A Movement to Believe In
I’ve always been a good conservative kid. Missionary kid, conservative Christian, student at a fairly conservative college. Goodness, I’m even an economics major and was in Army ROTC. I wasn’t as conservative as they come, but I was definitely no liberal.
So why is there an Obama logo on my website now?
Well, blame it on a lot of things. Blame it on the liberalizing influence of college. Blame it on certain friends of mine. Or blame it on blind stupidity.
Any of those could be true, I suppose. I don’t deny that I’ve become more liberal at college, I definitely have some friends who are quite liberal, and I could easily be mistaken about my beliefs. But there’s something more to it than that.
I’ve decided to support Obama because, as cliché as it may sound, his campaign really is change we can believe in. Obama’s personality, his message, and his appeal are unique in politics at the moment.
What message? The message of hope and change, not the policies behind that message. I don’t agree with a lot of Obama’s policies, but I don’t think that’s very important right now. At some point we have to get beyond the partisan divide over policies and see what it takes to be a great leader.
I’ve never seen someone rally young Americans like the Obama campaign does. In the long run, issues, ideas, and policies won’t change much. But someone who can get our youth to believe in democracy again: he can change the world.
I’ve heard that same song from Ron Paul supporters.
True, but two points:
1. Ron Paul hasn’t generated nearly the same movement as Obama has. He’s excited a few people, but not that many. (Everyone else recognizes that he’s too far out to be viable.)
2. For Ron Paul it is completely about policies, being a “strict constitutionalist” and any reference to character is used to back up his policy record.
I only hope that all of the new Obamaites will check out history, policy, judgment and vote with an educated view. It is easy to be emotional and stand by your team no matter what.
I like the energy and passion you all have. This is an interesting time to be watching politics. I think many of Obama’s people are stuck in the 60s. I remember being all ga ga eyed as a youth and falling for every “new” candidates “new” line. There is nothing new here except for gender and race. Unfortunately the two new “types” of politicians have old ideas. I have a great post on this subject at: http://riggword.wordpress.com/.
Check it out and leave me a message telling me what you think.
Thanks.
Another thought. I have been where you are. The reality of politics can hit you later on. Disapointment will come when you realize that government can not make you happy. Government is not the answer to life. Jesus, as you know is where you want to put your faith. I have a post on this subject as well titled, “From Where Comes My Help?” You can read it at:http://riggword.wordpress.com/2008/01/30/help/
Check it out and give me some feed back. I like your post and I would like to know what you think.
God Bless
Hey Jim,
Thanks for leaving some comments on the Fluid.app post.
A great blog you run here. Also, I’m in a very similar situation like yours… a “good conservative” son of a Presbyterian pastor, becoming more and more of an Obama supporter. I’ve grabbed your feed: I’ll keep on reading!
We know there are all types and styles of Christians out there.
Josh exemplifies my thought.
I just ask that both of you guys take some time and check out Obama’s Church’s doctrine and his Louis Farrakhan endorsement.
You can read more about his beliefs on my post at:
http://riggword.wordpress.com/2008/02/25/obama-praised-by-farrakhan/#comment-180
Before you jump, check out some of the links that define Obama’s beliefs.
God Bless