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Allegiance

Is it just me, or does it seem that we have been in the presidential campaign season for years? Politicians are an exclusive group, in my opinion, and their are no "outsiders" among them, at least not on the national level. You reach that point by being one of them, and knowing how the system works. A teacher once told me that perhaps the best qualified individuals would never even consider running for office, let alone get elected.

The past 18 years or so I have had the theory that the people will elect the presidential candidate with the best last name, with some consideration given to looks. We've not had a Mondale, Gore, Dole,Dukakis, or Kerry, but we elected a Bush, Clinton, and Bush II. Assuming that McCain wins the Republican nomination, I don't like his chances again Hilary Clinton. I think her name beats his name. But Obama? I don't know what to do about that. Right now it is a toss up - their names tie. So then it goes to looks, and there it is not contest becaus McCain isn't beating any body in a beauty contest, and Obama is someone you would want to go to dinner with. So, either way, I think the Republicans are in trouble this fall, but the pickings were slim namewise: Huckabee, Romney, Guiliani? The Democrats have had a much more competitive field in the name arena, and I really thought Edwards was a winner (names and looks), but oh well.

Don't laugh. I may be on to something. You tell me...do more Americans make informed, well-reasoned and principled decisions at the ballot box, or do they cast their votes based on something as simple and superficial as names and looks? God help us.

This year the politcs seem to be so personal and passionate, due in large part to the war. With so many of our family and friends sacrificing so much, passions run deep in politics. I see good Christian people, Democrats and Republicans alike, sincerely seeking answers to our nation's challenges and prayerfully seeking the Lord's guidance. Often these people speak and lead from a spiritual authority, believing they have discerned the Lord's will on a particular matter, while their political opponent says the same thing. Who's right?

Abraham Lincoln sturggled with this during the Civil War, observing that both sides believe the Lord to be supporting them. Lincoln said both MAY be wrong, but one MUST be wrong, because God cannot be both for and against something at the same time. A general once commented to Lincoln that he hoped the Lord was on their side. Lincoln thought a moment and then said, "I hope we are on the Lord's side."

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