pretty amazing this guy is. thot some fun was needed…blessings!
Archive - November, 2008
the morning after
there is a lot to be said and my mind is still groggy. first, yesterday proved once again the greatness of our country. the process worked.
i found this map telling…as you see how the vote for “change” were grounded mostly in the state’s urban centers and the rust belt. there is a distinct disconnect and there is much work to be done. we need a political revival of sorts…one that will re-establish the limits of government and the responsibility we each have as earthly citizens.
i found it interesting the contrast of civility this morning as i watched clips from last night when president-elect obama gave acknowledgment to senator mccain’s hard fought efforts. the crowd though a bit muffled were affirming. when senator mccain mentioned his making the concession call, there was boos and groans. it may seem small but i think there’s something there. it reflects a deeper yearning if you will. a longing for the political process to bring about a good and better life. which is why we talk about good government. but there is a limitation. we sometimes expect too much from that process. and i would suggest is one reason, why obama accomplished what he did. it is a new day. and the harder and more complicated task will be to govern.
one of my mentor’s mark driscoll has an excellent post here (ht – tony steward) and mark nails it. here’s a clip…
People are longing for Jesus, and tragically left voting for mere presidential candidates. For those whose candidate wins today there will be some months of groundless euphoric faith in that candidate and the atoning salvation that their kingdom will bring. But, in time, their supporters will see that no matter who wins the presidency, they are mere mortals prone to sin, folly, and self-interest just like all the other sons of Adam and daughters of Eve.
one of my students texted me late last night…
if Christians had their priorities straight we would be a lot better off.
i hear their heart and it is a true statement…and it is a complicated solution. what keeps us from living out our faith in the public arena is our brokenness and our sinfulness and we have much to push through.
as we awake this morning, there is change. the good thing is there will be an orderly and safe transition. that is the american tradition. but the mandate is not large. the election map shows. we need to look beyond the limits of our political process and focus on the spiritual vacuum that desperately needs those who follow the way of the Cross to offer an answer.
as we wrestle with the implications of political change it seems these words from another illinois resident may offer our charge.
With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle and for his widow and his orphan, to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.
President Abraham Lincoln – Second Inaugural Address
the final hours…
finally this process is almost over…at least the electioneering thing. i am concerned that in several states we’ll see some elections contested in the margins which could force some unpleasantness for sure.
EARLY this morning our emmah and i rolled out of our warm beds and headed to the north coast to take in the last stop in ohio by the gop team…gov. palin. we got to the park with out much effort and i was suprised that i passed without having to be wanded or hand search. some have said that i’m infatuated by gov. palin. i don’t think that’s the case. but i am impressed with her style and her political voice. i’ve been looking for someone for awhile that could rally those reaganesque sort of ideals…limited government, personal responsiblity and public defense. gov. palin seems to have connected with a certain part of the heartland. as we stood there during the premlinary program…a bunch of local gop candidates i was very unimpressed. and perhaps that may explain palin popularity and the reality that though the polls have tighten…i’m not sure mccain will win. the loss is more about the failure of the republicans to champion their principles than anything else.
i’m not surprised.
prior to stepping into vocational ministry i was emeshed in the political machine. for what i thought was the right reason. politics is an interesting thing. its a messy thing too. i’ve watch many who stepped off to impact the system and get swallowed by it. that’s why i like sarah palin. there’s something fresh in her voice that offers a new perspective.
as i watched her today…i was even more impressed. she’s bright and articulate. she understands the limits of government. this current process has placed her in a new role. in just a few short hours we’ll see how the role will play itself out.
finally as we were headed back to the car we passed this van.
it seemed to offer a interesting contrast. where this van was parked was right accross from the rally. someone took the opportunity to provide another opinion. fun stuff.
check this out
