Redecoration Causes Outrage!

I read an article in the New York Times today about the Obamas having the Oval Office redecorated while they were on vacation. It clearly stated that the money used to redecorate came from a group that pays for updates to the White House and that no taxpayer money was used. It also mentioned that both Presidents Bush and Clinton have redecorated to suit their taste while they were in the Oval Office. But, of course, many of the comments afterward denounced President Obama for using taxpayer money and redecorating at a time when the nation is reeling from a recession.

Let's keep two things in mind here. First, the paint, wallpaper, furniture, reupholstering, and new carpet did not magically materialize at Mr. Obama's will. People had to make them, transport them and, in the case of the paint and wallpaper, apply them. I am sure no one would do all of that for free, so I am thinking a few people had a job because of this. Perhaps they weren't many, and probably some were from overseas companies because in the recent past, President George H.W. Bush and a whole bunch of Republicans thought it would be a good idea to have a free-trade agreement between the U.S., Canada and Mexico. But I digress. Second, President George W. Bush once encouraged the American population to purchase more without concern for how to repay it because this was a great way to patriotically support the war in Iraq. Also, many economists think that people should purchase more to aid the economy. From the way I see it, the President is doing his patriotic duty by redecorating the Oval Office.

So, it seems to me that President Obama has helped the economy and followed in the footsteps of his predecessors. But the naysayers have once again bashed him for his insensitivity and his waste of taxpayer money (did I mention none was used?) They claim that because he won't disclose how much he spent, he is once again being less then transparent. Using Republican thinking though, he has acted admirably. So why are they upset? Is it because they are looking for ways of discrediting him so they can take over the government and cater to the wealthy and influential? Is it because they want to do everything they can to divert the attention of Americans so they can continue to encourage legislation that benefits the fat cats on Wall Street? Is it so they can manage a majority in the House this fall so they can hold government up even more, effectively crippling the country?

You know what? I am getting oturaged!

The New Crusade

We have all heard by now of the conflict created in New York City. Two blocks away from Ground Zero, a group of Muslims would like to build a mosque. This wouldn't be just any mosque; it would be a learning center to help people understand the Islamic religion. No major conversion required. Instead, please come and learn. But, as is the case in America these days, many people have spread false information about who is really building the mosque and what their intentions are. All of this has lead to an anti-Islam fervor in the country. Once again, it is fashionable to be against anyone who might be Islamic, look Islamic or be perceived by others as being Islamic. This is, of course, to my dismay. I know that people are alike. We all put our pants on one leg at a time. We all worry about our children, spouses and parents, having enough money to cover the bills and what will happen in the future. What we don't seem to realize is that people who are passionate about Christianity to the point where they are willing to condone the killing of another group of people who believe differently are just as bad as the people who flew planes into the Twin Towers on 9/11.

All of this though, really just reminds me of the Crusades. It started out harmless enough. Muslims had invaded Jerusalem so the true believers, the western Christians, had to go and free Jerusalem from the infidels. What it turned into was a series of invasions designed more to rape and plunder than to rid the world of Islam, as if we could. By the last Crusade, most of those who went were more interested in furthering themselves than anything that had to do with Christianity. Fast forward a thousand years, we are being called the infidels, a group of radicals are trying to oust us, as if they could, and we once again distrust anyone calling themselves Muslim. But as history has shown, we will not be able to rid the world of Muslims. And we need to look honestly in the mirror and realize that radicals are radicals no matter what disguise they want to wear.

The Bible teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, no matter what. I don't care if you hurt because someone took something precious from you or if it is a "good day." Unconditional love is what is required of those who follow Jesus. I also know the Koran preaches a peaceful existence. No where does it say that we are able to kill non-believers or ostracize them for their beliefs.

This is just a long about way of saying that Muslims are not the enemy. Radicals who preach the destruction of others because they are different are the ones not to be trusted. There are a lot of wolves out there dressed up as sheep preaching a brand of religion that I think must be abhorrent. Religion should not be used as an excuse to suppress someone. It should be a way of encouraging us to be the best we can be.

