Political Thoughts - Update

I have found the comments on my foray in politics on this blog more interesting than the post! What is surprising me is that everyone is assuming that I am a Republican. This is understandable if you look at Bill and my professions I suppose, but it means that we are all painting each other with a broad brush and we need to get below the surface and get to know each other in a deeper way. That is why I have quickly become a convert to "blogging and posting!" Bottom line - I started in life as a Republican since that was what was preached to me at home. I went through the wild '60s at UW-Madison and UC-Berkeley and started rethinking my politics (quietly and privately at that point.) Over the years, I have seen myself as an Independent with Republican leanings - even though many things in the Republican party bothered me. I have tried to be sensitive and compassionate to the issues of poverty and injustice in particular and would swing between neither party having any answers and the voting for the least of two evils in elections. I am now very troubled again by both political parties for the following reasons:

Republicans - I don't agree with their views on gun control. I am very uncomfortable with guns in general and want more controls, not less. I don't like the stance that the government should not take care of those who are disadvantaged - don't agree that anyone who wants to, can pull themselves up in the US by hard work. I do agree with the abortion position as I believe that life begins at conception and know that many girls and women have been traumatised by abortion. I have trusted that Republican economic policies help our country, now I am not sure. I really do not agree with the war in Iraq. I was troubled from Day 1 - that we invaded another country. Now I don't know what the best solution is. I think it will take a long time for our world image to rebound.

Democrats - I still don't completely trust on their spending and taxing - but I know that their motives are good - trying to help those that the Church and families should be taking care of. I don't agree with their position on abortion - but do agree with many other social positions such as gun control and equal rights.

The reason that I am considering voting for Obama (if I vote) is that I think it would be an incredible statement for our country to have an African American as President both for race relations in the US and for our reputation outside the US. Whether or not he can make much difference as President is not as much a concern for me this time.

I am sorry to be so negative, but this election has me troubled and I don't see it getting any better. Please indulge me with my own opinions and I would love to here yours. I like Amy's statement that at best politicians are just people with ideas. Don't know why I expect any more - just another reason to focus on Christ and not man.

Political thoughts

I have been rereading Randy Alcorn's books Deadline, Dominion and Deception (wonderful books and highly recommended.) In light of my considering voting for Obama because I like him and I think it is high time that we have an African-American president - I found this in Dominion. I would like any of my 2 or 3 readers to comment on this - it seems right on to me - but as Greg and Christian were talking on Christian's blog recently - we come at things from a white, sububan life but are trying to be Christ-followers. To do that first we need to understand. So read, think and give me your thoughts. To set the context, a conservative black reporter is talking to a black pastor (who then responds.) It also may be relevant that this book was written in1996 (but has anything really changed?):

"Here's one my wife and I have talked about a lot. Politics. White evangelicals tend to be Republican because they're concerned about biblical and family values and morality, and they're pro-life. Black evangelicals are heavily Democratic, maybe because in recent decades Democrats have been more sensitive to issues of social justice, racial equality, and concern for the poor. Now I happen to be concerned about all these issues, but I think that Democratic policies and programs have hurt the black community. I think it's safe to say that at your church, the members are mostly Democrats, right? I admit, that bothers me, especially on the abortion issue. I care a lot about those suffering children."

"In my experience" Pastor Clancy said, "Republicans tend to be more wise and less caring, and Democrats tend to be more caring but less wise. But both parties fall way short. You mentioned abortion. I know white evangelicals who can't understand why so many of their black brethren seem unconcerned about abortion. Likewise, black evangelicals can't understand why so many whites are unconcerned about poverty, drugs, crime, racism, and ther deterioration of urban America. And why they seem to be doing so little to improve education, employment, housing, medical care, you name it. .... To black Christians, yes, abortion should be on our list of concerns. But it has to take a number, considering everything else we've got to deal with. White churches are concerned about abortion and homosexuals and feminism. We're concerned about gangs, and drugs and AIDS and homelessness and jobs."