Well, the Olympics are coming to a close... It has been nice watching them at night. There is some kind of weird satisfaction in the consistency of it all. Whether it was something good like gymnastics or something completely random-- like trampoline?!-- it was fun to veg out and enjoy the spirit of it all. One thing that I do think is a little stange is all the controversy/appeals/ scandals that occur now on a regular basis. I just don't remember any of that growing up-- apart from the occasional Ben Johnson stuff. Is it our new "blame-anybody-else-but-take-responsibility-myself" culture that is the cause?
I am looking forward to the start of the Republican Convention, even though it will be an overly- produced production like the Democrats had, I'm sure. A few weeks back I ordered some Bush/Cheney 2004 car magnets. I got them this week and was so pumped about putting one on my car-- I even put one on our mailbox. Somewhere in the back of my mind though, I felt the tiniest bit worried that I shouldn't become so "political"-- maybe I will offend someone or send out the wrong message. Maybe another way to put it is-- How involved should a Christian really be in the political realm? My complete allegiance should be to Christ not to a particular party or even to my country... so, then I start to think-- maybe I should just vote, but not go overboard for one candidate or another. Then I think-- No, I want to vote for Bush because he is a Christian, too, and openly professes his belief that God is guiding him. He is always saying that he prays and I believe that he is sincere in his faith. Kerry claims to be a Christian, too-- but, I just can't get past the whole platform that the Democrats have stood on for so long when it includes abortion and gay rights, etc.
Some of our friends actually met President Bush here in Nashville several weeks back at a fundraising dinner. He and his wife are huge supporters and so thrilled to be at the event with him. They were able to speak to him for a few minutes. He told Mr. Bush that he was praying for him and his family was praying for him each day and remarked that it must be such a hard job being the President, under such scrutiny and attack. Mr. Bush just smiled, thanked them for their prayers, and said it isn't hard at all because of his faith and that he was hanging in there just fine. They left the event even more excited and convicted about George Bush remaining in the White House. (They actually have several Bush signs and stickers on their house/cars!!!)
I know that Republicans always take the "only-concerned-about-the-wealthy" hit... To me that is unfair--- I can relate more to the Republican mindset because they are for less government more individual responsibility. I hate the concept of "let the government take care of you" or "let the government fix it" mentality! I admit that there are probably some deserving people out there who simply cannot take care of themselves-- especially children-- but, I still believe this should be a job for churches and for us as individuals. It's just way too easy to create a ton of government bureaucracies that bog everything down in the name of trying to help the unfortunate.
Most of our close friends and family are Pro-Bush. So many times lately I have thought about how odd that is... Is that because we are drawn to establish close relationships with those who are most like us, or is it just a coincidence? Yes, I do know a few "liberals" and consider them friends. I have to admit though that it absolutely baffles me how differently we see the world. I simply can't imagine things from their perspective! It just doesn't make sense in any possible way-- which I am sure is exactly what they would say about the way I view things! How interesting that our country is pretty much split right down the middle, too. One side sees America in one light-- and one side sees a completely different image of our country. And-- like I said earlier-- does it really matter in the scheme of Christianity? No. Christ should be where we find our unity-- not in any political/social ideas or platforms.
Both parties have major flaws and imperfections-- If someone were to ask me why I am voting for Bush, I could intelligently discuss the war, the economy, jobs, environment, terrorism, etc. I have more time on my hands than most to do that kind of research and pondering, and I still side with Bush.... But, the bottom line for me is that he seems honest-- even in his bumblings-- and I firmly believe he is trying to let God lead him. I want to know that my President is on his knees each night asking for grace, mercy, wisdom, and strength. I don't think that makes me a right-wing nut job or some un-cool, out-of-touch intolerant fanatic.
Luke's nine month doctor's appointment is scheduled for November 4th-- two days post election. It is crazy to think that whoever is elected will help shape his future in some ways. When I think back to my childhood, it is Reagan who stands out so vividly. I will never forget being in the 4th grade the day he was shot. Mrs. Jones cried out in the hallway, and I knew something big had happened. I remember going home and seeing replay after replay of him going down on the street. For my parents it was Kennedy-- Who will it be for Luke?
