Opening Day 2009. It took me a while to figure out where the Ranger broadcast was. Finally found it on 105.3FM. (What is this station? It seems to have been stocked with the B-team from The Ticket. It was nice to pick the game up on FM though.) Eric Nadel’s voice is like a relaxing drug for me. Even though he seemingly has a different 2nd guy every other year, it is good to always hear Nadel. During the 3rd inning, President George W. Bush joined the booth as the Rangers batted. (They scored 4 runs in the inning.) Anyway, Bush seemed so happy to no longer be president: relaxed, funny, warm. He reminisced with Nadel about his days with the Rangers, throwing out names like Kunkel, Henke, Burkett, and others. The booth chatter was great to listen to, as the President would at times interrupt his story to cheer on a hit. A couple of the exchanges:
On throwing out the first pitch: He told the story of throwing out the first pitch of the 2001 World Series in Yankee Stadium, just a month after 9/11. As he was warming up prior to the game, Derek Jeter asked him if he was going to throw from the mound or the grass. Bush asked Jeter what he thought, and Jeter replied: “Be a man and throw it from the mound… Don’t bounce it or they’ll boo.” Bush said that the adrenaline and nerves of that pitch were stronger than any other moment in his presidency. He said the ball felt like a shot put, the emotion was overwhelming, but he did throw a strike.
On meeting Elvis Andrus: Elvis Andrus is the 20 year old shortstop for the Rangers this year. Bush said he met him and was shocked to learn how young he was. Nadel mentioned that Bush may have thought he would need an interpreter with Andrus, but that he speaks really good English. Bush replied: “It’s better than mine!”
I can only imagine what it must be like to go from the President of the United States for eight years to citizen again, able to joke around in the radio booth. I was disappointed that he said he would never want to be commissioner of baseball. He loves the game, but he said he has had enough exposure in his life and wants to enjoy private life now. Anyway, a great moment in the booth to start the season. I love baseball on the radio. It works unlike any other sport.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Thursday, April 02, 2009
World Autism Awareness Day
We've got to figure this out. I pray we do. Amazing kids. In need of a key to unlock what's inside. Amazing kids. Who have to work 2, 3, 4, 100x as hard. But who never give up. Amazing people. Who have so much to offer. My life's been changed. For that I am thankful.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Nine Months to Christmas
It’s March 25th, which has led me to consider that since Christmas is nine months away, today would roughly be the day that Mary became pregnant with Jesus. To my knowledge there is no celebration of this day, but it does amaze me. At sometime around nine months prior to birth, Jesus Christ, fully God, condensed Himself into one tiny cell in the uterus of a teenager. God became embryo, implanted Himself in Mary’s womb and made His dwelling among us. How amazing and mind-boggling is that? And what was Mary’s life like over the next nine months? Due to divine intervention, Joseph believed her, but how many of her family and friends didn’t? Over the next nine months, as Mary walked down the street, did some people whisper, “Here’s Mary, the one who says she’s a virgin but is pregnant – yeah right… she needs a mental evaluation, she should get rid of the fetus, etc.” The Savior of the world – dependent on the nutrients from a placenta in the womb of an unwed teenager. How deep the Father’s love for us.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Urinal Protocol (For Guys Only)
The following is an important announcement for males only, females need not read:
There should be a class taught for guys on urinal protocol. I am amazed at the number of males who are seemingly clueless when it comes to urinal usage. In my workplace, there are three urinals on the wall, no dividers. Now, as every guy should know, if all the urinals are open, one should choose one of the urinals on the end, never the one in the middle. However, in the past week, I have lost count of the number of times I have walked into the restroom only to find one dude in the middle urinal. Of course, if this is the situation, I then have no other option but to use a stall. Which brings me to another issue: If a guy ever has to use the stall for this reason, he should lift the seat. It is so sorry of a guy to not lift the seat in this situation. And, no matter what you do in the stall, freaking flush the toilet! I don’t understand why this is so difficult. But I am about ready to post flyers offering a course on proper urinal/stall usage. Apparently, many guys do not understand this basic guy thing. Our world is in worse shape than I thought.
There should be a class taught for guys on urinal protocol. I am amazed at the number of males who are seemingly clueless when it comes to urinal usage. In my workplace, there are three urinals on the wall, no dividers. Now, as every guy should know, if all the urinals are open, one should choose one of the urinals on the end, never the one in the middle. However, in the past week, I have lost count of the number of times I have walked into the restroom only to find one dude in the middle urinal. Of course, if this is the situation, I then have no other option but to use a stall. Which brings me to another issue: If a guy ever has to use the stall for this reason, he should lift the seat. It is so sorry of a guy to not lift the seat in this situation. And, no matter what you do in the stall, freaking flush the toilet! I don’t understand why this is so difficult. But I am about ready to post flyers offering a course on proper urinal/stall usage. Apparently, many guys do not understand this basic guy thing. Our world is in worse shape than I thought.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Obama's Kind of State of the Union Speech
Without a doubt, President Obama could convince a majority of the American people that Alex Rodriguez never used steroids, that Jupiter is the smallest planet in the solar system, and that Jerry Jones is the best GM in the NFL. Obama can deliver a speech. He can deliver so well that he can slip things by a listener. While discussing how he will cut the deficit in half, Obama mentioned that the recent $800 billion spending bill is just the beginning and that another one will certainly be needed. While forcefully saying he loathes big government, Obama fires off government program after government program. He can even persuade listeners to believe that the spending bill will save millions of jobs, while only being able to mention specifically 57 policemen in Minnesota. But the best example of the special rhetorical gift Obama has is his ability to say with a straight face that the recent spending bill contained no earmarks. (I think even Nancy Pelosi had to think about that one – more on her in a bit.)
It was apparent early on that Obama had listened to Bill Clinton’s advice to at least mention something hopeful. In a line that is sure to be repeated, Obama stated “We will rebuild, we will recover, we will emerge stronger than ever before.” That was the first positive statement Obama has made in a month. He heavily defended the largest spending bill in US history, and placed Joe Biden in charge of overseeing its implementation because “Nobody messes with Joe,” and because if it fails, he can blame Biden as well. (By the way, Obama was criticized by some for his casual remark about messing with Joe, but I don’t mind that at all. We could use a little more casual talk from usually scripted politicians.) But when one gets past the rhetorical skill of Obama and begins to look at what he actually said, there is very little there as far as real direction for the country.
One topic Obama discussed was health care reform. He mentioned how the cost of health care is weighing down our economy. I would definitely agree with him; our health care costs are unwieldy. I believe we do need to address health care, and if Obama follows through and actually allows bipartisan discussion and input, then maybe something positive can be accomplished. But more than likely, Obama becomes the 20th president to mention health care reform without actually accomplishing anything worthwhile. Not to mention that addressing health care reform will not help in slashing the deficit in half, which he has promised to do.
On education, Obama spoke of the need for reform. Good, but what does he mean? He doesn’t give specifics. His best line from this portion of the speech was that students who drop out of high school are not only failing themselves, but they are failing America as well. Amen. His solution to the high school dropout rate? Have parents parent their children and make college more affordable. OK, how does the government do that? How does one legislate good parenting skills? It’s a nice line, but doesn’t really help address the issue of education reform. And are people dropping out of high school because they can’t afford college, or because they hate school?
