Beck, Religion and Politics

Carl Trueman writes,

Nonetheless, in identifying the syncretism of Beck as the major problem in Beck, I think Mr Olasky misses the point. Beck is also both a function and a perpetuating cause of a wider problem in American politics: his idiom is the rhetoric of extremism and fear; he trades in Manichean cliches which see the political world as a very black and white place; he models for the wider world a form of discourse which is a million miles from anything which represents thoughtful, critical engagement with the issues and with those with whom he disagrees; he rarely puts forward a real argument (at least as I would understand an argument, with evidence, engagement with the strongest points of his opponents etc.); his attitude and tone when speaking about legally elected government are difficult to square with New Testament teaching on respect for those in authority (the Greek Apologists did a much better job, in conditions much more hostile to the faith — not to mention, of course, the Apostle Paul); and his continual inflammatory rhetoric about Marxism indicates both a basic failure to grasp what Marxism is (or, rather, what Marxisms are  — Marxism these days being akin to `Christianity' as a rather vague catch-all term) and a lack of precision in handling matters that, quite frankly, need to be handled with precision.   As Os Guinness indicated at a recent lecture at Westminster, the Religious Right (of which Beck is emerging as an unlikely hero) is often first past the post these days in the incivility of its discourse and of its engagement in the public sphere.

The last observation is especially apropos, sadly.

HT: Jeff Kerr

If This is What the Senate Does...

And it is, no wonder our country is in trouble. From Sen. Schumer's letter to Apple:

But Consumer Reports disputed that explanation on Monday. In a review posted on the organization’s website, researchers with Consumer Reports said they would not recommend the product for purchase. The magazine said it found that the antenna was in fact the culprit behind the drop-off in the phone’s reception. It said a design flaw was responsible for the glitch.

Interestingly, Schumer was not nearly as concerned that Consumer Reports announced its “non recommendation” of the iPhone 4 while also giving the iPhone 4 the highest rating it gave to any phone. Maybe he should call on CR to “reconcile the competing claims” the magazine put out, too.

To Know or Not to Know

According to John Harris; President Obama knew of Blagojevich's quid pro quo expectations for the senate seat appointment that ultimately ended the Illinois governor's term. Obama previously had denied knowing any such thing.

Given Obama's ties to the Chicago political machine, the only thing that surprises me about this is that there has not been more evidence concerning the president's involvement already. I would guess this investigation will eventually grow to more directly relate to him.

Sinking Polls

Rasmussen writes,

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Wednesday shows that 24% of the nation's voters Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as president. Forty-four percent (44%) Strongly Disapprove, giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -20 (see trends).

Why am I not surprised?

State of the Union

“We can't wage a perpetual campaign…”

—President Barack Obama

I never would have guessed the president felt that way.

Rick's Revolution

By now, probably everyone has caught it, but if you haven't, check out Rick Santelli's quite amazing “rant” while reporting for CNBC yesterday. It is quite a sight to behold and is a flashpoint that I think is on its way to being part of history.

The big question with “Rick's Revolution” is getting the Obama Administration to listen and rethink the idea that spending money that doesn't exist can actually help the people it wants to help. I read that Santelli has been invited to meet with the administration at White House, which is encouraging. Whether anything can come of it, of course, is questionable. But, hey…

Late Night Haiku XXIX

LXXXI. My head is spinning,
I can't seem to hold it still,
Thoughts rush by.

LXXXII.Flushing, rushing by,
A stream runs in parallel,
Unconcerned with me.

LXXXIII. A great joy in mix,
The current tugs unknowing,
A twig floats away.

In the Aftermath

The elephant fell
And with it a great hero.
Arise anew, friend.

Congratulations, Sen. Obama

This election did not turn out how I hoped, but the time has come to congratulate President-elect Barack Obama on his victory tonight. I also congratulate his supporters, of which I call many friends. We have called the election at OFB.

We may not agree on every issue, but I believe we agree that we want a better future for the country. Let's hope everyone can work together for that. Let us have a spirited debate on the issues that challenge us, but let us do so respectfully and remembering that we are all Americans.

I thank Sen. John McCain for running a honorable, challenging campaign and for representing me and many of my fellow Americans over the past months admirably. I look forward to seeing him continue to do the business of the country in the coming years in the Senate. I appreciate his classy speech tonight (Read It Here) congratulating Sen. Obama — it once more showed why I am proud to have cast my vote for him, despite the outcome.

May God bless the next president of the United States, my president, and the people he will govern in the years to come.

Don't Give Up Yet

It looks tough, but if you still have time to vote, don't give up on John McCain yet. Go Vote!