On politics

I haven't written too much about politics lately. Most of you know I support Obama and will vote for him in November. But I don't want to talk to you about it, because some of you may be voting differently and we could go round and round about our different views and that will make me grumpy.

The introduction of Sarah Palin into the race has stirred up strong feelings in me along with everyone else, it seems. Sure, she's well spoken and I like the fact that she decided to keep her downs syndrome baby. But I also despise her views on the environment and animal rights. Some Evangelical Christians seem to think she's the best thing since sliced bread. I don't. (And while I'm a Christian I don't really consider myself "evangelical". But that's a whole other discussion).

But what bothers me more than Sarah Palin and her oil-drilling, moose-hunting, wolf-killing ways is that every election year I feel that politics separates me from friends and family.

I don't like it. It makes me uncomfortable. So I tend to keep quiet about my feelings and beliefs and when one of my friends says something like "So, what do ya think about that Sarah Palin?" I make a generic comment like, "well, she seems spunky!" Then I start talking about the weather. I don't want to talk to you about it. I'm not going to try to convince you that my views are better than your views.

However you vote in November, I will still be your friend. Because what connects us is usually something that transcends politics.

Whenever I get stirred up about this political race and the fact that my candidate may not win in November, I have to remember that if we put our hope in politics, we will always be disappointed.

I read Daily Kos, the progressive, liberal political blog, and then I hop on over to Greg Boyd or Scot McNight's blog (read his post, "Voting for President? 2 -- posted on September 5) to regain my perspective.

Whoever wins in November, life will go on. I will continue to work toward the kingdom of God by loving those around me and trying to heal what's broken in this world in some small way.