as an expert in my profession. I’ve had to work twice as hard as any other man in my same position to receive a fraction of the pay and recognition and yes, I think that John McCain and Sarah Palin better understand that than Barack Obama and Joe Biden.
McCain has shown that he can cross the aisle where Obama steadfastly clings to left of left with NO intention of crossing over. He assails McCain for attacking him then feigns ignornance of any such attacks by his campaign on Palin. Duplicit and transparent. And, now, he’s going to “use” Bill and Hill to do all of his dirty work.
However, as they are ALL politicians that breed an inherent distrust, I have compared the issues….that’s right, ISSUES. The ones that impact me most are TAXES (since 62% of what I make goes to them…you know, out of the paycheck I’m earning instead of properly raising my child) and Ecomonics and I’m much more aligned with McCain/Palin on those issues. This is a great site to find out just where you are and who is most aligned to your views…
http://glassbooth.org/
Take the quiz…you might just be surprised.
J,
Thanks for the post on the Wall, and you bring up some interesting points of view:
1. Politics and religion do not mix, true. There is too much… well, politics in both for that not to result in Hiroshima. However, faith and politics MUST mix for people of faith. It’s how we live, “not by works but by FAITH.” We use the spirit of God as our compass, and that should include to the right polling booth.
2. What in the world makes you think she is bastardizing her son for the Veep job. Do you know how many assistants the V.P. has to do… well, not much? MANY. When it’s time to nurse, watch and protect, I’m sure they have that all worked out. Quit believing the propaganda. If you’re a parent, then you understand. Well, a good parent that is.
3. It does seem them that she vaporized out of nowhere, but something has to be said for her about-face to become Mayor and then Governor. Besides, if McCain would have never called upon her, she wouldn’t be broadcasting sports, she would leading the state of Alaska.
4. I have a dual citizenship, so fellow Canuck, peace!
I wonder how many christians out there don’t believe in Sarah Palin? I am one of them. Politics and religion do not mix. No one can “use” their faith as a tool to gain votes. No one should “use” their children’s circumstances for a sympathy vote. No christian mother would leave her infant special needs son to campaign and take on the #2 job. How can the evangelical voters be so deceived by this shallow image?
Sarah Palin is an ambitious woman, who had no intention to work for the “people” when she graduated. Journalism, sportscaster, beauty queen, opportunist to get to the highest office without a clue. Obama/Biden: work for the people, laid the groundwork for those who couldn’t help themselves, studied in law, campaigned for 18 months, got to see the “real” America…….they are the ones that plowed the fallow ground, as even Hillary did. Now, this precocious Palin wants to just walk in and reap the “harvest” without breaking a nail? I am a pro-lifer, and the issues from both parties create a dilemna for me, (not a voter, am canadian), but integrity, experience, servitude, is quality I look for in a leader. Sarah Palin is a sorry pick.
There is no question about it, the United States is the greatest country in the world in which to live and we’re all blessed to be a part of it. For anyone that doesn’t feel that way, I think the door out is a lot easier than the door in. But I think most would agree with that. Are we perfect? Far from it but we are free, we are governed by the people, and thankfully, most of the people are good. Will we ever get the country back to the “Christ-centered” fundamentals of old? Doesn’t look promising right now. What do you think?
At any rate, being Christian is an individual thing; it’s about your personal relationship with God–nobody can take that away! Granted, it would be nice to have our nation on board.
Thanks for weighing in music maven! (No condemnation here, I was raised Catholic. Just keep your relationship with Christ paramount.)
Interesting exchange here. I’m Catholic so I’m sure there are many things that can be lobbed at me regarding contradictions in the Church, i.e., sexual abuse. While I have been disappointed in the ministers of our faith, I have not abandoned my faith, but rather, I have looked closer at the fundamentals of it. I think the same is true of our government. If you go back to the fundamentals outlined over 200 years ago, the main premise was:
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
It plainly talks about our Creator in this magnificent document, yet we cannot even reference Him today in our schools. It’s convenient to “separate” church and state so that the basic tenets of religon do not have to be followed. And yes, just like God gave us the Commandments, he gave us the Bible. Not as a guide, not as entertainment, but as His word. Good enough for me.
I’m not perfect and as Brian so eloquently said, we are all sinners…with most of us just trying to find redemption. I just wish that people would go back to the fundamentals of the 10 Commandments. One that is particularly taken lightly in these elections is “Thou shall not bear false witness”. In God’s eyes, breaking this commandment is equivalent to murder, stealing, or adultry. Yet, people — through inneuendo and out of context facts — throw falsehoods around like it’s substaniated fact.
Also, there is WAY too much generalization concerning liberals and conservatives. My belief is that 10% are hard-core ultra conservatives and 10% hard-core ultra-liberals and most of America lives somewhere in the middle 80%. Problem is, the 20% on the outer edges of the Bell Curve have the loudest (and most often, shrillest) voices.