Next, surprisingly, Obama took on a more partisan tone. Perhaps it was the manic Pelosi behind him, but about 37 minutes into the speech, Obama decided to taunt Republicans. After the Republicans cheered his line about too high a debt, Obama decided to play a little political game and mention he “inherited” the deficit. Never mind that the deficit he inherits this year is because of the spending bills, including the $700 billion bailout in the fall, passed by this Democratic controlled Congress and voted for by him. Seemingly, Nancy Pelosi even forgot she oversaw the deficit spending last year as she leapt to her feet. I’m confused, did George W Bush write, pass, and sign all the spending bills the last two years while he was a lame duck President?
Obama is a masterful speaker. It was quite a contrast, not only concerning style but substance as well. Whereas Bush would speak 70 percent of the time about foreign policy and 30 on domestic issues, Obama spent 95 percent on domestic issues and mentioned briefly the wars we are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nothing about Iran or Israel. Also, the Obama presidency appears to be presidency of the task force. Obama is able to delay specifics to his ideas by citing a task force on the subject. It will be interesting to see if these task forces deliver.
Other observations: It was great to see Justice Ginsburg, who had surgery due to cancer a few days ago. I disagree with her constitutional viewpoint, but she is a very nice lady and a very smart person. What was Nancy Pelosi on last night? And did anyone look more miserable than Hillary Clinton? She had been traveling all over Asia all week only to catch a plane back in time for the speech. She must have been exhausted – I think the Secretary of State sounds like a miserable job. But I can only imagine that she was fighting jet-lag muttering “I should be giving this speech!” the entire night.
On Gov. Bobby Jindal’s response: I thought he did a fine job. The response is one of the most awkward political moments. After an hour of cheers and pomp and circumstance, someone from the other party has to deliver a rebuttal to an empty room. But just ask Kathleen Sebelius or Tim Kaine, it’s not an easy task. Many are ridiculing the delivery and style of Jindal last night, and he did come off as hokey in parts of his speech. But the substance of the speech was solid, no one can question Jindal’s intellect, particularly on the economy and leadership, and he is only 37, so he has a few years to improve his delivery. He is excellent in interviews as well – very articulate. Also, we should be reminded that there is more to being president than delivering a good speech. And Jindal will make a great president one day. But on the response, I think the Republicans should do a panel response. Forget the prepared speech. Instead, have a round table of sharp conservative minds that can take the speech the President just delivered and truly respond to it. It would be risky because it would not be prepared, but I think it would be much more effective than trying to match Obama’s delivery.
It was apparent early on that Obama had listened to Bill Clinton’s advice to at least mention something hopeful. In a line that is sure to be repeated, Obama stated “We will rebuild, we will recover, we will emerge stronger than ever before.” That was the first positive statement Obama has made in a month. He heavily defended the largest spending bill in US history, and placed Joe Biden in charge of overseeing its implementation because “Nobody messes with Joe,” and because if it fails, he can blame Biden as well. (By the way, Obama was criticized by some for his casual remark about messing with Joe, but I don’t mind that at all. We could use a little more casual talk from usually scripted politicians.) But when one gets past the rhetorical skill of Obama and begins to look at what he actually said, there is very little there as far as real direction for the country.
One topic Obama discussed was health care reform. He mentioned how the cost of health care is weighing down our economy. I would definitely agree with him; our health care costs are unwieldy. I believe we do need to address health care, and if Obama follows through and actually allows bipartisan discussion and input, then maybe something positive can be accomplished. But more than likely, Obama becomes the 20th president to mention health care reform without actually accomplishing anything worthwhile. Not to mention that addressing health care reform will not help in slashing the deficit in half, which he has promised to do.
On education, Obama spoke of the need for reform. Good, but what does he mean? He doesn’t give specifics. His best line from this portion of the speech was that students who drop out of high school are not only failing themselves, but they are failing America as well. Amen. His solution to the high school dropout rate? Have parents parent their children and make college more affordable. OK, how does the government do that? How does one legislate good parenting skills? It’s a nice line, but doesn’t really help address the issue of education reform. And are people dropping out of high school because they can’t afford college, or because they hate school?
Next, surprisingly, Obama took on a more partisan tone. Perhaps it was the manic Pelosi behind him, but about 37 minutes into the speech, Obama decided to taunt Republicans. After the Republicans cheered his line about too high a debt, Obama decided to play a little political game and mention he “inherited” the deficit. Never mind that the deficit he inherits this year is because of the spending bills, including the $700 billion bailout in the fall, passed by this Democratic controlled Congress and voted for by him. Seemingly, Nancy Pelosi even forgot she oversaw the deficit spending last year as she leapt to her feet. I’m confused, did George W Bush write, pass, and sign all the spending bills the last two years while he was a lame duck President?
Obama is a masterful speaker. It was quite a contrast, not only concerning style but substance as well. Whereas Bush would speak 70 percent of the time about foreign policy and 30 on domestic issues, Obama spent 95 percent on domestic issues and mentioned briefly the wars we are fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq. Nothing about Iran or Israel. Also, the Obama presidency appears to be presidency of the task force. Obama is able to delay specifics to his ideas by citing a task force on the subject. It will be interesting to see if these task forces deliver.
Other observations: It was great to see Justice Ginsburg, who had surgery due to cancer a few days ago. I disagree with her constitutional viewpoint, but she is a very nice lady and a very smart person. What was Nancy Pelosi on last night? And did anyone look more miserable than Hillary Clinton? She had been traveling all over Asia all week only to catch a plane back in time for the speech. She must have been exhausted – I think the Secretary of State sounds like a miserable job. But I can only imagine that she was fighting jet-lag muttering “I should be giving this speech!” the entire night.
On Gov. Bobby Jindal’s response: I thought he did a fine job. The response is one of the most awkward political moments. After an hour of cheers and pomp and circumstance, someone from the other party has to deliver a rebuttal to an empty room. But just ask Kathleen Sebelius or Tim Kaine, it’s not an easy task. Many are ridiculing the delivery and style of Jindal last night, and he did come off as hokey in parts of his speech. But the substance of the speech was solid, no one can question Jindal’s intellect, particularly on the economy and leadership, and he is only 37, so he has a few years to improve his delivery. He is excellent in interviews as well – very articulate. Also, we should be reminded that there is more to being president than delivering a good speech. And Jindal will make a great president one day. But on the response, I think the Republicans should do a panel response. Forget the prepared speech. Instead, have a round table of sharp conservative minds that can take the speech the President just delivered and truly respond to it. It would be risky because it would not be prepared, but I think it would be much more effective than trying to match Obama’s delivery.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Washington Logic
So President Obama passes his $800 billion spending package last week – the largest spending package in US history – only to chide Washington today for having out of control spending. (And tomorrow Barry Bonds will lecture the players union about illegal steroids.) With his “Economic Spendulus” plan, Obama has guaranteed at least a $1 trillion deficit for this year alone. He says our yearly deficit will be cut in half by 2013. Great plan. Drive the deficit as high as you can for this year, so that anything less in the coming years will be seen as improvement. I really can’t believe Obama can say this with a straight face. This is like the Octomom saying that next year she will only have 4 additional kids on tax-payer money – wow, what improvement! But I guess no one is paying attention – no one except for the Stock Market, which has now plummeted to 1997 value – it seems like we are literally going back to the Clinton years.
