Obama (and his speechwriters) sure can write a speech. I've been more than a little annoyed by all the focus that has been placed on Rev. Wright and his inflammatory comments. It's pretty ridiculous how people have made this such an issue.
But I applaud Obama and his ability to stand before the nation and acknowledge the racial struggle and divide that still exists in this country. After my time in SA, I've seen the gap much more clearly, and it has bothered me more and more. As a nation, we've never fully worked through the inequality and injustice. And the way to start that process is to start talking about it, beyond private conversations among closed company. Obama is right - until we can truly come together, many inequalities and injustices don't stand a chance of being righted.
We are still suffering from the poor decisions of our ancestors. We live in a broken system. But maybe, just maybe, we can work together to make things a little better, both in this nation and around the world.
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
Showing posts with label politics. Show all posts
18 March 2008
14 March 2008
a bit of idealism
So an issue that has become more and more important to me is the treatment of the poor. Lack of healthcare, lack of a good system for those suffering from mental illness, hunger, homelessness, the foster care system...all worthy causes that need more attention. I'm interested in what the candidates have to say about them, about what they will do if elected.
But here's the rub: these candidates are spending millions of dollars to tell us what they want to do for the poor (among other issues).
What if they took that money and just directly applied it to causes and organizations that worked to alleviate poverty and injustice? Talk about your campaign reform...it would be a campaign revolution.
But then again...we've set up this system where in order to be heard in the political realm, you have to have money. So millions of dollars are funneled into flyers, commercials, events, etc., while people are sleeping on the street and wondering where their next meal will come from. And even though promises are made on the campaign trail, with the way our political system functions there is no guarantee those statements will come true.
Sometimes, I really don't like America.
But here's the rub: these candidates are spending millions of dollars to tell us what they want to do for the poor (among other issues).
What if they took that money and just directly applied it to causes and organizations that worked to alleviate poverty and injustice? Talk about your campaign reform...it would be a campaign revolution.
But then again...we've set up this system where in order to be heard in the political realm, you have to have money. So millions of dollars are funneled into flyers, commercials, events, etc., while people are sleeping on the street and wondering where their next meal will come from. And even though promises are made on the campaign trail, with the way our political system functions there is no guarantee those statements will come true.
Sometimes, I really don't like America.
05 February 2008
pacifism thoughts
One of my classes this semester is focusing on how Christianity relates and functions in a world of political, military, and economic superpowers. How does it interact with the government? How should it respond to conflicts, etc? It proves to be an interesting class, and I think it will stretch me a lot, both with the course content and format (5 people total in the class!)
I'm not exactly a patriotic type. Many, many things about America grate on my nerves and make me less than proud to be an American. And I'm becoming more and more of a pacifist. In an ideal world, pacifism makes sense. But in the imperfect world we have, marred by sin and evil, what do you do with that? How should pacifism respond to violent terrorism ... genocide ... brutal violation of human rights? What can be done to remedy the situation? Violence is not the solution, but is it possible to avoid it? What do you do with ruthless leaders who massacre millions? And horrible regimes? I know that our previous policies and actions have contributed to the conditions in today's world. We've screwed over countless peoples in the name of "freedom." But will we ever step up and acknowledge it, do something about it? What does the kingdom of heaven look like in our world today?
When did black and white become so gray?
I'm not exactly a patriotic type. Many, many things about America grate on my nerves and make me less than proud to be an American. And I'm becoming more and more of a pacifist. In an ideal world, pacifism makes sense. But in the imperfect world we have, marred by sin and evil, what do you do with that? How should pacifism respond to violent terrorism ... genocide ... brutal violation of human rights? What can be done to remedy the situation? Violence is not the solution, but is it possible to avoid it? What do you do with ruthless leaders who massacre millions? And horrible regimes? I know that our previous policies and actions have contributed to the conditions in today's world. We've screwed over countless peoples in the name of "freedom." But will we ever step up and acknowledge it, do something about it? What does the kingdom of heaven look like in our world today?
When did black and white become so gray?
07 January 2008
oh politics
The buzz on all the news networks right now is the NH primary and what the candidates are doing in the final hours. But in particular, I've heard multiple times how Hillary almost cried when talking to the press. I'm wondering if there's a double standard for women in the presidential race. Many have commented about how she comes across as cold and tough, perhaps because she feels the need to prove her strength in a realm that has been dominated by men. Softness could be interpreted as weakness. But then she shows a bit of softer emotion, and the networks jump all over it. Will that now be stressed by others as a sign that she is unfit for the pressures of the presidency? Is it not unfair for women to be seen either as unfeeling or as overly emotional, with no allowance for a mixture of the two?
For the record, I'm undecided when it comes to Hillary as to whether I think she is the best candidate. And I would like to see a woman as president, though I don't know if I would want it to be her. But I must say that I respect her determination and endurance through the pressure of a tough campaign, fighting for something that she wants. It will be interesting to see how these campaigns progress. (Hmmm, I'm actually paying attention to politics for once!)
For the record, I'm undecided when it comes to Hillary as to whether I think she is the best candidate. And I would like to see a woman as president, though I don't know if I would want it to be her. But I must say that I respect her determination and endurance through the pressure of a tough campaign, fighting for something that she wants. It will be interesting to see how these campaigns progress. (Hmmm, I'm actually paying attention to politics for once!)
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