Regarding opportunity and prosperity in America…This country has more “help” programs and opportunity than any other country IN THE WORLD. If you really want to make it, this is the place you can do it. Just look at Obama. Look at Palin. If we begin Socialism, you eliminate competition and invite complacency. Just name one government regulated industry or government department, for that matter, that’s the model of success and efficiency…
Agree–once again, thanks hiscrivener. CL, good debating with you and good luck, especially with that New Age psychobabble.
CL, come on. ‘Fess up. You are allowing your politics to override your obvious acuity. You seem intelligent, and I know you are passionate. So please don’t ruin this fun by becoming a blind partisan straight-ticket voter.
TRILLIONS? It’s a federal deficit. Yes, much of that has been spent on DEFENSE (not war, they have to build those things you know). But consider national disasters, bailing out corporate douchebaggery, foreign and domestic trade, the countless amount of dollars on “research” to whatever, and so on.
There are literally trillions of reasons we have that kind of a deficit. I am the first person to say Bush was so war-happy after 9-11 that domestic policy lagged like the tortoise away from the hare. And I voted for him… once.
BTW, I am certain Brian – and a slew of other Christians – have heard in all that spiritual ballyhoo you referred. After all, they have heard of Oprah. 🙂
However, if one is a “Bible believing child of God who believes Jesus Christ died for our sins and is alive today,” then all of the aforementioned is moot. Why? Because they (Chopra, Oprah, New age hype, et cetera) don’t believe in that stuff. That is what Brian was saying with vigor, I thought.
Expounding upon God’s message? People do that daily with skill and effectiveness. But interpreting it with a sense of inclusion? That’s a completely different conversation, and one that leads to a road less traveled by the body of Christ.
“That said, Jesus would care about universal health care; however, if were up to him – we wouldn’t have to go bankrupt to do it. Our federal deficit is in the TRILLIONS, with a “T” yet Obama is talking single mothers on welfare will get health care. It’s altruistic, but improbable.”
Well, I agree, we shouldn’t go bankrupt doing it.
It just seems the right wingers won’t even give it a chance.
Yes, TRILLIONS spent, on what? Pre-emptive war.
You have to admit Bush has his values backwards.
McCain seems to support the pro-war stance which of course prevents
any kind of domestic programs, especially health care.
“First off, your referring to the political definition of conservatism while I’m referring to the conservatism as a Christian principle, meaning with caution or moderation.”
Well, that IS an important distinction. Still, it doesn’t add much to the conversation, as FAR too many Christians believe God is dead. Why else would you hear phrases like “from the bible and ONLY the bible . . .” as if God no longer speaks to man.
Have you ever heard of A Course in Miracles? Conversations with God? The Urantia Book?
Deepak Chopra? Destiny of Souls? A New Earth?
No, I didn’t think so. So how can you claim to be up to speed on the word of God?
I believe God continues to reveal himself to us with inspired (in the true sense of the term) works that far exceed the thoughts recorded over 2000 years ago. Yet, “conservative” Christians will not even take a look at how His message is being expounded upon.
Liberal,
First off, your referring to the political definition of conservatism while I’m referring to the conservatism as a Christian principle, meaning with caution or moderation.
Nuclear bunker-buster bombs and pre-emptive war are needed to protect your smiley face initiatives and your ability to speak and believe freely about them. Health care and prosperity are not rights but privileges; there are no free lunches. It’s far better to steward our resources to “teach people to fish instead of give them the fish.” Massive corporate profits are not at the expense of the poor but in spite of the poor; it’s called capitalism. The alternative is socialism (albeit poor, socialists societies have universal health care and universal poverty and the government has massive profits at the expense of everyone else). How is hunting being a poor steward of the planet? In some respects, it’s quite the opposite.
Besides, I’m flawed, we’re all flawed, politics is flawed, America is flawed–we’re just a flawed people trying to do the best we can. Thank God for his amazing grace!
CL & Brian,
Keep it flowing. Good stuff. I think more like-minded faith folk should debate intelligently without the ubiquitous name calling and B.S. typically seen when discussing faith and politics. CL, I believe Brian has seen this post, but I’m not sure if you have: “Republican doesn’t mean Christian Voter”
That said, Jesus would care about universal health care; however, if were up to him – we wouldn’t have to go bankrupt to do it. Our federal deficit is in the TRILLIONS, with a “T” yet Obama is talking single mothers on welfare will get health care. It’s altruistic, but improbable. You ever been to Canada? A true socialistic society that provides health care to everyone, but makes folk pay for it in taxes and a cost of living that you would not believe.
So, while I agree with each one of your emoticons, how many liberal schools of thought could you list?
> Abortion? Funny how in law suits, they are called unborn CHILDREN; yet when it comes to abortion, they are simple zygotes. 🙂
> Stewardship? It goes both ways you know. While most republicans should advocate slicing the pie much thinner and more often, democrats should consider where it’s going as well. After all, there’s a small sum of Dems that make oh, $20 MILLION PER MOVIE! :p
> Peace? We could round and round here, but you see those protests in St. Paul? That’s not the Young Republicans doing all that heinous vandalism. 😦
> Forgiveness? This is an act of kindness that you rarely see in Congress, and that’s a shame – on both sides of the aisle. Give up the “eight more years” mess and the “cowtowing to the poor” B.S. If Reps and Dems could figure out this one, what a wonderful this would be. 🙂
I would think conservatism, the tendency to keep things as they were, would be more in danger of suffering should Christ come back to earth today.
