Dear Mrs. Obama

Congratulations are in order. After two years, and what must have seemed much longer to you, your husband has been elected as the forty-fourth President of the United States. It is an accomplishment to be proud of and an accomplishment that must be celebrated as an historical landmark for the United States of America. Only time will tell whether or not America has chosen wisely. Regardless of how history will eventually look back on his presidency, we know his place in history is secured.

I hope that this journey has been enlightening for you as well. I must confess that I have not read transcripts of your speeches and interviews in detail, and I have formed most of my opinions of you from the sound bites provided by the media. But I do not have a decidedly negative or positive impression of you at all. I would, however, like to take a few moments to reflect on the impressions I have formed.

First, I do not doubt that you are a highly intelligent and accomplished woman. You are to be commended for what you have been able to accomplish. I understand that you were not born with a silver spoon in your mouth, and in fact, had a very challenging childhood. Your accomplishments are to be celebrated all the more because of this. And the fact that you were able to accomplish so much in such a "mean country" says a lot about you as well. Or does it say a lot about your misunderstanding of our nation?

Nowhere else in the world could you and your husband have achieved so much, particularly from such humble beginnings. This "mean country" has provided the opportunity for two African-Americans, one the son of a first generation immigrant, to rise to power in your fields of choice. Through hard work and individual enterprise both of you have been able to aspire and succeed with dreams that in any other country in the world would be absolutely unattainable.

But you are not alone in achieving such success in such a "mean country". Countless immigrants have come from countries around the world and by grit and determination risen to become business owners, corporate leaders, even millionaires. Only in the United States of America. Vietnamese immigrants, in spite of the ill feelings of the Vietnam war have succeeded. Chinese immigrants have found success even while we worry over all of the manufacturing jobs that have moved overseas. Indians have come to America armed only with a foreign education and become leaders in technical fields from engineering to medicine. And all of these immigrants achieved this in a country that did not speak their primary language.

So what is so mean about this country, where immigrants and citizens born at the bottom of our society alike can succeed in even their wildest dreams? I submit that there is really nothing mean about this country. Yes, there are mean people. But this country is far from mean! We celebrate the diversity of our country and the fact that anybody can succeed.

But just as you have succeeded, so have others succeeded - by hard work, determination, enterprise, and yes, a little luck. I believe your comments about our country were formed out of ignorance. I believe your comments were spoken out of naïveté. I believe you are a product of your environment. The Chicago area where you grew up, and certainly the church you have attended for the last twenty years, have promoted a feeling of resentment towards the white establishment - the "mean country" that prevents minorities of all kinds from attaining success. But even as you sat in the pews listening the the rantings of a Black Liberation Theologist, you were disproving his very assertions. Your own personal success disproves his theories. The theology that he professed is what is preventing African-Americans from succeeding. If African-Americans buy into his rhetoric they will continue to seek restoration of something that was not lost. We cannot rewrite the history books and erase the dark period of slavery from our past. But you were not a slave and I was not a slave owner. Neither can we erase the bigotry that existed on a large scale in the past. For many decades now bigotry has been a much more personal choice, and both sides are guilty of it. For example, I was truly insulted by the mean and racist words of some African-American ministers who called me a racist because I voted for John McCain, as if race was the only issue of note in this election. But we must leave our differences in the past. If African-Americans buy into the rhetoric of Reverend Wright, they will continue to expect a hand out. They will continue to scrape by with their entitlement mentality. It is not this "mean country" that is keeping them from succeeding. It is the idea that this "mean country" is keeping them from success. You did not buy into it and fought for your success. But even in your success you espouse the beliefs that you refuted - that this is a "mean country".

Now that your husband will have the opportunity to facilitate change, what kind of change will he make? Will he inspire others to dream. work hard, get a good education, and persevere, as you both did? Or will he propagate the sentiment that this is a "mean country" and that they need a handout - that they are entitled to something. This will only breed failure. Instead of empowering people of all backgrounds to put their nose to the grindstone and believe in themselves, this strategy will only make them dependent on a government that cannot, and was never intended to, take care of them. It will doom them to a life of mediocrity when the whole world lies at their feet if only they believe they can achieve. And the entire nation will suffer for their failure. For we only succeed together.

Mrs. Obama, as you become more worldly, and get to know the America outside of the confines of Chicago and the Trinity United Church of Christ, I am convinced you will find a country that is much warmer and friendlier than you have dared to dream actually exists. I am certain that over time, if you have an open mind and an open heart, you will recognize the goodness of this country. And I pray that you and your husband inspire Americans to succeed as you have. Both of you have great stories of what can be accomplished - but only in America! Celebrate your stories and lead others to dream that they too can accomplish great things!