Tomorrow, President Obama delivers the State of the Union Address. Will he continue fear tactics and doom and gloom? Or will he listen to Bill Clinton and be more hopeful? I’m also looking forward to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s response after the speech.
Clarification: I'm not saying that Republicans and the Bush Administration didn't have a spending problem either. They did - and that's why they're out of power. It's just ironic that the "change" candidate is doing "more of the same."
Tomorrow, President Obama delivers the State of the Union Address. Will he continue fear tactics and doom and gloom? Or will he listen to Bill Clinton and be more hopeful? I’m also looking forward to Gov. Bobby Jindal’s response after the speech.
Clarification: I'm not saying that Republicans and the Bush Administration didn't have a spending problem either. They did - and that's why they're out of power. It's just ironic that the "change" candidate is doing "more of the same."
Friday, February 20, 2009
Learning From Baby Teeth
G lost his first tooth last week. Quite a momentous occasion. Quite a wake-up call to how fast kids grow up as well. It wasn’t too long ago that we were celebrating his first tooth to pop up. Now, he’s lost his first tooth. As we were talking about it a few days ago, I told G he needed to make sure he brushes his tooth that grows in its place really well, because it will not be replaced. No more do-overs. (Grant is a good brusher, so I don’t think this will be a problem, but I thought it would be the fatherly thing to say anyway.)
That’s the great thing about baby teeth, we learn how to take care of them, before we get our permanent ones. If we haven’t learned how, then we are in trouble when the permanent ones grow in. Life doesn’t always afford the same do-overs we get with the baby teeth. We’re not starfish, regenerating a lost arm. Every decision we make affects us the rest of our lives. This can be haunting, but not overwhelming, because we can learn from our past, if we pay attention. We learn how to ride a bike by falling down a few times, we learn how to hit a baseball by striking out a few times, we learn how to be a friend by being rejected a few times, etc. Life’s struggles allow us to grow by shaping our character.
Of course, the ultimate do-over is offered to us through Christ. He gave us life, saw the mess we had made with our lives, and came to give us new life. Even though I knowingly and willingly fail to brush my life, Jesus’ love for me is such that he offers me more than just a permanent tooth or a new starfish arm; he offers me a restoration of my life, re-doing permanently His image in me that He intended from the beginning. To think about the shortcomings in my life, to realize that all those shortcomings fall on Christ on the cross – all of them! – that Christ loves me so much more than I can ever imagine, it’s amazing: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death…And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:1, 11) And who did He come to save? “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Everyone.
So as Grant celebrates his first lost tooth and the growth of a permanent one, I pray he will discover the Maker of those teeth, the Permanence of His Love, and the Grace which He brushes us with daily.
That’s the great thing about baby teeth, we learn how to take care of them, before we get our permanent ones. If we haven’t learned how, then we are in trouble when the permanent ones grow in. Life doesn’t always afford the same do-overs we get with the baby teeth. We’re not starfish, regenerating a lost arm. Every decision we make affects us the rest of our lives. This can be haunting, but not overwhelming, because we can learn from our past, if we pay attention. We learn how to ride a bike by falling down a few times, we learn how to hit a baseball by striking out a few times, we learn how to be a friend by being rejected a few times, etc. Life’s struggles allow us to grow by shaping our character.
Of course, the ultimate do-over is offered to us through Christ. He gave us life, saw the mess we had made with our lives, and came to give us new life. Even though I knowingly and willingly fail to brush my life, Jesus’ love for me is such that he offers me more than just a permanent tooth or a new starfish arm; he offers me a restoration of my life, re-doing permanently His image in me that He intended from the beginning. To think about the shortcomings in my life, to realize that all those shortcomings fall on Christ on the cross – all of them! – that Christ loves me so much more than I can ever imagine, it’s amazing: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death…And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you.” (Romans 8:1, 11) And who did He come to save? “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Everyone.
So as Grant celebrates his first lost tooth and the growth of a permanent one, I pray he will discover the Maker of those teeth, the Permanence of His Love, and the Grace which He brushes us with daily.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Common Ground?
On January 22, 1973, Roe v Wade was decided by the Supreme Court, legalizing abortion. Now, 36 years later, one can hardly count the 48,000,000+ babies aborted in America. So how does the new administration which promises to seek common ground on abortion commemorate the day? By allowing overseas organizations to use our tax money to perform abortions. Later today, President Obama will sign an executive order allowing federal money (that’s our tax dollars) to be used to abort babies around the world. The common ground? He decided to wait until today, the 23rd, so as not to offend anyone by signing the order on the actual anniversary of Roe v Wade… that’s some common ground. (Plus, I’m sure this will pull us out of a recession as well – glad this was a top priority.) I’m not surprised, but I am saddened that we seem to place so little value on life.
A Powerful Commercial:
A Powerful Commercial:
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Monday, January 19, 2009
43
Eight years ago, George W. Bush prepared to take the oath of office as President of the United States. Eight years is a long time. Prior to that, Bush had been Governor of Texas since 1995. Basically, since I graduated from high school, George W. Bush has been in the spotlight as my Governor (except for the two years we lived in Florida – where Jeb Bush was Governor) or President. No one could have imagined how these past eight years would play out. Our world has changed dramatically in the last eight years – particularly since 9/11.
Bush leaves office with historic lows in approval ratings. How will history treat the 43rd President of the United States? Going back to 2001, I would never have thought that Bush would become the polarizing figure that he is. So why did he become so polarizing? I think his strengths and weaknesses contributed to it.
Weaknesses: Bush was always slow to adjust to the situation. He was a very reactionary president rather than a proactive one. Take Katrina for example. Now, one can easily make the case that the mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Louisiana did nothing to help, but Bush certainly was slow in his response to the tragedy as well. He should have been on the ground immediately, ordering rescue crews into New Orleans. But he didn’t do this; he instead allowed the government to drag along with the rescue, while praising “Brownie” as doing a “heckuva job” with FEMA. (Hmm, seems a little like he may have Wade Phillips Syndrome.) On Iraq, when the initial strategy to secure Iraq was failing badly, Bush did nothing to shake it up, and again, stuck by the official in charge, Rumsfeld, saying he was doing a good job. Another weakness was his willingness to go with party politics over sound policy. In an attempt to establish a Republican hegemony in US politics, he attempted to take away Democratic campaign points by adopting them, thus growing governmental spending and enlarging the national government – No Child Left Behind for example. This strategy abandoned conservative principles and doomed the Republican Party to major losses in 2006 and 2008. The strategy gained him no Democratic support and lost him Republican support, thus plummeting his approval ratings.
Strengths: The slowness to adjust should not be mistaken for what he has accomplished in Iraq and the War on Terror. While he was initially slow in adjusting strategy and moving Rumsfeld out, his steadfastness to victory in Iraq will eventually be seen as a strength of his presidency. When all thought Iraq was lost, Bush pushed ahead with the surge. While there is still a long way to go, the situation in Iraq is now closer to victory than ever before. So much so, that Obama has adjusted his campaign rhetoric and has adopted Bush’s policy in Iraq, even keeping Bush’s Secretary of Defense as his own. The same with the War on Terror. Back to 9/11/2001. Who would have thought that seven years later, we would not have had any more terrorist attacks on US soil? Bush has to be given major praise for keeping us safe these last seven years. As he mentioned in an interview – we quickly went back to life as usual, he never did. Additionally, his commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS has been under reported. Bush has done more than any other president in the fight against AIDS. Did it win him any political support? No, but he did it because he knew it was the right thing to do.
