Barack: Faith and FISA
My left-leaning stomach churned as I read this morning that Barack Obama would actively expand Bush's faith-based programs, the same ones that bought off evangelicals and large swaths of voters, and promoted abstinence and anti-choice programs that have undeniably torn this country's social wounds. This, and his timid stance on FISA and telecom immunity...
What is my candidate doing?
But Obama has a strange effect on me. I can see that he's an intelligent, caring human being. A politician, yes, and a smart one. But he is also more of a statesman than Bush, and arguably even more than Clinton, with a built-in sense of responsibility that rivals the last four presidents. So his positions on issues I disagree with get my brain working... why, what, how could he possibly be thinking that these positions make sense?
And it doesn't take long for my brain to come up with beautiful, gray area solutions to these first-appearing black and white issues. What's wrong with asking Christians to be actively charitable? A few billion dollars to churches is much better spent than a few billion worth of bombs. Plus, I feel engaged, and able to respond if Obama does something I dislike. Is it delusion to think my government could listen to me? It has been, in the hands of the current president, and the one before that, and so on. But is it completely unrealistic?
And I wonder if this is what Bush supporters did 8 years ago, overriding their gut, that this guy they liked might betray them? But they gave him the benefit of their doubt, and the benefit of their vote, to be sorely disappointed about that a few years later....
I'm audacious enough to hope. I was just hoping for a choice between the better of two goods than the lesser of two evils this time around. Too soon?
What is my candidate doing?
But Obama has a strange effect on me. I can see that he's an intelligent, caring human being. A politician, yes, and a smart one. But he is also more of a statesman than Bush, and arguably even more than Clinton, with a built-in sense of responsibility that rivals the last four presidents. So his positions on issues I disagree with get my brain working... why, what, how could he possibly be thinking that these positions make sense?
And it doesn't take long for my brain to come up with beautiful, gray area solutions to these first-appearing black and white issues. What's wrong with asking Christians to be actively charitable? A few billion dollars to churches is much better spent than a few billion worth of bombs. Plus, I feel engaged, and able to respond if Obama does something I dislike. Is it delusion to think my government could listen to me? It has been, in the hands of the current president, and the one before that, and so on. But is it completely unrealistic?
And I wonder if this is what Bush supporters did 8 years ago, overriding their gut, that this guy they liked might betray them? But they gave him the benefit of their doubt, and the benefit of their vote, to be sorely disappointed about that a few years later....
I'm audacious enough to hope. I was just hoping for a choice between the better of two goods than the lesser of two evils this time around. Too soon?
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http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/07/hew-and-cry-over-obamas-faith.php
July 1, 2008 11:49 AM | Reply | Permalink
This seems to be the process many of us are going through, and it only demonstrates how hardened a lot of our thinking has become.
Obama is demonstrating how to take back the turf that Democrats have long had to cede. Remember the whole 'value voters' thing, and how there seemed to be this huge and nonsensical gulf between Christians and the progressive ideals that seem so much more consistent with Christian ideals than the Republican platform of every man for himself.
July 1, 2008 12:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
You don't beat a hyrda by chopping off its head - you tame it.
Obama has been a community, and faith-based initiative, supporter forever; and most community support is faith-based. It sure as shit isn't government based, unless you mean welfare.
And so Obama continues his support, but puts in on his terms. Bush's faith-based program was for funding groups and allowing them to discriminate at the same time. Of supporting faith-based programs which pushed an agenda, and excluded people it disapproved of.
Obama is about supporting faith-based programs, but changing the field in such a way they they are supportive, and not regressive. You should welcome this news, as it is very good news indeed.
In his speech he said:
First a couple of definitions (no, I'm not calling you stupid, just clarifying his message):
These differences from Bush's program are one of the keys to his message and are critically missing from the current program. They will assist people in getting help without having to 'convert' to the ideals of the church or organization offering that support.
An example? How about a young women's program that isn't tied only to abstinence? Another? how about a food program that doesn't say you have to believe as they do? Can you take one more? How about a job program that isn't only for a particular faith?
Obama's message and his plans for the program are not regressive, which is how I interpret your response, but progressive. it is a very much needed step forward.
Read his full remarks HERE
July 1, 2008 12:33 PM | Reply | Permalink