WWJD
This is a response to the letters of Heather Smith (November 16th), suggesting that we show respect for our new president, and of William Folger (November 23rd), stating that "President elect Obama does not respect Jesus" and therefore doesn't deserve our respect. Heather shows some wisdom; Folger shows some arrogance.
Folger gives Smith a nice smack down by writing that she "in her youth," does not really understand things as well as he does. He, being a very righteous older person, I gather, finds that Obama has "convicted" himself because Obama supports abortion and stem cell research; ergo, Obama is a bad Christian and "disrespects Jesus."
Poor, young Heather, to be thus taken to task for so foolishly and ignorantly wanting us to be respectful when the righteous elders of the world know so much better!
I agree with both of them. Unlike Heather, I am no "youth" at age 70; I agree that we should show respect toward our elected political leaders. We can also disagree with them, respectfully. Unlike Folger, I am not so certain that I possess the whole truth, and cannot therefore "convict" anyone of being "bad"; but I do oppose the idea of abortion as the taking of life, like murder. But that is my opinion and my belief. Other people -- including good, decent Christians -- have the belief and opinion that abortion is morally neutral. Okay; we disagree. That doesn't make one or the other of us a "bad Christian" who "doesn't respect Jesus." It means only that we honestly disagree.
Presdent-elect Obama does not have the freedom, as President, to change his "opinion" to suit Folger or me. He has to follow the law, not opinions. Opinion is not constitutional law.
These kind of smack down, name-calling arguments do nothing to improve the discussion. Righteous, religious bloviating is a turn-off and actually hardens opinions. Jesus, if He were here, would probably try to gently persuade, rather than to nail objectors to some cross. Try it, Folger.
Incidentally, there are a large number of non-Christians in America who have "opinions" on both sides of abortion rights and stem cell research; and they don't care if Obama is a "good" or "bad" Christian, or does or doesn't "respect Jesus." They just want him to be a good American leader who can be respected by them and the world.
You see, America is not a theocracy. For better or for worse it is a democracy, where people vote and choose leaders -- even if that disappoints those who think they have cornered the market on virtue and value.
Edward B. Golla
Springettsbury Township
Well spoken. Every elected official should be treated with respect. I have commented frequently on my disappointment in the way the media and Americans in general have treated President Bush. It has been disgraceful. I will vocally disagree with any president when necessary, but name calling and hate-filled language is unnecessary. I would argue that none of us are "Good Christians" as we all fall short of God's standard. However, all Christians are called to obey God's word, so it is appaling when "Christians" advocate for abortion. Obama's stance on abortion is wrong from any Christian point of view and I pray that he changes his mind.