So What? Ya Wanna Make Something Of It?!

I really have to do something about this talking to myself.  You know, friends always say, “It’s not a problem unless you answer yourself, haha,” as if they’ve come up with an original funny.

Today, though, that’s what I’m doing, and every so often I throw in a slap in the face just to make my point to myself.

The reason for my confusion?  President elect Barack Obama has chosen evangelical pastor Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at his inauguration.

What’s the matter, Julie?  I thought you said Rick Warren handled the “debate” questions squarely and fairly?  I thought you liked Rick Warren?

I did, and I do, but I also thought neither candidate should have accepted the request to have their religious views put on the line.   After all, a lot of effort is required to keep church and state separate.  That so called “debate” just blurred the line.

But, Julie, so many people DO vote on that basis.  Isn’t that a fundamental right?  Don’t we all base our vote on profound conviction, religious or not?  Shouldn’t we have the right to ask the candidates if their convictions are similar to ours?

Hey, a televised presidential debate is “official business” in my book.  Does it matter who the host is?

Ok, Julie.  That’s water under the bridge, anyway. Rick Warren is not being chosen to oversee the Human Rights Commission   (Does it even exist anymore)?   He is a pastor, for crying out loud!  Who else should deliver an invocation?   His religious views should not be under this kind of scrutiny.  Suppose Obama were to overlook a Rabbi for this honor on the basis of his non-acceptance of a messianic view?  Wouldn’t you cry “foul!?”

Well, then, suppose he chose a vocal Wiccan. Wouldn’t the response be similar from the evangelical community?   Would we condone or condemn that response?

Think about this, though.  Suppose we discovered that Obama was once affiliated with a church pastor who condemned our American way with hostile language found offensive by many folks?  Then, suppose we declared, “Obama is not the pastor and his views are not necessarily consistent with his mentor. Got that?  Mentor?!”

Oh yeah?!?  Well, suppose we reminded ourselves that his mentor was justified in harshly condemning our history of racism, and suppose we make an effort to recall the feverish protests of the 60s!  What, we were expecting the pastor to keep mum in his own sanctuary for the sake of white pride or something?  He owes us that?  Gimme a break!

Take this!  Suppose Obama wants to remind all of us that unity and acceptance of diverse views, including those of the losing side, is a reciprocal effort if we are to rebuild this dilapidated house of ours.  Now!  Put THAT in your pipe and smoke it, whydoncha?!

Not so fast!  Suppose Obama wanted to assure his supporters that he intends to follow through on his promise to recognize our basic human rights.  Wouldn’t this decision generate some uneasiness among the gay and lesbian community?  Not to mention promote an atmosphere of cohesion among those opposed to gay marriage, inviting fence sitters to fall to the right of this issue?  Sociology 101, plain and simple!  How’d ya like them apples!?

Have a bite of these, beyotch!  Suppose we concede that religion and politics will inevitably mix no matter how hard we try to avoid it? Huh?! Huh?!

Well, tough kitty!  Suppose Obama try just a little harder to keep that demarcation as visible as possible!  Ha!!  Whachagottasay to that?!

Enough already!  Suppose this is a political move for Obama in preparation for the rocky road ahead.  Why not associate himself with a pastor who offers a more congenial countenance?  After all, 2012 looms nearer and nearer.  So there!  I’ve said it!  Go ahead and deny it!  I dare ya!

Shut up!  No more!  I have a headache!

I think they call it brain shear, Julie.

Hand me the Advil!  Thank you!  Now please, just go away!