So how will history judge Bush? Of all the presidents, he will probably fall somewhere in the middle of the pack. His legacy really depends on Iraq though. If it turns into a stable democracy that leads to the spread of democracy in the Middle East, Bush will be seen as a genius. But if it reverts back to the hands of a dictator, his stock will always remain low. I think Bush is a very good man who wanted to do right for America. Unfortunately, at times, he was too loyal to people around him and too slow to adjust, costing him political clout and damaging some of the good he wanted to do.
Welcome back to Texas, President Bush. And thank you for keeping my family safe and serving our nation. Now, would you please apply for the job you were meant for? Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
Bush leaves office with historic lows in approval ratings. How will history treat the 43rd President of the United States? Going back to 2001, I would never have thought that Bush would become the polarizing figure that he is. So why did he become so polarizing? I think his strengths and weaknesses contributed to it.
Weaknesses: Bush was always slow to adjust to the situation. He was a very reactionary president rather than a proactive one. Take Katrina for example. Now, one can easily make the case that the mayor of New Orleans and the Governor of Louisiana did nothing to help, but Bush certainly was slow in his response to the tragedy as well. He should have been on the ground immediately, ordering rescue crews into New Orleans. But he didn’t do this; he instead allowed the government to drag along with the rescue, while praising “Brownie” as doing a “heckuva job” with FEMA. (Hmm, seems a little like he may have Wade Phillips Syndrome.) On Iraq, when the initial strategy to secure Iraq was failing badly, Bush did nothing to shake it up, and again, stuck by the official in charge, Rumsfeld, saying he was doing a good job. Another weakness was his willingness to go with party politics over sound policy. In an attempt to establish a Republican hegemony in US politics, he attempted to take away Democratic campaign points by adopting them, thus growing governmental spending and enlarging the national government – No Child Left Behind for example. This strategy abandoned conservative principles and doomed the Republican Party to major losses in 2006 and 2008. The strategy gained him no Democratic support and lost him Republican support, thus plummeting his approval ratings.
Strengths: The slowness to adjust should not be mistaken for what he has accomplished in Iraq and the War on Terror. While he was initially slow in adjusting strategy and moving Rumsfeld out, his steadfastness to victory in Iraq will eventually be seen as a strength of his presidency. When all thought Iraq was lost, Bush pushed ahead with the surge. While there is still a long way to go, the situation in Iraq is now closer to victory than ever before. So much so, that Obama has adjusted his campaign rhetoric and has adopted Bush’s policy in Iraq, even keeping Bush’s Secretary of Defense as his own. The same with the War on Terror. Back to 9/11/2001. Who would have thought that seven years later, we would not have had any more terrorist attacks on US soil? Bush has to be given major praise for keeping us safe these last seven years. As he mentioned in an interview – we quickly went back to life as usual, he never did. Additionally, his commitment to fighting HIV/AIDS has been under reported. Bush has done more than any other president in the fight against AIDS. Did it win him any political support? No, but he did it because he knew it was the right thing to do.
So how will history judge Bush? Of all the presidents, he will probably fall somewhere in the middle of the pack. His legacy really depends on Iraq though. If it turns into a stable democracy that leads to the spread of democracy in the Middle East, Bush will be seen as a genius. But if it reverts back to the hands of a dictator, his stock will always remain low. I think Bush is a very good man who wanted to do right for America. Unfortunately, at times, he was too loyal to people around him and too slow to adjust, costing him political clout and damaging some of the good he wanted to do.
Welcome back to Texas, President Bush. And thank you for keeping my family safe and serving our nation. Now, would you please apply for the job you were meant for? Commissioner of Major League Baseball.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
Happy New Year?
"It is true that we cannot depend on government alone to create jobs or long-term growth, but at this particular moment, only government can provide the short-term boost necessary to lift us from a recession this deep and severe." - President-Elect Barack Obama, January 8, 2009
Only government? Are we that hopeless that all our fortunes and futures depend on Washington, DC for any chance of survival? Isn't this thinking a little like the "Self-Help" section of the bookstore? You know, the books all about how self can get self out of the problems that self has caused? Or like the parents who catch their kid smoking, so as punishment they make him smoke a whole pack of cigarettes only to discover that he is now addicted to tobacco? And did the $700,000,000,000 worth of bailout that was approved by this government (Republicans and Democrats) officially not work, so now we think that $1,000,000,000,000 worth of bailout will? And we're just going to pass these deficits on to our kids? And what if this doesn't work, will we give out $2 trillion? Are we comfortable with lifelong politicians in Washington deciding what is best for everyone? Aren't JFK (a Democrat) and Ronald Reagan (a Republican) spinning in their graves if they are able to? Happy New Year?
Only government? Are we that hopeless that all our fortunes and futures depend on Washington, DC for any chance of survival? Isn't this thinking a little like the "Self-Help" section of the bookstore? You know, the books all about how self can get self out of the problems that self has caused? Or like the parents who catch their kid smoking, so as punishment they make him smoke a whole pack of cigarettes only to discover that he is now addicted to tobacco? And did the $700,000,000,000 worth of bailout that was approved by this government (Republicans and Democrats) officially not work, so now we think that $1,000,000,000,000 worth of bailout will? And we're just going to pass these deficits on to our kids? And what if this doesn't work, will we give out $2 trillion? Are we comfortable with lifelong politicians in Washington deciding what is best for everyone? Aren't JFK (a Democrat) and Ronald Reagan (a Republican) spinning in their graves if they are able to? Happy New Year?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Dia de los Reyes
Today marks Epiphany - the day the kings (wise men, magi) finally visited Jesus. Three Kings? Well, at least two, but not necessarily kings. Rather, as the Gospel tells us, they were astrologers, who discovered Christ by looking at the stars. And they caused such a stir when they visited Herod, that there may have been quite a few people in their company. When did they see Jesus? If you had the Wise Men in the manger at Christmas, you were a little off. The Wise Men (Kings, Magi) were journeying to see Jesus on Christmas, but did not see him in the manger. Matthew records that they visited Christ in a house. And Christ is described as a child, not a baby, so clearly, this is no longer a new born. In fact, Herod orders the killing of all boys less than two years of age, so apparently, Jesus may have even been walking by the time the Magi made their visit. And what a crazy, magnificent scene that must have been to see grown men worshiping a toddler! And even more mind blowing: what was the toddler Jesus thinking while this was happening?
So if you had the Wise Men in your manger this year, that's ok, but maybe next year, you can get it right. Move the Wise Men across the living room or down the hall. I will say that the youth at my former church have taken this to heart, much to the chagrin of the church leadership. I was told that over the past month, the wise men in the church display have been relocated (more than once), depicting them as traveling to see Jesus rather than with Jesus in the manger - it makes me proud. After four years as their youth minister, it is good to know that they learned something from me. So as we celebrate Epiphany today, we are bringing a close to Christmas 2007, not 2008. The Magi from this year's pageant won't make their visit until 2010. So, for those who are sad Christmas is over, it's not - not until after we celebrate next Christmas. So really, we are always in the middle of the Christmas season! Merry Christmas 2007 today as we celebrate the arrival of the Magi. And more importantly, as we see that Jesus came for all people, and that everyone everywhere, when they seek truth, will be led to Jesus Christ.