Counting the Cost

As Barak Obama sails into the White House propelled by his "righteous wind" the rest of America can finally sit back, catch our collective breath, and contemplate what we have done. I must give credit to all of the candidates and their staff for the commitment and endurance they displayed to complete a campaign that in some cases lasted two years. I have been fully focused on the election for less than a year, and for all but the last three months from the comfort of my own home. And I am exhausted.

As with anything worth doing, what the American people have accomplished comes with a cost. Anybody following the press today must agree that what we have done certainly was worth doing! A country with a legacy of slave ownership and a long history of civil rights strife has elected an African-American to the most powerful office in the land - arguably the most powerful office in the world. This truly is of note. We can feel very good about this noble accomplishment. It certainly was a long time coming. I believe it was long overdue. But I cannot say I am proud of the American people for this accomplishment because I believe the cost was too great. While I heartily applaud the election of an African-American to the Presidency, I believe we have selected the wrong African-American. Again, because the cost is too great.

There are many other issues over which we can debate. We can debate the economy, the Iraq War, taxes, gun control, and many, many other issues. However, since the American people, flushed with the excitement of this historical moment, seem to believe there is one overwhelming issue over which to rejoice - the selection of an African-American - I choose to count the cost based on a single issue. What we have paid for this historical accomplishment is our moral and ethical fiber. We have sold out to the radical left wing on the most fundamental issue - life. Barak Obama promised that the first thing he would do as president of the United States is sign the Freedom of Choice Act. This single action would negate all state-level pro-life legislation.

Barak Obama believes a woman has a right to abort her fetus based on the sex of the child. Eighty-two percent of all Americans, and 87.5 percent of American women oppose legislation that would provide this choice. Barak Obama does not believe a physician should be required to notify the parents of an underage female seeking an abortion. Seventy-seven percent of all Americans and 73.5 percent of American women disagree. While fifty-five percent of all Americans believe that life begins at conception and twenty-three percent believe it begins when the child can survive outside the mother's womb, Barak Obama is not sure. And while fifty-one percent of all Americans and 55.5 percent of American women believe that abortion destroys a human life and is manslaughter, Barak Obama does not. Surveys have shown that in general, most Americans believe that moral concerns should be more important in their daily lives than material concerns. Once again, Barak Obama disagrees.

It is clear that America does not agree with Barak Obama on this fundamental issue. Though surveys show the American people believe morals are more important than material things, they plainly did not demonstrate that with their vote. No, the voting public clearly elevated other issues in this election above moral issues. Yes, we have righted a wrong that has cursed our nation since its birth. We have taken one huge step for racial equality. This is noble indeed. However we have paid a cost that I believe is far too dear. We have sacrificed our unborn children on the altar of Civil Rights.

Will We Choose To Abandon Our Founding Fathers' Principles?

During the 1960's, President Eisenhower ordered Ezra T. Benson, Secretary of Agriculture, to give Nikita Kruschev, the leader of the Soviet Union, a tour of some of our Agricultural facilities. During the tour Kruschev made the extremely bold statement that communism would eventually "consume democracy" in the United States. Naturally, Secretary Benson rebuked this absurd assertion. Mr. Kruschev insisted, and in fact declared that it had already begun. He said that it would be a slow process and that our government would begin to employ communist and socialist programs gradually. He further suggested it would be so gradual the average American would not even recognize it was happening. One of the leading indicators of a socialist government is a massive federal government. Another tenet of socialism is the redistribution of wealth. Sound familiar? Sadly, we witnessed movement in this direction during the Democrat Clinton administration. Even more disconcerting, it has accelerated during the "conservative" Republican Bush administration.

This evening we stand on the brink. An Obama presidency would certainly fulfill the prophecy of Nikita Kruschev. Some may say this statement is an exaggerated, paranoid Republican diatribe. However, it is the words of Obama himself that offer all the evidence we need to know that under his administration the America our Founding Fathers envisioned will cease to exist. Obama has clearly stated that he believes the principles upon which our country was founded should be overturned. In 2001 he said "As radical as I think people try to characterize the Warren Court, it wasn't that radical. It didn't break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers in the Constitution". The Warren Court was recognized as the high point in the use of judicial power for social change. I call this legislating from the bench. The Justices are supposed to render their opinions based upon strict interpretation of the rule of law, as defined in the Constitution, not influence opinions based on their personal social affinity. I believe suggesting that we should "break free from the essential constraints that were placed by the Founding Fathers" is treason in no uncertain terms. Yet tomorrow millions of Americans will go to the polls and vote for a man who is determined to undermine all that makes America free.