So, I will leave my bumper sticker. Hopefully if someone takes the time to ask me why in the world I would vote for such an ignorant, redneck, cowboy I will have the opportunity to tell them about prayer and God-- regardless of whether W gets mentioned or not!
Saturday, August 28, 2004
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2 comments:
the only things against kerry that the republicans have is a PAST lack of military and anti-terrorism spending. well hate to break it to you republicans but bush did the same....RIGHT BEFORE 9/11!!! which was probably staged by him nways. but speeking from a strictly mainstream media printed viewpoint - he cut spending to anti-terrorism units and is, as we speak, cutting pay to our young people in combat over seas as well as reducing benefits to those who have given of themselves in previous wars. perhaps these budget cuts wouldnt be needed if bush hadnt called for massive tax cuts that benefited mostly the upper class (his campaign contributers). maybe these budget cuts wouldnt be necessary if he had not, on TOP of getting rid of our budget surplus through tax cuts, gone into another country unprovoked - a country who never threatened or hurt us by the way and started a war without having a plan as to how we were going to leave the country.
so you think kerry will cut spending? please!! he said that he would increase benefits for injured veterans and he is NOT weak on terrorism. he went into this war saying we are going into iraq to stop sadam hussein who is harboring al quida (whos leader osama bin laden by the way hated hussein) and to get his weapons of mass destruction (be they chemical or nuclear).
when did this focus change from terrorist hunting and weapons destruction to freeing the iraqi people? ill tell you when!! when his lie was found out and the ignorant and unthinking american people began thinking well wait a min. here. the saudis give waaaaaaay more money to terrorist and iraq has the second largest oil reserves in the world....bush + presidency = opportunity to take iraqi oil? i think soooooooooo. so here we have a lying, betraying bush regarding war and defense spending. THEN he starts on our civil liberties. we have our lovely proposed constitutional ammendment banning gay marriage as well as the patriot act and department of homeland security. we have our lax environtmental restrictions for big bus. factories (once again for bush leading contributers who make up a VERY small percentage of our countries population). we have our corporate accounting and executive frauds. lovely as well seeing as how the man who gave the most to his 2000 campaign got the money from us, the american people, when he FUCKING STOLE IT FROM ENRON INVESTRORS!!! not like bush would care neway since when you go back and look at all of his lovely harken scandals and previous bus. fraud he would appear as guilty as the rest of them.
but wait! does it stop there? i think not!
now we have halliburtan (sp?) - the company of our dearest vice pres cheney which just so haaaappened to recieve over 1.66 outa 1.99 billion dollars of ALL the american and iraqi contracts in iraq.
the american gov is just one big cash cow to the bush family and its friends and while some ....hmm...many ill informed republicans may blindly believe that our president is right in saying that kerry cant handle national security in a way that ensures the safety of the american people - id honestly rather have a pres that does nothing but maintain the american way of life rather than improve it (as kerry is accused of doing) than a pres. who blatantly rips us off, lies to us and gets us deeper and deeper into trouble with the international community.
as for education? Millions of 8-year-olds are given lists of words and phrases. they are then graded. then the children scoring lowly have the option of being sent to another school where they can do better? riiiiiiight. it never happens. the money that was supposed to go towards this plan went to end the inheritance tax giving rich peoples kids a few more million in money when they die essentially making it the no child whos parents make at least 7 digits a year are left behind act. then what happens? the kids who are tested as not being well enough educated are locked in. there are no "optional schools" for them to attend unlike bush who attended Philips Andover Academy where even with the help of some of the countries finest teachers he, upon graduation, managed only to score a 25 outa 100 on the air national guards test. yes ladies and gents - almost to stupid to be allowed to operate on or in an airplane.
hes not even the one who truly makes the decisions. i dont know if you are all aware of this or not but bush has never EVER been on television or to an interview where his responses and have not been scripted by his staff before hand and even THEN he fucks up.
hes a joke. neone willing to do their home work would see that. i dont especially agree with all that kerry says but compared to bush - nething is better
how dare you post such horrible language on a Christian woman's family site... regardless of who she is voting for. You should be ashamed of yourself and I pray for YOU.
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