This week in politics…
- I like what Dean Barkley had to say in last night’s senatorial debate, but I am not swayed from Norm Coleman. Al Franken needs to stick with comedy.
- I am proud that John McCain told Lakeville supporters who shouted upbelievable words of hatred to just shut up. And he did so in a very diplomatic way.
- I can’t believe that any Minnesotan would should out words like “terrorist” or “off with his head” regarding Senator Obama…or anyone. What in the world are you people thinking?
- For Christian bloggers who have decided that the choice between Obama and McCain is spiritual in nature, an ultimate fight between good and evil….GET A LIFE! And if you are Lutheran, GET A LUTHERAN LIFE! God will remain in control no matter who wins. Who are you to judge whether Barack Obama is truly a Christian? God is quite capable of that; in fact, I guarantee you that God is actively and aggressively seeking to strengthen the faith of John McCain and Barack Obama. Why have you lost hope in that scriptural fact? As Christians, we are not called to spread hateful speech. We are called to love one another and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Update: The StarTribune reports this disturbing exchange:
Late in the town hall meeting, Gayle Quinnell of Shakopee called Obama “an Arab.” Taken aback, McCain shook his head and, taking the microphone from her, said, “No, ma’am. He’s a decent family man, citizen that I just happen to have disagreements with on fundamental issues.”
After the rally, Quinnell was unrepentant. “You can’t trust Barack Hussein Obama because he is a Muslim and a terrorist,” she said.
Obama is a Christian.
McCain repeatedly tried to dial down his supporters’ antipathy toward Obama. “I will fight, but we will be respectful,” he said. “I admire Senator Obama” — as the crowd booed loudly — “I want everyone to be respectful. … I don’t mean you have to reduce your ferocity, just be respectful.”
Rally attendee and reasoned blogger, Chad the Elder of Fraters Libertas, reports that he did not witness overwhelming hostility. He writes:
Unlike some observers, I didn’t sense that there was a great deal of rage or hostility among the attendees. Rather, I was struck by how happy most appeared. Despite the gloomy news of late, people were laughing and smiling. They seemed to be genuinely happy to be there and they were looking forward to hearing from the man they hoped would be president. I think that deep in their hearts, most know that the deck is stacked against him and his chances are slim, but they were there anyway to stand beside him and offer their support and encouragement…
…I was also moved by seeing and hearing McCain up close and in person (three rows back) talk about his feelings for the country. You may not agree with everything that McCain supports (God knows I don’t), but when you hear him talk about his love for America and his ideal of serving something greater than yourself, it’s hard not feel a chill in your spine (as opposed to a thrill up your leg). His feelings are so obviously authentic and heart felt that you recognize that you’re in the presence of good and honorable man. A man who frankly deserves better than the fate which now seems to await him.
So, I am encouraged that the Lakeville rally wasn’t as bad as I was led to believe. Still, even one person making ridiculous and inflammatory statements (use of the term “Arab” in that situation and used toward Obama is undeniably meant as a ridiculously inflammatory insult) is one person too many.
Good post. Hope that you will be able to hear Pastor E’s sermon this weekend. It was another good one. If you were out of town, ask him to provide you with a copy and tell him that Norman sent you.
I will be hearing it Monday night!