Are you afraid? You should be. Because today, we are The Land of the Free. Tomorrow may be quite another story. Regardless of who wins tomorrow I, for one, will be glad to see the election season end. It has been a distraction from the intended purpose of this blog - to examine the blessings and curses of the principles upon which our great nation was founded and has thrived for centuries - principles which may be soon be overturned before our very eyes.

The Character of a President

As the 2008 election season winds down after nearly two years, the election draws near. Tuesday America will decide who our next president will be. And, as many have said, this election will certainly determine the future of our country as no other election in my lifetime has or will. We have looked at tax plans, foreign policy philosophy, energy ideas and positions on Supreme Court Justice nominations. We have heard from Joe the Plumber and Joe the six term Senator. We have heard from Tito the builder and Sarah Barracuda. But there has been very little attention focused on an element of Barak Obama's character and history that truly troubles me - that of his religious background.

It has been argued that he is a closet Muslim. Others argue that he is a Christian and can point to his attendance at a "Christian" church for twenty years. But I do not believe he is a Muslim. Neither do I believe he is a Christian. I believe that the only opinion that matters to Barak Obama is the opinion of Barak Obama. I believe that he is an atheist, and if he does believe in a god, it is himself. I have no evidence that he is an atheist, but there is considerable evidence that he is not a Christian. And if he is not a Christian, the fact that he has told the American nation that he is should be very troubling indeed - to Christians and non-Christians alike, because it goes to the character of the individual.

Since Barak Obama has stated that he is a Christian, let me outline the evidence against his claim. All evidence presented here was obtained on the Christian Anti-Defamation Commission web site.

First, in a 2004 interview with Catherine Falsani Barak Obama stated "I believe there are many paths to the same place". In a meeting of evangelical leaders in 2008, when asked if Jesus was the only way to salvation, Obama stated, "Jesus is the only way for me". This clearly implies that he believes there are other paths. He further stated that "All people of Faith - Christians, Jews, Muslims, Animists, everyone - knows the same God". This may mean nothing to non-believers. But Christians know that in John 14:6, Jesus said" I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me". No Christian would ever state that there are many paths to heaven, and no Christian believes that all religions share the same God.

Second, Barak Obama denies the authority of the Bible. Recently Obama stated "Now this is going to be difficult for some who believe in the inerrancy of the Bible...". He further misused Biblical passages regarding the golden rule to condone homosexuality. He also used a scriptural passage as a rallying cry, calling it an American promise. He said "Let us keep that promise, that American promise, and in the words of scripture, hold firmly, without wavering to the hope that we confess." The hope that we confess is not the hope in this nation, but the hope we have in Jesus. So although he does not believe in the inerrancy of the Bible, he quotes scripture to lend credibilty to his campaign.

Third, Senator Obama supports special privileges for homosexuality. He condemned black pastors who faithfully decry homosexuality as against God's word. He stated that "most African American churches are still fairly traditional in the interpretation of scripture. And so from the pulpit or in sermons you still hear homophobic attitudes expressed." Conversely, the church Obama attends just voted to approve same sex marriage. Scripture clearly condemns homosexuality, and in many different passages. In the interest of saving space I will include only one passage here. In Romans 1:27, Paul writes: "Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversions." Further, Obama has promised to overturn the federal defense of marriage act.

Fourth, Barak Obama is the most liberal Senator in the United States on the subject of abortion. He proudly claimed that "I have consistently had a 100% pro-choice rating with Planned Parenthoodand Naral Pro-Choice America". He has also stated clearly that "The first thing I'd do as President is sign the Freedom of Choice Act." This would stop states from restricting abortions of any kind - even partial birth abortions. On four separate occasions, Barak Obama has voted against bills that would provide health care for survivors of failed abortions. Christians revere all life as sacred as scripture clearly declares. Psalm 139 verses 13 -14 states: "For you formed my inward parts...You covered me in my mother's womb; I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made".

Fifth, Senator Obama affirmed that the Muslim call to prayer is "one of the prettiest sounds on earth at sunset." Moreover, he recited the call to prayer in Arabic with a perfect first class Arabic accent. The call to prayer states repetitively that "Allah is supreme" and "I witness there is not god but Allah", and finally "I witness that Mohammed is his prophet".

Sixth, the principal teachings of Obama's home church for twenty years were based upon Black Liberation Theology which states, among other things, that "Whiteness as revealed in the history of America, is the expression of what is wrong with man. It is a symbol of man's depravity". Jesus clearly rejected any form of race based theology.

