Did McCain Make the Right Choice?

Well, the 2008 Presidential campaign just got jucier.

Senator John McCain picked a woman as his vice-presidential candidate. Personally, I like that. I like it because it's more true to who John McCain says that he is, and that is his claim that he's a maverick. For those of you who have been hearing that term and are not clear on what it means; a maverick is someone who is independent, a non-tranditionalist who refuses to conform to the accepted views on a subject.

Tip: If you're ever going to be anything in this life, you've got to have some "maverick" in you. Jesus was the "ultimate maverick." Just take some time and read the gospels to see how he broke down the religious walls of partition between God and his people. Now back to McCain.

We all thought it was between Joe Lieberman and Mitt Romney, but John McCain, the maverick that he is, pulled a 120 mph curve ball on all of us, and chose Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his vice-presidential candidate. But did he make the right choice?

Palin, the youngest person ever elected governor of Alaska and also the first woman to obtain the office is relatively an unknown in mainstream politics. How this will coincide with the "experience" factor of John McCain's campagin remains to be seen. CNN thinks it is an attempt to reach out to Hillary Clinton supporters who are still unhappy about the choice of Sen. Barack Obama as the nominee.

Gov. Palin, who is only 44 years old told the crowd, "To have been chosen brings a great challenge. I know it will demand the best that I have to give and I promise nothing less."

Now here's a thought: John McCain's campaign mantra is that he runs the "Straight Talk Express." He has run a campaign much like Hillary's in that he literally spent his adult life in the halls of Washington. In other words his strong point has been that he has experience that Obama doesn't have. It is interesting that in his vice-presidential choice he would choose someone who is younger than Sen. Obama, has less experience in public life and service than Obama, and is less known than Obama; tell me, where is the logic or campaign strategy in this choice?

Additionally, Palin is under investigation for her firing of a state official, Public Safety Commissioner Walt Monegan. Word from Alaska is that Palin fired Monegan for a refusal to fire her former brother-in-law from the state police. Palin acknowledges that a call was made by a member of her staff initiating this request, but she did not give them authority to do so.

Folks, if Dan Thomas was in John McCain's shoes, Sarah Palin would've stayed in Alaska. Period. I think John McCain, unless Palin turns out to be SuperWoman, just threw his candidacy for President of the United States in the Potomac River with a huge millstone around its neck. This decision (and I stand to be corrected if proven wrong) was just stupid. And after 30 years of politics and knowing the game in Washington, this seems like a rookie move at best.

Or maybe John McCain knows something we don't know. We shall see. The true question is will Palin undercut John McCain's central campaign message? Read an interesting article here.

I still ain't voting for him, but at least the election season won't dip in the entertainment ratings.

For more insight on McCain's VP pick click on the articles below.

The Palin Pick: Bold or Disastrous?-by Mark Halperin, Time Magazine Online

Why McCain Picked Palin-by Michael Grunwalkd and Jay Newton-Small, Time Magazine Online

Palin's Political Resume-by Tiffany Sharples, Time Magazine Online

History in the Making

Tonight at Invesco Field, formerly known as Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO, Sen. Barack Obama will give his acceptance speech for nomination as the Democratic Party's candidate for President of the United States of America.

This historic speech is being made on the 45th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr's speech on the Lincoln Memorial, famously known as the "I Have a Dream" speech. I think it is safe to say that the timing is not coincidental.

Although Sen. Obama and I are diametrically opposed to each other when it comes to issues on abortion and the allowance of same-sex unions, as a black man in America, it is impossible not to feel an overwhelming sense of pride and accomplishment. I feel as if I am Barack Obama. Whether you like him or not, his ability to inspire people to look beyond their present obstacles to the realization of forgotten hopes and dreams is irrefutable and undeniable.

Howard Hemsley, an African-American delegate from New York told CNN reporters, "This is something that people like me have been waiting for for days, weeks...years. He's going to the White House. He's going to be our next president.

