Contemplation of a Leader

So, here I am, a legislative and fiscal conservative, celebrating the election of Obama and simultaneously mourning the continuation of failed policies.  I am so amazingly grateful that our country can rally behind a candidate so enthusiastically.  Yes, I understand he is black, you think he is a secret Muslim (his father was Muslim), you tell me he wants to enact policies that will result in a larger government, more taxing, and more spending.  Ask me if I care.

Quite frankly McCain would have been a far worse choice for our Commander in Chief.  My hope for Obama is that he continues to inspire the masses into true activism.  He has gotten such a large amount of people involved with his campaign and they want to go out and do good. At this point, the best any follower of Obama can hope to do is move into “loyal opposition” mode.  Keep your newly elected leader in check.  He inspired you, make sure that inspiration is not soured.  Make sure our first African-American candidate is put in the history books as a great president, not a failed one.

Praising Success

I have heard many people praising or badgering our choice as President.  Already there are groups on Facebook calling for the impeachment of our President Elect. I think it is disgusting how we react politically.  Many times we see our choice of president as something that is life or death. That the entire world will collapse because of the single position.  Let me just say, that’s not true.  We have had good presidents and we have had bad presidents.  Everyone likes to point fingers and everyone likes to be right.  Stop it.  This country has been extremely damaged by this extreme bi-partisanship.  So much so, that a conservative like myself cannot even distinguish his party.  I agree with most of the sentiments of Dr. Ron Paul and am disgruntled at the fact that I may not see him achieve the highest office that he so well deserves.  The only reason he will not achieve it is because the system will simply not allow it.  For now I can pray that President-Elect Barack Obama will stick to his promises to reform this country in unprecidented ways.

For now, as a Christian, I must do what The Bible asks me to do.  I must render unto Caesar what is Caesars.  I must realize that this world is a fallen world and no work of man will achieve perfection.  So I will bow my head and pray continuously for my elected leaders. I will note a quote from a remote friend (you will have to search through the comments for his full exposition):

The most cursory reading of the Old Testament reveals that in most cases, God poured forth punitive judgments upon Israel for two reasons: Idolatry (the primary reason) and failure to care for the poor (the secondary reason). Almost all other sins took a distant third place in comparison to these two. With regard to the care of the poor, the scriptures consistently address the plight of strangers (homeless persons), widows (single mothers), the fatherless (primarily orphans, but also children of single mothers), and captives (either imprisoned or enslaved). The teachings in the New Testament confirm the teachings of the Old. When I consider the governmental policies of late 20th – early 21st century American conservatives toward these groups, I fear for our nation, because I see things that nearly guarantee God’s punitive action toward us.

Yummy Tears

Until then - I will say that I am happy that neo-conservatism was not rewarded in this election.  We can look forward to a President who says, at least, that he wants to avoid war, that he wants to provide for the poor, that he loves God and wishes to do his will - but a person who also loves humans and wants to do the best for them.  Barack Obama, you have inspired millions, you have given me a vision of hope.  Do not trash it.  Until then - I will bathe in the tears of the neo-conservatives (and keep my headphones on as they complain in the background).