Pardon My Politics

John McCain's selection of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his Vice Presidential running mate was exactly what he needed to do to make himself competitive against Barack Obama in the November elections. (For the record, I predicted three weeks ago that Palin would be his choice.) As a result (and right on cue), conservatives throughout the country - especially Christian conservatives - are now fully supporting McCain's candidacy for President. Even James "I-will-never-vote-for-John-McCain" Dobson has endorsed McCain.

Over the past few weeks, Senator Barack Obama has promised the American people (more so the impoverished communities) "economic justice." Wow, sounds great doesn't it? Unfortunately, his version of economic justice means collectivism to the extreme degree. Senator Obama's plan, which has stemmed from his socialist icons, is to punish individuals who are financially successful by redistributing their wealth in the form of government "freebies." Of course, most normal, thinking Americans realize that nothing in life is free.

From the stinging replies of Americas "culture warrior," Bill O'Reilly, to the sardonic humor of Glenn Beck and all in between there is a lot to be desired. It may be naiveté as in President Bush's remark about Islam being a "peaceful religion" or it may just be that after all they are only political commentators and not avowed conservative theologians. In either case, some who are only slightly above novice theologians have to cringe from time to time at what they have to say. In O'Reilly's Culture Warrior he notes that he must leave all judgment about sin to the deity. (pg. 179) No problem with that but then he indicates that he sees no problem with gay couples raising children. As with all others he offers a chance for the Catholic Church to explain their reasons for the negative positions they hold about children in such unions. It still might be easier to get the Pope to come on the "Factor" than Barack Obama but I doubt he is going to accept the offer if one is made.

Barack Obama is right. America needs change. Change we can believe in. Once upon a time, America was a great and kind nation, the modern day Promised Land, whose streets were paved with gold and whose coins were made of precious metals. Today, America's streets are paved with tar and its coins are made of tin. Once upon a time in America, pocket change was made of gold and silver. No more. Gone are the days when American pocket change was really worth something

In this day and age of exit polls and data analysis it seems only fair to point out an ongoing struggle the Obama campaign has yet to overcome; so many Americans are leery of his inexperience as a United States Senator. Many will recall not too long ago, Senator Obama was merely a state representative in Illinois. He was propelled to his current office after serving many years in his home state. Like most freshman senators, Obama quickly began learning the ups and downs of national politics. He began shaking hands with prominent political leaders while memorizing the names of top lobbyists. Of course, anyone who keeps up with national level politics realizes if an individual serves in Washington for more than a week he or she will be introduced to lobbyist sharks really soon. After all it's all part of the game.