Patience is a Virtue

Yesterday, I heard a story on Fresh Air about how people are demanding immediate fixes to problems facing this country, yet immediate fixes are not available, nor would they necessarily be beneficial if they were. The person making this comment is an editor for Vanity Fair magazine. He went on to suggest that previous presidents, who are considered good presidents, would perhaps have gone down in history as bad presidents if they lived in this day and age. I listened with rapt attention because I have noticed this trend for a long time and have despaired over where it might lead us.

There are times when immediate action is necessary. Someone having a heart attack requires immediate attention. A hungry child requires immediate attention. But there are more instances where patience would go farther then immediate action in satisfying everyone's need. One example is the demand for jobs. I understand the trials a person faces when they have been out of work for a long while. And they should find jobs sooner rather than later. From everything I have heard and read though, economists say that jobs always lag behind a recovering economy. You can't change that. It is what it is. So now, people are condemning the President for being soft on jobs and making it an issue in the upcoming elections, when the jobs market is doing what it would normally do, no matter how much anyone would try to "fix it." Another example of this growing impatience is in the service sector. We all want our turn first and get rather impatient when we have to wait. On the other hand, when it finally is our turn, we want the person assisting us to give their undivided attention to us for as long as we demand it. If you do the math, it doesn't work that way.

Perhaps all this talk of impatience doesn't seem that important. But if you follow the growing trends of rage, rudeness and vigilanteism, you might see a connection. As we become more impatient, we tend to react violently to get what we want, much like a two-year-old throwing a temper tantrum, only often with more serious consequences. But life doesn't have to be that way. We can begin to remember that everything doesn't happen in an instant. Government programs need time to work. Other people get to take their turns before us and we all have to share the resources we have equally. And sometimes, while we are waiting, we realize that we don't really need whatever we have most impatiently been waiting for, rather there is something better patiently waiting for us to see it.

Gay Marriages

A California judge struck down Proposition 8 yesterday, lifting the ban on gay marriage in that state. Opponents are already starting the appeal and proponents are celebrating in the street. I'm trying to figure out why this is an issue to begin with. Homosexuals should have all the same rights as heterosexuals, since they are equal in every way with everyone else.

Now, I know that the bible says a man should not lie with a man and a woman should not lie with a woman. But I also know that I should not judge a person lest I be judged. I have read story after story in the bible about how Jesus ate with lepers while the Pharisees and the Sadducees were telling everyone to stay away from the lepers. I have learned that everything and everyone was created by God, thus making them share in the Divine. I also know that homosexuals are created that way. No one would choose the life of ridicule and prejudice to which homosexuals are prone. And knowing this, I still wonder why this is an issue.

I wonder also if this would be an issue if, instead of homosexuality, this issue involved adultery. Don't forget, adultery is one of the ten commandments. Homosexuality is mentioned in Leviticus. What if adulterers could not marry? What if adulterers were subject to ridicule and prejudice? Would there be laws banning marriages of those who had previously committed adultery? I don't think so. People are accepting of a practice that tears families apart but are not accepting of those created by God. But the Supreme Court will still most likely be dealing with it soon.

You see, I believe the people who are opposing gay marriage have two issues going on. First, I think they are like the Pharisees and the Sadducees, understanding the letter of the law and not understanding the heart of the law. God is about love for ourselves and our neighbors and the laws He has given are to create an atmosphere where that love can flow freely from one to another. The Pharisees did not understand this while Jesus was walking the earth. The law said to avoid the lepers, so they did. Jesus, though, knew that the lepers would come to understand God's love if he showed it to them through deeds. It might break the law but the greater good, loving each other, would be served. Secondly, I think those who oppose the law feel threatened. They have some weird control thing going on that they satisfy by dictating how others can live. What they don't seem to understand though is that they are as imperfect as the rest of us. They would be better off trying to live well themselves, and allow God to judge others. They need to remember that we are on this earth for a very short time and eternity is very long. If they judge homosexuals harshly, then they are subjecting themselves to the same harsh judgement on Judgement Day. I don't want to imagine what that eternity could look like.

I think there is a better way. We can love everyone and accept them as they are. We can insure that everyone has equality under the law and let God be the ultimate judge. We can love our neighbors as we love ourselves and put petty discrimination to the side.