I haven't been waiting as long as Mr. Hemsley, but I feel the vestiges of the rift caused by many years of prejudice and injustice. Indeed, this is a great day in America's history. This is the America that I've heard about, but now I'm seeing it on a national scale. Make no mistake about it, I love my country and I'm glad to be alive to be able to see it fulfill some of its high ideals.

Even President Bill Clinton, in the wake of his wife's almost devastating speech the night before (I'll have a critical analysis of her speech ready in a few days), cleaned up the spilled milk and let America know Obama is ready to lead. He said, "Sen. Obama's life is a 21st-century incarnation of the old-fashioned American dream. His achievements are proof of our continuing progress toward the more perfect union of our founders' dreams," he said. "Barack Obama will lead us away from the division and fear of the last eight years back to unity and hope."

Well said President Clinton. Read the transcript of Bill's speech here. Mr. Clinton, I think the African-American community is ready for you to play your saxophone again. Thank you. Thank you for setting the record straight, that Obama is not only the best choice, that he not only has judgment and character, but experientially he can lead this country. He can lead us on the issue of healthcare. He can erase our national debt. He can sever our dependence on foreign oil. He can prepare America to face the inevitable changes of energy consumption and lead the free world in doing so. He is not status quo. He is a visionary that sees into the future to ensure that we do not repeat the mistakes of our past and that we create a safe and secure future for subsequent generations. That's who Barack Obama is.

Let's make history. Obama-Biden '08

A Critical Analysis of Sen. Hillary Clinton's Speech

Admittedly, I am not a fan of Hillary Clinton (mainly because I think she is narcissitic in nature), and she has yet to step into the floodlights of reality and accept that she lost to Sen. Barack Obama.

I judge Sen. Clinton's speech on content and delivery. I hope that my comments do not appear to be too personal, however, I think what she displayed was a monstrous effort to suppress her disdain for Barack, the fact that she lost, and that she was not speaking on Thursday to accept the nomination. With all of her efforts to push back the dam of resentment, anger, and yes even jealously, her statements still found a way to manufacture cracks and crevices in what I believe was designed to appear to be a sealed endorsement for Sen. Obama. Unfortunately, to many including myself, it didn't quite come across that way.

I think her husband filled in all the holes that she left on the next night, that by many seemed deliberate and intentional. Or maybe it was a setup from the beginning. We will never know, will we?


Here is a copy of the New York Times online transcript of Hillary's speech for your reading pleasure.

Has Hillary Clinton Lost Her Mind?

Okay, enough is enough and too much stinks.

As you may well know by now Hillary Clinton has requested that her name be placed on the ballot for nomination at the Democratic National convention set to commence on Monday, August 25th. Incredible! Can you believe this?

I can't remember where I read it or heard it, but they called the 18 million votes that she garnered during her primary run against Senator Obama, "the 18 million holes in the highest glass ceiling." What exactly is that supposed to mean?

When do you accept the fact that YOU lost Hillary? No if's and's or but's about it, YOU lost.
We have watched you for two months after losing bamboozle and swindle your voters into a hate movement against Barack that would make the Republican machine tuck its tail between its legs and run.

How much more does Barack have to put up with? They've used every excuse to disqualify him. He's too young. He's too arrogant. He doesn't know enough. He doesn't have any foreign policy experience; and the list goes on and on. She wined and cried about the fact that he's getting too much media attention (incidentally so is Sen. John McCain), she also stated that she was getting set up when it came to the debate questions, and many other outrageous claims.

In one breath she's saying that as a presidential candidate Barack should expect attacks from every angle, but in another breath she land blasts Barack for ads that he put out to defend his own name in response to her attack ads. Does anyone see the blatant hypocrisy here?

When do the Clinton's learn that when an era is over, it's over; at least until your time comes around again. We love the Clintons, but this is disrespect at the highest level, to say the least.

Now I know no one wants to say it and we've tried to keep it under wraps this entire campaign season, but before the general election gets underway allow me to just say what everyone else has not said or has stated in coded language. Barack is black, and that's the REAL problem.