So if you had the Wise Men in your manger this year, that's ok, but maybe next year, you can get it right. Move the Wise Men across the living room or down the hall. I will say that the youth at my former church have taken this to heart, much to the chagrin of the church leadership. I was told that over the past month, the wise men in the church display have been relocated (more than once), depicting them as traveling to see Jesus rather than with Jesus in the manger - it makes me proud. After four years as their youth minister, it is good to know that they learned something from me. So as we celebrate Epiphany today, we are bringing a close to Christmas 2007, not 2008. The Magi from this year's pageant won't make their visit until 2010. So, for those who are sad Christmas is over, it's not - not until after we celebrate next Christmas. So really, we are always in the middle of the Christmas season! Merry Christmas 2007 today as we celebrate the arrival of the Magi. And more importantly, as we see that Jesus came for all people, and that everyone everywhere, when they seek truth, will be led to Jesus Christ.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
I Love Christmas Music
I love Christmas music. As soon as 103.7 FM went all Christmas, I have basically only listened to that station (It's the only time of year you hear Bono, Frank Sinatra, Beach Boys, Eliot Yamin, and the Jackson 5 back to back to back). So I began thinking what my favorite Christmas songs are. I made a few lists since the religious Christmas music appeals to me differently than the secular. I also came up with my least favorites. So here they are:
Favorite Religious Christmas Music:
1. Little Drummer Boy - I love the message of the song, and my favorite version of this song is by Jars of Clay. The funniest version is Johnny Cash.
2. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - This should always be the very first Christmas song allowed to be played, sung, or heard each Christmas.
3. O Come All Ye Faithful
4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
5. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Favorite Secular Christmas Music:
1. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole's version is the best
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - perhaps the darkest Christmas song ever, kind of depressing, but one of my favorites.
3. Baby, It's Cold Outside - not sure why this is a Christmas Song, but I include it anyway.
4. Christmas Waltz - one of my favorites this year - the Frank Sinatra version. I have probably hummed this song more than any other this Christmas.
5. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2's version - no list is complete without Bono.
Favorite to Sing with the Kids
1. Frosty
2. Rudolph
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
4. Jingle Bells
5. Go Tell It On the Mountain
Favorite New Christmas Song this Year: Faith Hill, "A Baby Changes Everything"
Favorite Christmas Album: Handel's Messiah (Actually an Easter piece but gets thrown into Christmas) & Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb of God"
Least Favorite:
1. Feliz Navidad - please shoot me.
2. Jessica Simpson's version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" - one of the worst ever
3. Christmas Shoes - shoot me again.
4. Deck the Halls
5. Chipmunks
Merry Christmas.
Favorite Religious Christmas Music:
1. Little Drummer Boy - I love the message of the song, and my favorite version of this song is by Jars of Clay. The funniest version is Johnny Cash.
2. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel - This should always be the very first Christmas song allowed to be played, sung, or heard each Christmas.
3. O Come All Ye Faithful
4. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
5. I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
Favorite Secular Christmas Music:
1. The Christmas Song - Nat King Cole's version is the best
2. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - perhaps the darkest Christmas song ever, kind of depressing, but one of my favorites.
3. Baby, It's Cold Outside - not sure why this is a Christmas Song, but I include it anyway.
4. Christmas Waltz - one of my favorites this year - the Frank Sinatra version. I have probably hummed this song more than any other this Christmas.
5. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2's version - no list is complete without Bono.
Favorite to Sing with the Kids
1. Frosty
2. Rudolph
3. Santa Claus is Coming to Town
4. Jingle Bells
5. Go Tell It On the Mountain
Favorite New Christmas Song this Year: Faith Hill, "A Baby Changes Everything"
Favorite Christmas Album: Handel's Messiah (Actually an Easter piece but gets thrown into Christmas) & Andrew Peterson's "Behold the Lamb of God"
Least Favorite:
1. Feliz Navidad - please shoot me.
2. Jessica Simpson's version of "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" - one of the worst ever
3. Christmas Shoes - shoot me again.
4. Deck the Halls
5. Chipmunks
Merry Christmas.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Politics, Pastors, Presidents, and Prayer
We have witnessed a transfer of leadership among evangelicals in American politics for the first time in 30 years. Since folks like Jerry Falwell burst onto the political scene in the late 1970s, evangelicals and politics have been closely, and oftentimes detrimentally, entwined. While I am pro-life and consider myself a political conservative on most issues, I have cringed at how many evangelical leaders have used their positions of influence as a political hammer for partisan power. The Old Guard of the Religious Right - Jerry Falwell, Pat Robertson, James Dobson, Paul Weyrich, and James Kennedy, just to name a few - have given way (either by death or by fading influence) to new evangelicals who seek to promote a more holistic influence on the culture, while remaining, as much as possible, neutral concerning partisan politics. Billy Graham gracefully walked this line as pastor to the past presidents (except for a brief time with Nixon). It appears that the new American pastor, as well as the new voice for evangelicals, has become Rick Warren.
So what's the difference between Warren and someone like James Dobson? Their views on abortion and marriage are the same. They both are passionate about Jesus Christ. However, James Dobson and others like him made a career out of alarmism and judgmentalism on the political front, along with attempts at "king-making." Political power can be a corrupting seducer. As the Old Guard accumulated influence in the Republican Party, they lost sight of their truest selves. Political positions often trumped theology, causing the old Religious Right to lose some integrity and focus. They moved from prophetic voices to participating voices in the political elite. Warren hasn't compromised his pastoral integrity by involving himself in partisan party politics - and hopefully he won't. But he hasn't ignored the political world either. He has brought attention not only to the traditional social issues (abortion & sexuality aka "pelvic politics"), but also to commonly ignored issues such as the effects of HIV/AIDS, drug rehabilitation, and poverty. Warren has Republican and Democrat friends, and Republican and Democrat enemies. Isn't that how it should be? Invited to pray at Obama's inauguration, Warren will be hearing plenty over the next month from supporters and detractors. There are some on the right who think Warren shouldn't associate with Obama, and some on the left who think Obama shouldn't associate with Warren . However, as one of the new leaders among evangelical voices, Warren needs to be there, demonstrating that Christianity is not a partisan game, but a barrier breaking relationship with Christ that is more important than any political party. And kudos to Obama for inviting him.
One bit of warning though to Warren - he needs to set term limits for himself. As the next president and certainly future presidents come calling, he must set a date to withdrawal from pastoral politics altogether. If the old guard had set term limits for themselves, perhaps they could have avoided the seduction of political power. It would be a shame for Warren to follow their lead.
