The Promise of This Election

A. Unabashed Pacifist

Chefs for Peace:
War has no need of us. Peace is our friend. War leaves a horrifying taste in our mouths. Peace offers diverse and sweet flavors. We have a recipe for peace: full stomachs all around.

B. Unabashed Christian:

Holy One,

You are the More.
More than our reasoning can prove.
More than our minds can grasp.
More than the truest justice Solomon ever rendered.
More than our words can describe.
More than our images can convey.
More than even the gospels portray.
More than all we have thought or done in an attempt to please you.
More than the greatest love the world has known.
Amen

C. Un-quoting Jesus, Answer Guy:

“That’s a good question. I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

[That, too, is an answer, but He never said it.]

D. Blog: The Election of Obama

The election of Barack Obama has moved me like nothing before in my experience of US politics. Even the end of the US war in Vietnam, another moving political event for me, is a distant second. Like many others who are trying to describe their emotional reactions to Obama’s election, the words don’t come easily. The triumph over the racism that is such a dark and destructive part of US history. The prospect of moving from fearful and greed-full to more hopeful changes in economic, social, energy, environmental and foreign policies. The vivid demonstration that the ideals put forth in the Constitution are not always just words. The profound celebration and inspiration it has caused around the globe. The sense that perhaps we are learning to live with our broad diversity. All of that and more contribute to my emotional response, a catharsis of sorts, in my depths.

Some don’t see it that way, of course. I note some of the mean-spirited, hateful, bigoted and cynical responses. Part of the promise of this election is that now they will become a smaller and smaller minority. Hope will win over fear and greed.