The man graduated from an Ivy League school. He was President of the Harvard Law Review. He has been a distinguished professor and lawyer in one of America's toughest cities. He displayed judgment that exceeded his age and experience in giving what could have been a career-crippling speech in 2002 when he spoke out against America's choice to go into Iraq. Since he has been in the U.S. Senate, Barack Obama has written 890 bills and co-sponsored another 1096. See here and here for proof.

He's a doer, not just a talker. Hillary Clinton in 6 years has authored just 20 pieces of legislation. Can someone please tell me why this woman's name is still being submitted as a democratic nominee for President of the United States?

Now, I've moved on from Hillary, but let's be honest and admit that until they crown Barack as the nominee, and as long as Hillary's name is still on that ballot, HE IS NOT THE NOMINEE. That's why you still see the word "presumptive" by his name, which by interpretation means, "anything can happen."

Let's ask some questions. How are the 18 million that voted for Hillary not being recognized? You had the right and privilege to vote. Your vote was counted. Respect the Democratic methodology of delegate counting. Your beef shouldn't be with Barack, it should be with the Democratic system. Why should his candidacy be in question?

Let's ask another question. Do we really want a president (Hillary Clinton) that displays this type of spitefulness equivalent to high school conduct? Could we even in the slightest bit trust her when she couldn't tame the folks working for her in her campaign? Can we really trust her to fix the budget crisis when she was in debt at the end of her campaign?

This brings me to another point that I think that by reaching out financially and helping her erase her debt Barack has done more than enough. Hillary's a sore loser. What else does she want?

There's an article from 08/14/08 on CNN's website that details this and basically gives what I believe to be some of the most ridiculous and bogus reasons to defend what Clinton is doing.

Once again a minority has to scrape the bottom to keep what he doesn't even have yet.

The Examination

"Who's there?" Nicodemus asked out loud, looking behind him, as his heart began to race uncontrollably. With excited gasps he hurried along the dark path knowing he was placing his reputation on the line, but he couldn't shake the thought that there was something different about him. How did he know the Scriptures so well? He'd never seen him in any of the schools. He never came to any of the debates, he'd never even seen him with a rabbi. He just showed up at the temple one day claiming to be the fulfillment of prophecy.

Sure, he'd seen false prophets before. They've got an appealing message, great speaking skills, even a few magic tricks enough to get people to follow them, but usually they dissipate after their promises go unfilfilled. But this man was different. He didn't know how, but he he was.

And then there were those stories about him astounding the religious elite at 12 years old! Was that really true? How is it that they'd never heard of him until now? There were so many questions he wanted to ask him. He wasn't sure he would be able to remember them all, but he'd try.

As he walked, the night dust from the road cooled his weary feet as it had been another grueling day with with the council. He remembered the argument at the council that day well.

"He is not the Messiah!" Caiaphas shouted. "No one is saying that he is Caiaphas, Nicodemus retorted. But can we truly say he is not from God? His teachings do not contradict the Scriptures."

Caiaphas stood up with his hands in the air, looked at the council and sarcastically shouted, "I think we have one of his disciples in our midst! The council burst into laughter. He then looked at Nicodemus and whispered, Are you his disciple now too Nicodemus?"

"No, I am not, Nicodemus replied with a strange calm. However, I intend to find out who this man is. I will not sit here and make baseless judgments about him. I will speak to him myself."

"Now, now Nicodemus, cautioned Annas, Caiapha's father-in-law. We know you're a great teacher, with respect from all of us and the people, but this man is surrounded by unrelenting mobs until dusk everyday. How do you expect to get an audience with him? He has refused to talk with us except for when we confront him openly with the people!

Nicodemus looked down, breathed a sigh, chuckled and said, "Precisely. I will not confront him while others are present. I will meet with him alone. Maybe he'll feel more comfortable that way. Maybe he'll open up."