So what's the difference between Warren and someone like James Dobson? Their views on abortion and marriage are the same. They both are passionate about Jesus Christ. However, James Dobson and others like him made a career out of alarmism and judgmentalism on the political front, along with attempts at "king-making." Political power can be a corrupting seducer. As the Old Guard accumulated influence in the Republican Party, they lost sight of their truest selves. Political positions often trumped theology, causing the old Religious Right to lose some integrity and focus. They moved from prophetic voices to participating voices in the political elite. Warren hasn't compromised his pastoral integrity by involving himself in partisan party politics - and hopefully he won't. But he hasn't ignored the political world either. He has brought attention not only to the traditional social issues (abortion & sexuality aka "pelvic politics"), but also to commonly ignored issues such as the effects of HIV/AIDS, drug rehabilitation, and poverty. Warren has Republican and Democrat friends, and Republican and Democrat enemies. Isn't that how it should be? Invited to pray at Obama's inauguration, Warren will be hearing plenty over the next month from supporters and detractors. There are some on the right who think Warren shouldn't associate with Obama, and some on the left who think Obama shouldn't associate with Warren . However, as one of the new leaders among evangelical voices, Warren needs to be there, demonstrating that Christianity is not a partisan game, but a barrier breaking relationship with Christ that is more important than any political party. And kudos to Obama for inviting him.
One bit of warning though to Warren - he needs to set term limits for himself. As the next president and certainly future presidents come calling, he must set a date to withdrawal from pastoral politics altogether. If the old guard had set term limits for themselves, perhaps they could have avoided the seduction of political power. It would be a shame for Warren to follow their lead.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Zuzu's Petals
What makes a life significant? Does one have to be famous, rich, lucky? Does one have to rub shoulders with world leaders, Hollywood stars, corporate big shots? What does a significant life look like? Zuzu's petals.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is one of my all-time favorite movies. As I thought about why, I think of Zuzu's petals. In one of my favorite moments, George Bailey exclaims, "My mouth's bleeding Bert! My mouth's bleeding! Zuzu's petals…Zuzu… There they are! Bert what do you know about that! Merry Christmas!"
George Bailey had dreams, plans, ambitions, but due to other circumstances, he remained in Bedford Falls. He questioned his significance. However, as everyone who has seen the movie knows, through his journey with Clarence, he realized just how significant his life, and life in general, is. From his little Zuzu, to his brother, to his former boss, to the people of Bedford Falls, his life had changed the world. His significance was found in his integrity. He showed compassion, gentleness, and righteous anger. He faced down injustice, confronting the most "successful" man in Bedford Falls: "You sit around here and you spin your little webs and you think the whole world revolves around you and your money. Well, it doesn't, Mr. Potter. In the whole vast configuration of things, I'd say you were nothing but a scurvy little spider."
George Bailey has to be one of the most heroic figures in movie history. And the great thing is, anyone can be a George Bailey. Seemingly ordinary lives, filled with love, frustrations, hope, struggles, joy, and disappointments. Just how significant am I?
Facebook is a crazy thing. I don't do the flair thing or throw snowballs or participate in movie compatibilities, but I am amazed how this network brings together so many people from my present and past - people unheard from since high school or college, who participated in a chapter in my life, but since had been out of the story. Thinking about George Bailey's experience, I wonder, How did I impact these lives? How have these lives impacted me? Would there be a huge hole, as Clarence says, if I were removed from their past? Most importantly, what significance am I in other lives today? Am I taking care of Zuzu's petals, encouraging others to pursue their dreams, protecting others, speaking out against injustice, maintaining my personal integrity? God has given me a wonderful life. I want to live significantly for Him.
"It's a Wonderful Life" is one of my all-time favorite movies. As I thought about why, I think of Zuzu's petals. In one of my favorite moments, George Bailey exclaims, "My mouth's bleeding Bert! My mouth's bleeding! Zuzu's petals…Zuzu… There they are! Bert what do you know about that! Merry Christmas!"
George Bailey had dreams, plans, ambitions, but due to other circumstances, he remained in Bedford Falls. He questioned his significance. However, as everyone who has seen the movie knows, through his journey with Clarence, he realized just how significant his life, and life in general, is. From his little Zuzu, to his brother, to his former boss, to the people of Bedford Falls, his life had changed the world. His significance was found in his integrity. He showed compassion, gentleness, and righteous anger. He faced down injustice, confronting the most "successful" man in Bedford Falls: "You sit around here and you spin your little webs and you think the whole world revolves around you and your money. Well, it doesn't, Mr. Potter. In the whole vast configuration of things, I'd say you were nothing but a scurvy little spider."
George Bailey has to be one of the most heroic figures in movie history. And the great thing is, anyone can be a George Bailey. Seemingly ordinary lives, filled with love, frustrations, hope, struggles, joy, and disappointments. Just how significant am I?
Facebook is a crazy thing. I don't do the flair thing or throw snowballs or participate in movie compatibilities, but I am amazed how this network brings together so many people from my present and past - people unheard from since high school or college, who participated in a chapter in my life, but since had been out of the story. Thinking about George Bailey's experience, I wonder, How did I impact these lives? How have these lives impacted me? Would there be a huge hole, as Clarence says, if I were removed from their past? Most importantly, what significance am I in other lives today? Am I taking care of Zuzu's petals, encouraging others to pursue their dreams, protecting others, speaking out against injustice, maintaining my personal integrity? God has given me a wonderful life. I want to live significantly for Him.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Veterans Day
President Woodrow Wilson, on the celebration of the first Armistice Day, later to be known as Veterans Day, November 11, 1919: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"
We can so easily forget all that those in the military have done and continue to do for us. I am always amazed at the heroism, valor, and sacrifice that so many men and women and their families are willing to make to serve, protect, and defend our country. I pray for peace and strength for these families. I am also humbled that my name partly comes from my great uncle, who fought and died at the age of 18 in the Korean War. In tribute to all who serve our country, I honor and remember him today:
We can so easily forget all that those in the military have done and continue to do for us. I am always amazed at the heroism, valor, and sacrifice that so many men and women and their families are willing to make to serve, protect, and defend our country. I pray for peace and strength for these families. I am also humbled that my name partly comes from my great uncle, who fought and died at the age of 18 in the Korean War. In tribute to all who serve our country, I honor and remember him today:
PFC Jack Dean Crouch
Born: February 2, 1932
KIA in Korea: August 15, 1950
Monday, November 10, 2008
Thanks for the Ice Cream and Memories
The demolition of a major landmark will occur sometime soon in Arlington. It probably won't make the news, it may even go unnoticed by many, but I am speaking of the Braum's location on Park Row, which moved today to a new location up the street. The new location looks nice - it's new, it's bigger, and it's bound to be cleaner on the inside. The old Braum's building was always dirty, the bathrooms were always nasty, the kitchen area always made me cringe, and the tables were always sticky. (I know, every Braum's is nasty - but this one was especially so.) So why am I a bit sad to see it go? For the last 32 years, that location has held many celebratory memories for me. As a little kid, I would love to swing on the bar as we waited to order our ice cream ("Rocky Road on a sugar cone, please"). I couldn’t possibly count the number of times the Hawkes grandkids celebrated at Braum's following a little league game or an orchestra concert. I think it was one of Pappaw's favorites. Well, and getting the family together was one of his favorites too, so combine family and ice cream and you create a wonderful place. And as large a family as we had, we would often take up an entire section in the back. We would swivel on the chairs, recount stories, and have fun together as family. It didn't matter whether it was dirty, smoky, or fly filled, we always enjoyed going to Braum's. Had I realized soon enough that yesterday was going to be the last day that location was open, I would have made one more visit. Oh well, the memories will have to suffice, I guess.
