Thursday, January 25, 2007

Polital Rhetoric

"Madam, Speaker" was the only worthwhile set of words spoken during the 2007 State of the Union address given by United States President George W. Bush. All else may have seemed bold and convincing until we ask the question "Why?". The pathetic appeals of W. Bush were unsuccessfully disguised as strategies for moving ahead. If one listens closely, he/she will be able to pinpoint the demographic groups (African-Americans, immigrants, women, families of soldiers, "evangelicals," etc.) whose support the Republican speech writers and advisors wish to win back after two presidential terms of poor decision-making. The speech's minimal content was drastically overshadowed by political rhetoric.

Sunday, January 14, 2007

Personal Property?

"Much violence is based on the illusion that life is a property to be defended and not to be shared."

Henri Nouwen

Matthew 5:38-48, NASB

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."