"And maybe he won't! Caiaphas shouted as he lept out of the high priest's chair again. Nicodemus, you just remember who you are and what you stand for. This man is very convincing-

"I don't need a lesson from you Caiaphas! And you don't have to give your insincere words of concern. We all know you wouldn't be high priest if it wasn't for your father-in-

At that moment Annas stood up. Nicodemus caught Anna's gaze, exhaled and said, "Forgive me brothers. I know this is a volatile issue. If I am successful in meeting with him I will report my findings immediately to the council."

"It is not the pleasure of the Sanhedrin that you meet with him Nicodemus, said Caiaphas with authority. He is a phony and a fake. It will just be a matter of time before the people figure it out and then we'll have to clean up the mess he left just like all those before him. If you meet with him it will show that there is division in the council. We forbid you to go."

The two men stared for what seemed like an eternity. Finally Nicodemus spoke. "I must know for myself. That is all I will say."

"What a crazy day, Nicodemus thought to himself! I hope no one is following me. I cannot afford a cirucs show." He looked up. The moon was cascading a strange iredescent glow seemingly leading him to his place of destination. "It's never been this bright at night in Jerusalem before, he said to himself."

Suddenly he begin to entertain the thought of sending the same student that spoke to Jesus on his behalf to cancel the appointment. It was as if his mind was playing hide-and-go seek. A wry smile crossed his face. "What I am scared of? I'm a ruler of the Jews...I'm a teacher of the law. I'm representing the Sanhedrin Council, well, sort of. Regardless, he should be nervous to see me!"

He took a deep breath, closed his eyes, and whispered the name that should not be spoken.

As he cautiously placed one foot in front of the other, his eyes begin to scan left and right hoping he was not being followed as he made his way out from behind the wall. The light of the moon keeping him out of the enveloping darkness.

He was close now. He knew the area well. He had come here many times to give private lessons to his students. This is why he suggested it to Jesus.

And then he saw him. And for some reason he couldn't explain all of his nervousness vanished immdediately.

He gulped. He was drawn to him. The environment was surreal. He could hear the wind rustling, his heart making rythmic patterns that matched the soul of the night.

"Shalom, Rabbi, Jesus said, breaking the silence." "Shalom, said Nicodemus, not being able to take his eyes off of him."

"Nice to finally meet you Jesus, son of Joseph." "Likewise, Jesus said with a smile." It's something about this man, Nicodemus thought. He's too - pure. Argh! Those eyes! That penetrating stare! It was if he was looking into you...as if he knew everything about me.

Jesus motioned to two nearby rocks as a place to sit down. "So what brings us here tonight Nicodemus, Jesus asked."

Nicodemus could not bring himself to look Jesus in the face. "What is wrong with me?", Nicomdemus thought. This is incredulous. Why am I so nervous?" He started to twist his hands in a washing motion and stood up from the rock with his back turned to Jesus in an attempt to gather his emotions before he answered Jesus' question.

He breathed a heavy sigh once more and turned around and said, "Rabbi, we know that you're a gifted teacher and this giftedness can only come from one source, and that is God himself. We are sure of this because if God was not with you, you could not do the miracles that you do.

Jesus nodded his head. He rested his chin in his hand looking intently into Nicodemus' eyes as if he was hanging on every word that he spoke. He nodded once more and said, "Nicodemus, I tell you the truth except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

He fixed his gaze on Nicodemus with the moonlight passing over his face as he produced a smile and stood up from the rock and begin to walk in a half circle now adjacent to Nicodemus. The silence was eerie as Nicodemus begin to feel like he was the one who had been summoned to this place instead of him summoning Jesus.

As the silence continued for what seemed like time without end, Nicodemus pondered what Jesus had just said. "Born again?, he thought to himself. What an answer! Doesn't he know I'm a ruler of the law? He chuckled to himself. I was "born again" at my barmitsfa at 13 years old. I was born again when I was accepted into the most prestigious rabbinnical school in Jerusalem at the age of 20. At age 30 I became a very distinguished rabbi. I was born again just a few years ago at 50 when I took over a school and became a ruler of the law. I am born again! What is he talking about? Some rabbi! If it's an intellectual debate he wants, then it's an intellecutal debate he will get!