I don’t believe He would advocate a “let’s keep things the same” approach!
If anything the system would be shaken up.
Yes, I believe He would smile on universal health care – isn’t that the idea conveyed in the parable of the Good Samaritan?
Just look at the right wing agenda an tell me which you believe he would smile on,
and which he would give a lecture on His teachings:
Nuclear bunker-buster bombs: 😦
Universal health care: 🙂
Torture and rendition: 😦
War on poverty 🙂
Pre-emptive war: 😦
Stewardship of the planet: 🙂
Massive corporate profits at the expense of the poor: 😦
Renewed peace negotiations: 🙂
Well said hiscrivener. As Christians we are called to live narrowly but love broadly. That’s a lot easier said than done and obvious from our correspondence here, there are different interpretations of that. However, from my view point, christianliberal, your interpretations are a little loose. I see why you call yourself christianLIBERAL–aren’t the two terms oxymorons?
I’m just a sinner saved by grace trying to ensure that the best sinner saved by grace of the choices gets in to office. May the best candidate win!
VERY pleased, Hiscrivener, that you responded to an admittedly harsh rebuke with kindness and reason. I will try to address some of your questions.
1. Yes, hunting for food has long been a tradition for humankind, and
I see no crime in that practice. It’s just that hunting for sport reminds me of the staged hunts that Cheney likes to participate in, where the quail have clipped wings, are herded into restricted pens, and “hunters” usually high on liquor get to blast them to smithereens with high powered shotguns. That practice in my mind is an abuse.
2. You are correct in pointing out that sexual desire is not the same as the nurturing and caring that Christ meant when He referred to loving someone. Still, the spirit that makes a relationship sacred is the genuine caring and lovingkindness one person show another, and I do believe that is generally a part of most homosexual relationships. To hate someone, or a group, for desires that originate in a God-created brain is to condemn His creations. Sometimes it takes having a family member in that position before you can honor that truth. To see you child with scars on her arms where she cut herself, not wanting to be gay, then realizing she can find fulfillment in another person who would heal those wounds, well, something like that might change an attitude about being born gay.
“CL”, if I may?
Thanks for the post on the Wall. You bring up some interesting claims. I would love to know where you found them, because I will write my own on it. But a couple of things:
1. “Hunting”, although seemingly violent and anti-sportsmanlike, is very different than poaching. Those are the evil fools who slaughter for fun. Some, believe it or not, do it for food. Then there are the guys who just like to stuff things. However, just because someone has a membership to the NRA doesn’t automatically imply he or she likes to “shoot things”. Those “things” could just be a gun at a target, like my father who is an awarded Vietnam veteran and can’t stand hunting.
2. Jesus did indeed command believers to “love” one another, but that word “love” doesn’t mean “thou shalt boink”. It means to care for and nurture. There are four kinds of love, and that one is definitely not “eros”; it is “storge”, as in familial.
3. The “commandment” is technically “thou shalt not MURDER”. As in people. And despite what PETA says, you can’t murder an animal. Something tells me she doesn’t advocate that murdering people… oh yeah, you brought up the pro-life thingy, right?
4. God’s creation – humans – has dominion over the earth and has likewise done a poor, apathetic job of caring for this planet. HALF of that care includes the research and ingenuity to find alternative resources for energy. Not that I know for a fact, but politicians and conservatives aren’t the only people in this world who have the resources in scientific arenas. I’m sure some of those call themselves “Christian Liberals” and yet, we still have zilch to show for their efforts. In conclusion, we are all guilty somehow for the condition of this planet.
CL, if you have sources – outside of MSNBC – please shoot them to me and I’ll opine with the quickness, in a godly fashion no less. Peace.
Sarah Palin is a pro-NRA gun fanatic who likes to kill things with guns, and call it a “sport.” (Well, with any luck, she has a better aim than Dick Cheney.)
She is vehemently anti-gay.
She denies global warming.
(Well, maybe that makes sense in Alaska.)
My question: How can she call herself Christian?
I thought Christian meant that you follow the teachings of Christ. No?!
Killing things for “sport” when the commandment is Thou Shalt Not Kill
Hating two people because they love each other when the commandment is
to love one another!
Putting corporate profits above protecting the planet when the commandment
is that we be stewards of the earth
Being pro-war, when the commandment is to
hammer your swords into plowshares
Look, if you’re a biased, intolerant war-dog who likes to shoot things,
FINE, but don’t go around telling people that Jesus is your hero.
“The reason the body of Christ chooses a president is what ticket will make faith-based issues paramount.” I disagree–that makes my decision no different than a special interest group. I vote based on how closely the candidate’s values line up with my Christian values. To vote based on their stance on specific issues is superficial; I feel more secure about picking someone based on the content of his character, knowing that the best decision will be made given the circumstances. In the absence of an ideal candidate, I will pick the lesser of two evils. Questionable allegiance to his country and his proclaimed Christian faith–this one is easy.