Finally, Barak Obama has no Bona Fide Christian testimony. Clearly a true conversion experience must include confessing one's sin and repenting. But when asked to define sin, Obama stated that sin is "being out of alignment with my values". The Bible states that sin is violation of God's law. Barak Obama further states that "Jesus is an historical figure for me, and he's also a bridge between God and man, in the Christian faith".

I believe the evidence reproduced here is enough to convict Senator Obama by his own words. I do not necessarily believe that a man, or woman, must be a Christian to be President of the United States. I do have a concern that a man might affect a conversion to Christianity to make himself acceptable as a candidate to the American people. It is clear to me that Senator Obama is not a Christian, though he has stated that he is. Perhaps he believes the fact that he states he is a Christian is enough. However, there are certain beliefs that Christians of all denominations share. And clearly many of these essentials are not shared by Barak Obama. Though the true faith and belief of a man is strictly between himself and God, and no one else can know whether or not faith is true, my belief is that Barak Obama is not a Christian, and that his conversion was one calculated act among many calculated acts to prepare him for his run for the Presidency. If we elect Barak Obama, we are electing a man who will stop at nothing to become President. But this is only the beginning. What is Barak Obama's ultimate agenda? Becoming President of the United States, the most powerful man in the free world, is only one more step towards his final purpose. Only time will reveal his ultimate objective.

Who doesn't want health care?

Naturally everyone wants health care coverage. And this is one of the most costly recurring expense items in the budget of a normal America family. The problem must certainly be addressed. But what are our options? For years the Democrats have been pushing Universal Health Care. And on the surface, it may look like a great idea. But once you dig beneath that surface, the challenges are apparent. Many countries have implemented this type of health care program. One need look no further than our great neighbor to the north, Canada, to see how Universal Health Care works, or does not work, in application. Senator Obama is proposing Universal Health Care as an option, and would make some sort of health care compulsory for children.

From where I sit, I see a number of problems. I always say that experience is the best teacher, but it does not need to be your own personal experience. I prefer to see how things have worked for others before I try it myself. If others fail, or consistently report negative results , I don't try it. The countries that have implemented Universal Health Care have already done the research we need. Without exception countries that have implemented this type of program have found that there are not enough doctors or facilities to go around. So treatments which could be life-saving or at the least quality of life improvements, are rationed. Under this system older citizens are not valued as much as younger citizens because they have already lived a full life and the youngsters have many more productive, tax-paying years ahead of them. In our country, it would not be out of the realm of possibility to see a senior tax-paying citizen denied a procedure so that a young illegal alien could receive it.

Doctors and nurses in countries with Universal Health Care programs regularly report that their Emergency Rooms are out of control. Where you might complain about waiting for six to eight hours to be seen here, Canadians regularly wait more than twelve hours for Emergency Room care. Many doctors and nurses are changing professions or moving to other countries because they cannot take the stress of being constantly overwhelmed by the over saturation of the system. Others are driven away because they are not rewarded as handsomely for their skills because the government keeps their pay low, ostensibly to keep costs down. This results in fewer health care professionals, further overloading the systems.

Some states have experimented with Universal Health Care as well. Just this year Hawaii implemented an optional Universal Health Care Plan for children only. The idea was to ensure that all children were covered. This really is a worthy cause. But they were not ready for what happened. Families that were paying for health care dropped those programs so they could participate in the free program. This reduced their monthly budget so they could spend more money on other necessities like groceries and gas which are very expensive in Hawaii. But this increased the number of participants in the program far beyond what the state anticipated. After seven months the program was terminated because it went bankrupt.

If Senator Obama becomes our next president he will have the opportunity to partner with Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to implement whatever plans they want. A Democrat President with a Democrat majority in both the House and the Senate has a rubber stamp for his, or her, programs. While many things a president could rubber stamp in this environment could later be changed by future administrations, things like Universal Health Care likely could not easily be reversed. You see, Universal Health Care is an entitlement program. Americans would be entitled to free health care. And entitlements, once implemented, are virtually impossible to stop. I can almost guarantee a President Obama would make Universal Health Care - and free Pre-school education and child care, another entitlement program - top priorities for his very first year in office.

The alternative is to make it possible for Americans to select their health care providers. In a free market system, providers compete for consumers. The provider with the best care at the best price gets the most consumers. A plan which would enable Americans to shop around for health care, with providers competing, is good for the economy, good for the consumers, and good for America. I do not believe five thousand dollars is enough to secure health care for a family. But it does offset some of the cost. And I believe making the free market system work for America is always smarter than trusting the government to provide for us. After all, how many programs do you know for which the government is the best provider.