Friday, November 07, 2008
To Be Completed By 2010
Now that the campaign is over, I am willing to give President Obama the benefit of the doubt that he will accomplish all he promised in the campaign. With a large Democratic majority in the House and Senate, Obama should have no problems passing whatever he wants. So here's the list that Obama should accomplish by 2010 at the latest:
1. Tax cut for 95% of Americans - I will anxiously await this next year
2. My health insurance should cost me $2500 less next year.
3. The Iraq war should be over next year and the $10 billion spent here at home.
4. Gas should be less than $2 a gallon, as Obama pursues off-shore drilling, clean coal, etc.
5. Guantanamo Bay should be closed and the suspected terrorists held there should be moved to American soil or set free.
6. College tuition for all who want to attend.
7. There should be fewer abortions next year than this year.
I know there are more promises that Obama should have no problem keeping, with the Democratic Congress working with him, but this is a list of seven that he repeatedly said he would pursue. I look forward to the completion of the list by 2010.
1. Tax cut for 95% of Americans - I will anxiously await this next year
2. My health insurance should cost me $2500 less next year.
3. The Iraq war should be over next year and the $10 billion spent here at home.
4. Gas should be less than $2 a gallon, as Obama pursues off-shore drilling, clean coal, etc.
5. Guantanamo Bay should be closed and the suspected terrorists held there should be moved to American soil or set free.
6. College tuition for all who want to attend.
7. There should be fewer abortions next year than this year.
I know there are more promises that Obama should have no problem keeping, with the Democratic Congress working with him, but this is a list of seven that he repeatedly said he would pursue. I look forward to the completion of the list by 2010.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
What Should the GOP Do Now?
With voters rejecting the GOP in 2006 and 2008, what should the party do now? A need for reflection and re-focusing is always important for a losing party, but especially now as the Obama movement takes hold. Here's a list of objectives for the party:
1. Get back to small government and focus on the middle class. For the last eight years, the Republicans have run as "Democrat Lite." With the Democrats now in complete control of Washington, the Republicans need to re-hone their voice of opposition to government as the solution to every problem, while cooperating on issues where the government can help. The lady here sees government as the answer to everything. This mindset is troubling, because I see it taking hold in much of the country. But as it always does, government will disappoint, and when that happens the voters will look to an alternative, if one is available. Tim Pawlenty's desire for the party to be the party of Sam's Club rather than the country club and Mike Huckabee's ability to communicate economic matters effectively need to be given priority in shaping the party for the next few years.
2. Weed out corruption in the party. One of the good things about 2006 and 2008 is that many Republicans who needed to be defeated have been. The party needs to have leadership and members in government that are not corrupt. Should Ted Stevens win re-election and try to come to Washington, the GOP should refuse to let him in. And how great would it be if he resigns and then Sarah Palin becomes the Senator from Alaska. Even if you don't like Palin, you have to admit this would be a juicy story. She ran against the corrupt Republican governor in Alaska and won, she can now take on the US Senator from Alaska and then the Senate as a whole.
3. Promote Young Leadership. While Huckabee and Pawlenty need to work to shape the party, leaders like Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gov. Charlie Crist, who know how to handle the economy and relate to the voters, need to beef up their foreign policy knowledge to be ready for 2012. In the Congress, the reigns of the Republican leadership should be handed to Rep. Eric Cantor and Rep. Jeb Hensarling. These two young leaders can help lead the minority party over the next two years. The Republican Party has always lost the youth vote, but as those voters age, the GOP must have leaders that can relate to the new generation.
4. Focus on Hispanic Population. John McCain lost the Hispanic vote 2-to-1 in the election. The rush of Hispanic voters to the Democratic Party is partly due to the Republican Party's stance on immigration reform (which ironically, John McCain opposed). The tenor of the debate led many Hispanics to feel isolated from the GOP. While racism wasn't a motivation of those opposed to a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, the escalating debate unintentionally insinuated that all Hispanics were somehow bad for the society. I know that wasn't the intent, but I think it reflects the reality. And the GOP needs to show repentance for that and seek to make inroads in the Hispanic community. There aren't many Hispanics in the GOP leadership, but Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida may be a good place to start. It is clear though that in order to remain relevant in our pluralistic society, the GOP image must be more than just that of a white guy party.
5. Remain Pro-Life but Expand Moral Issues. While the GOP must remain pro-life, it does need to seek to expand what is meant by that. Pro-life must extend beyond the womb. I think this can be done without a big government program by encouraging churches, ministries, and charities to assist with young mothers, and by making adoption more affordable. But also, there needs to be a way for young mothers who keep their babies to continue with their education and find a job. Sex Education should include the ABCs (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condoms). While this may cause some on the Religious Right to be highly uncomfortable, reducing pregnancy will reduce abortions as well. Also, the economy needs to be discussed in moral terms, which is where the party needs Huckabee. He has eloquently connected his faith and the economy. Instead of being seen as the party of the rich, Republicans need to better explain how their policies help all by phrasing it in human terms rather than economic verbiage. Another issue that needs to be included in the moral agenda is the environment - look back to Theodore Roosevelt for guidance and John McCain as well. Speaking of these items does not mean the government has to be larger, but ignoring them will keep the GOP from adequately addressing these issues to the country in an influential way. Expanding the moral issues by stressing social justice will help with Catholic voters, young voters, and the expanding views of many evangelicals.
There are many other items the GOP could address. But clearly there is a need to examine the core of the party. The old leaders should be retired; the new leaders need to be given the helm. Huckabee and Pawlenty can help begin the process, Jindal, Crist, and hopefully soon-to-be Sen. Palin can become the face of the party. More than ever, it is vital for the Republican Party to be able to adequately promote a philosophy, while guarding against sounding out of date. The country is still middle conservative, but there has not been a consistent message to address this position. Obama's campaign was able to sway many of these voters not just because he is an amazing speaker, but because the Republicans could not consistently articulate a vision for the country. This must change in the next couple of years.
1. Get back to small government and focus on the middle class. For the last eight years, the Republicans have run as "Democrat Lite." With the Democrats now in complete control of Washington, the Republicans need to re-hone their voice of opposition to government as the solution to every problem, while cooperating on issues where the government can help. The lady here sees government as the answer to everything. This mindset is troubling, because I see it taking hold in much of the country. But as it always does, government will disappoint, and when that happens the voters will look to an alternative, if one is available. Tim Pawlenty's desire for the party to be the party of Sam's Club rather than the country club and Mike Huckabee's ability to communicate economic matters effectively need to be given priority in shaping the party for the next few years.
2. Weed out corruption in the party. One of the good things about 2006 and 2008 is that many Republicans who needed to be defeated have been. The party needs to have leadership and members in government that are not corrupt. Should Ted Stevens win re-election and try to come to Washington, the GOP should refuse to let him in. And how great would it be if he resigns and then Sarah Palin becomes the Senator from Alaska. Even if you don't like Palin, you have to admit this would be a juicy story. She ran against the corrupt Republican governor in Alaska and won, she can now take on the US Senator from Alaska and then the Senate as a whole.