Breaking the silence Nicodemus smiled and said, "Tell me Jesus, how can a man be born again when he is old? Lifting his hands in a questioning gesture he continued, honestly, can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born? This I would like to see!"

Jesus did not break his posture. He did not blink while Nicodemus spoke. He did not seem to be moved by his sarcasm. He spoke and said, "Again, my friend, I tell you the truth except a man be born of the water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Nicodemus began to feel uneasy. What was this man talking about? He's a Jew just like me. He knows what it means to be born again. I've already reached the pinnacle of being "born again." Is he suggesting that I missed something?

Nicodemus no longer felt in control of the conversation. The words that Jesus spoke penetrated him. He felt as if there was a void within him, a hole, an emptiness. "What was happening to me, Nicodemus thought?"

"Nicodemus, Jesus spoke. There are two births a man must experience in order to see and enter the kingdom of God. He must be born of the flesh. This is a natural birth that humans give. Humans can only reproduce human life. But he also must be born of the Spirit...he must be born from above, this is the life from heaven. Don't be surpised that I am telling you that you must be born again. Is this not what you have come for? Is this not what has been gnawing at you for weeks? Is this not giving you an answer to your emptiness since the first time you heard me teach?

Listen, let me explain what I mean. The Spirit that brings the life from heaven is like the wind. You can hear the wind, but you can't tell where it comes from or even where it is going, and in the same way you can't explain how people are born of the Spirit."

"I don't understand. What do you mean, Nicodemus asked?"

"Oh, Nicodemus, Jesus said sarcastically. You are a highly respected Jewish teacher and you don't understand these things? Again, I am telling you the truth. I am telling you what we know and what I have seen and yet you won't believe us. If you don't believe me about the things I tell you that are happening here on earth, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about things going on in heaven?

For only I, the Son of Man, have come to earth and I will return to heaven again. Do you remember when Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness to heal the diseases of the people?
Even I, the Son of Man, must be lifted up and whoever believes in me will have eternal life.

Nicodemus, listen to me. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone that believes in him, will not perish, but have eternal life. God did not send his Son to condemn the world, but to save it."

Nicodemus sat back down on the rock. He began to shake his head. "It can't be true, he said out loud. It can't be true. He looked at Jesus breathing heavily, Wha-Wha-What do I do? What does this mean? How can I-

"Nicodemus, sit down for a moment, Jesus said. There is no judgment awaiting those who trust him. But those who do not trust him have already been judged for not believing in the only Son of God. Their judgment is based on this fact: The light from heaven came into the world, but they loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil. They hate the light because they want to sin in the darkness. They stay away from the light for fear their sins will be exposed and they will be punished. But those who do what is right come to the light gladly, so everyone can see that they are doing what God wants."

"Do you see what I mean, Rabbi Nicodemus, Jesus asked?"

"Yes, Jesus son of Joseph. I see clearly."

Summary: Sometimes people approach Jesus to examine him with microscopic doubts and suspicisons not understanding that the reason why they have approached him is becuase he has drawn them. This is what happened to Nicodemus. He came to examine Jesus, yet Jesus examined him with the light of the Word. Has this ever happened to you? I'm sure it has. It may have happened when you first accepted Jesus. It may even be happening now as God uses you to draw people to him. I leave you with this question: When was the last time you allowed God to examine you?

Note: Text from the conversation of Jesus and Nicodemus was taken from the KJV and the NLT, respectively. Portions of this story, in particular the conversation in the Sanhedrin council, Nicodemus' thoughts leading up to his conversation with Jesus, his reponses and reactions to Jesus' words , and Jesus' thoughts in the conversation are part of my literary imagination in an attempt to tell a story, not to change Scripture. My additions are not part of the sacred text, they have no historical or canonical basis and are not intended to be taken as such.