Friday, January 21, 2005

The same old...same old

Interesting...I see where all of the right wing columnists are filling their columns with cries of "sour grapes!" as they vilify anyone who doesn't agree with their praise of Bush II. Would they have written such drivel 8 years ago? Of course not, they were RIGHT at the time. This time, the opposition is WRONG.

Once again I have to examine all of the reasons for my dislike of Bush and it’s something I do frequently, as I don’t want to be caught up in some unnecessary fury because I didn’t have my facts straight. But, some of the reasons for my dislike of the man are simply emotional and based on my perception of what kind of person he is. And the first reason for my disdain of the man is the fact that he is following in his father’s footsteps. Now if his father was a tool and die maker, a carpenter or a physician, I wouldn’t be quite as critical, although I dislike any hint of nepotism and I believe that everyone should make their own way in this world. But his father was a politician and so the only way he could advance in that career was through the influence peddling of his father. He had no skills, he was a failed businessman, despite the Saudi business connections with his father, and the office of governor in Texas is mainly ceremonial, as the lieutenant governor wields all of the political power in that state. The second reason for my dislike of the man is also an emotional one. Prior to the first of the Bush/Republican conventions, Bush and Cheney were discussing a newsman in derogatory (profane) terms and their comments were heard on an open microphone. He never apologized. What kind of man would do that? And the third reason, also emotional, is the fact that he allowed a photographer to shoot pictures of himself and his cabinet while they were supposedly in prayer. That alone tells me just what kind of person he is…and although these reasons of mine seem small and perhaps petty, his actions have since borne out all of my suppositions. "Perception is Reality"

As I said, some of the reasoning for my disdain for Bush is emotional and that is something not easily overcome. Example: I have always believed that those who worked, worked with their hands, had a special nobility that those who only observed or directed the work would never attain. That, of course, is hogwash. Those who work with their hands would much rather be watching the work and getting paid for it. That is our human and sinful nature and although we talk a lot about democracy and a classless society, we are still very much divided into classes and class envy (dare we call it “class hatred”?) exists.

3 comments:

  1. I struggle with the idea of vocations also. I used to think it was far nobler to be a janitor than a CEO. I spent a good portion of my life holding disdain for the idea of clergy and laity, white collar and blue collar. As I have gotten older (and arguably wiser) I've discovered the universal plan in action. We all have vocations, we all have purposes. It is neither more or less noble to be a janitor or a CEO. I think between the church and my years in the military I've come to understand the idea of respecting the vocation over the person filling the billet. While I hold firefighters on a pedestal I understand at his or her core he or she is no different than I, a sinner. We each have our vocations, some Pastors, some paint salesmen, some janitors, some fast food workers. I am no better than any of these. In some cases I have to respect the vocations and positions of those over me even if I do not like the person holding the position.

    For instance, in my church the Priest is the pastor of the faithful. I may disagree with how he talks to his wife, how he keeps his hair, his pious opinions, etc. but I have to respect his vocation, his position. I identify not with the individual Priest (or janitor, CEO, etc.) but the faith (or system God has implimented). It is really a balancing act, for instance you emotionally don't like Bush, I am not a big fan either. When Pres. Bush was sworn in people were fliping him off. I couldn't imagine ever flipping Pres. Clinton off. I remember Clinton visited our base and there was a movement to turn from his car (so that we didn't have to salute him. I was mortified, the office of the President is what has my respect, not the person holding it. I was saluting the divine providence that made this nation. When I kiss the priest hand it is a show of respect for the priesthood, for one reason because I would never want to be a pastor, and two because the vocations are God ordained. I may not kiss the janitors hand, or the Presidents but I have that same veneration for their vocation.

    Now when we get to the issue of porn stars or abortion doctors I now have disdain for the vocation but love for the person (and all persons).

    In venerating the icons of the saints I am reminded of not the personhood of the saint but what God has done through them.

    Perhaps it might help to remember that President Bush was made in the Image of God and that God loves him. Support him where you can and oppose him where you must. I think keeping our focus on God being in charge can help the anguish of four years of a President you disagree with. No matter what happens God is in charge. If I didn't believe that I'd be an alcoholic or drug user.

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  2. Thank you for your comments...

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  3. No problem, just keep bloggin away!

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