3. Promote Young Leadership. While Huckabee and Pawlenty need to work to shape the party, leaders like Gov. Bobby Jindal and Gov. Charlie Crist, who know how to handle the economy and relate to the voters, need to beef up their foreign policy knowledge to be ready for 2012. In the Congress, the reigns of the Republican leadership should be handed to Rep. Eric Cantor and Rep. Jeb Hensarling. These two young leaders can help lead the minority party over the next two years. The Republican Party has always lost the youth vote, but as those voters age, the GOP must have leaders that can relate to the new generation.
4. Focus on Hispanic Population. John McCain lost the Hispanic vote 2-to-1 in the election. The rush of Hispanic voters to the Democratic Party is partly due to the Republican Party's stance on immigration reform (which ironically, John McCain opposed). The tenor of the debate led many Hispanics to feel isolated from the GOP. While racism wasn't a motivation of those opposed to a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, the escalating debate unintentionally insinuated that all Hispanics were somehow bad for the society. I know that wasn't the intent, but I think it reflects the reality. And the GOP needs to show repentance for that and seek to make inroads in the Hispanic community. There aren't many Hispanics in the GOP leadership, but Sen. Mel Martinez of Florida may be a good place to start. It is clear though that in order to remain relevant in our pluralistic society, the GOP image must be more than just that of a white guy party.
5. Remain Pro-Life but Expand Moral Issues. While the GOP must remain pro-life, it does need to seek to expand what is meant by that. Pro-life must extend beyond the womb. I think this can be done without a big government program by encouraging churches, ministries, and charities to assist with young mothers, and by making adoption more affordable. But also, there needs to be a way for young mothers who keep their babies to continue with their education and find a job. Sex Education should include the ABCs (Abstinence, Be Faithful, Condoms). While this may cause some on the Religious Right to be highly uncomfortable, reducing pregnancy will reduce abortions as well. Also, the economy needs to be discussed in moral terms, which is where the party needs Huckabee. He has eloquently connected his faith and the economy. Instead of being seen as the party of the rich, Republicans need to better explain how their policies help all by phrasing it in human terms rather than economic verbiage. Another issue that needs to be included in the moral agenda is the environment - look back to Theodore Roosevelt for guidance and John McCain as well. Speaking of these items does not mean the government has to be larger, but ignoring them will keep the GOP from adequately addressing these issues to the country in an influential way. Expanding the moral issues by stressing social justice will help with Catholic voters, young voters, and the expanding views of many evangelicals.
There are many other items the GOP could address. But clearly there is a need to examine the core of the party. The old leaders should be retired; the new leaders need to be given the helm. Huckabee and Pawlenty can help begin the process, Jindal, Crist, and hopefully soon-to-be Sen. Palin can become the face of the party. More than ever, it is vital for the Republican Party to be able to adequately promote a philosophy, while guarding against sounding out of date. The country is still middle conservative, but there has not been a consistent message to address this position. Obama's campaign was able to sway many of these voters not just because he is an amazing speaker, but because the Republicans could not consistently articulate a vision for the country. This must change in the next couple of years.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Could McCain Have Won?
A bad year to be a Republican, was there anything John McCain could have done to win the election? Not likely. Of all the Republicans running in the primary, John McCain was the best choice for the party in this electoral climate. The fact that he led in September is a testament to his strength as a candidate. But he was in a difficult position - he was running against Obama and Bush. And this proved to be too much. As I've said before, Palin did not cost John McCain this election. Her early interviews were very rough, but she performed well in the debate and finished strong with her interviews and campaign speeches. Being the VP does not allow you the freedom to truly be yourself, but as the election went on, I believe she shed some of those restrictions placed on her. No one McCain could have picked would have helped him any more than Palin did, and he still would have lost the election due to the unpopular president, the thirst for "change," and the late economic downturn.
McCain's mistake was not his summer campaign or the pick of Palin, but rather his response to the economy. McCain sealed his fate with the suspension of his campaign during the economic meltdown. He made two critical mistakes here: 1. He placed his campaign in the hands of the Senate, during an election year, thinking that this political body would pass meaningful legislation in two days to solve the economic crisis. Why would anyone place their campaign in the hands of the Congress? This was a dumb move. 2. By doing this, he came out in favor of the huge government bailout, the bailout supported by Democratic leadership but also supported and promoted by Bush. In an election where Obama was painting McCain as Bush III, McCain endorsed, defended, and promoted a massive bailout by Bush. Here McCain lost an opportunity possibly to win the election. If he had opposed the bailout, he would have distanced from Bush, while linking Obama, who supported the bailout, to Bush. Additionally, when McCain began his final attack on Obama as a big government guy, it didn't help that just a few weeks before, McCain had not only supported the government bailout, but also advocated for the further bailout of mortgages. This reinforced Obama's claim that McCain was erratic and desperate. It also put Republicans in a bad spot trying to campaign for McCain. I believe Palin was opposed to the bailout, but had to support it as VP. Others like Huckabee and Thompson were placed in awkward positions defending McCain's support of the bailout as well.
Would McCain's opposition to the bailout have won him the election? Maybe, maybe not. Obama probably still would have won, but if I had to identify the breaking point of the campaign, it was here. Obama basically voted "present" during the economic crisis and provided no leadership in what to do. Instead, he allowed McCain to seal his own fate by advocating for the government bailout. I don't mean to take anything away from McCain. He fared better than Romney or anyone else would have in this highly toxic year for Republicans. McCain is a true American hero who gave his best speech last night in concession. This was a year the Democrats should have won. And they did. So what's next? I'll post tomorrow.
McCain's mistake was not his summer campaign or the pick of Palin, but rather his response to the economy. McCain sealed his fate with the suspension of his campaign during the economic meltdown. He made two critical mistakes here: 1. He placed his campaign in the hands of the Senate, during an election year, thinking that this political body would pass meaningful legislation in two days to solve the economic crisis. Why would anyone place their campaign in the hands of the Congress? This was a dumb move. 2. By doing this, he came out in favor of the huge government bailout, the bailout supported by Democratic leadership but also supported and promoted by Bush. In an election where Obama was painting McCain as Bush III, McCain endorsed, defended, and promoted a massive bailout by Bush. Here McCain lost an opportunity possibly to win the election. If he had opposed the bailout, he would have distanced from Bush, while linking Obama, who supported the bailout, to Bush. Additionally, when McCain began his final attack on Obama as a big government guy, it didn't help that just a few weeks before, McCain had not only supported the government bailout, but also advocated for the further bailout of mortgages. This reinforced Obama's claim that McCain was erratic and desperate. It also put Republicans in a bad spot trying to campaign for McCain. I believe Palin was opposed to the bailout, but had to support it as VP. Others like Huckabee and Thompson were placed in awkward positions defending McCain's support of the bailout as well.
Would McCain's opposition to the bailout have won him the election? Maybe, maybe not. Obama probably still would have won, but if I had to identify the breaking point of the campaign, it was here. Obama basically voted "present" during the economic crisis and provided no leadership in what to do. Instead, he allowed McCain to seal his own fate by advocating for the government bailout. I don't mean to take anything away from McCain. He fared better than Romney or anyone else would have in this highly toxic year for Republicans. McCain is a true American hero who gave his best speech last night in concession. This was a year the Democrats should have won. And they did. So what's next? I'll post tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)