You say, “So, will we find this in Obama? I don’t know. I hope so. But that’s what I voted for; that’s what I’m hoping for.”

You bought a pig in a poke. That’s not rational. It’s emotional. Am I arrogant for pointing that out?

This morning I was listening to NPR. A reporter said that as Obama selects his cabinet we will “begin to know who he is.” Here is a guy, a journalist, who is paid to find out who Obama is and tell us. But after two years he still doesn’t know. Neither do you. But you like the way he talks. That’s what you said.

I didn’t see the miniature poster, but it does seem arrogant itself. I mean, “If you want to help me, forget it. I don’t need or want your help.” Really?

But, yes, I do think my liberation “is bound up with yours.” (If I understand what that means.) So, let’s work together.

Here is a story we can work on. I pulled it off the ‘net. What do you think?

“The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade. The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.

To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.

The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia’s mother. The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium. Her speech was concise. She said, “If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” She sat down. The class went wild. “Yes! Yes! We want ice cream.”

She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn’t sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn’t know. The class really didn’t care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide.

Every time Barack Obama opens his mouth he offers ice cream, and fifty percent of America reacts like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other fifty percent know they’re going to have to feed the cow.”

“So, will we find this in Obama? I don’t know. I hope so. But that’s what I voted for; that’s what I’m hoping for.”

You bought a pig (sorry Mrs. Palin) in a poke. That’s not a rational act, but an emotional one. Am I arrogant for pointing that out?

This morning I was listening to NPR and a reporter stated that as Obama selects his cabinet we will “BEGIN to learn who he is.” So here’s a guy, a journalist, who is paid to find out who Obama is and then tell us. But after two years, he doesn’t know! And you don’t know. But you like the way he talks. That’s what you said.

Never saw the miniature before but if you’ll forgive me, it seems a bit arrogant itself. I mean, “If you want to help me, forget it. I don’t need or want your help.” Really?

But, yes, I do think “my liberation is bound up with yours” (if I understand what that means) so let’s work together.

Here is a story we can work on together. I pulled it off the ‘net. What do you think?

“The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade. The presidential election was heating up and some of the children showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech and the class would vote.

To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members. We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for the top spot.

The class had done a great job in their selections. Both candidates were good kids. I thought Jamie might have an advantage because he got lots of parental support. I had never seen Olivia’s mother. The day arrived when they were to make their speeches. Jamie went first. He had specific ideas about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his very best. Every one applauded. He sat down and Olivia came to the podium. Her speech was concise. She said, “If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” She sat down. The class went wild. “Yes! Yes! We want ice cream.”

She surely would say more. She did not have to. A discussion followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn’t sure. Would her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn’t know. The class really didn’t care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was forgotten. Olivia won by a landslide.

Every time Barack Obama opens his mouth he offers ice cream, and fifty percent of America reacts like nine year olds. They want ice cream. The other fifty percent know they’re going to have to feed the cow.”

Perhaps you’ve noticed the miniature poster on my sidebar. It says this: “If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.” I take that seriously. Ponder it and pray over it for awhile please before you respond.

I will continue to pray for you that you will learn to think. You make it clear that you voted for Obama because he made you feel good. Wow. Good luck with that. I hope it works out for you, and the rest of us who are deeply concerned that his nebulous “vision” will not disappoint when it has to be made concrete in the day to day decisions of a president.

You really voted for Obama on the content of his character and his race had nothing to do with it? You’ll forgive me if I tell you that I’m a bit skeptical of that too.

But mostly I’ll be praying for healing of that wound described in your previous post on “choice.” I’ll pray that the your guilt will be completely covered in Jesus blood. When you are free you can then think clearly and feel deeply about issues around life and death.

“When your mind is a mess so is mine
I can’t sleep ’cause it hurts when I think
of the plans that we make, the chances we take
they’re not yours, they’re not mine,
they’re just waves that can break.

All the words that we said and the words that we mean,
words can fall short can’t you see the unseen
’cause the world is awake for somebody’s sake now
please close your eyes woman please get some sleep.

And know that if I knew
all of the answers I would not
hold them from you.
All of the things that I know
is we told each other,
there is no other way.” –Jack Johnson