My post on our new President elect has elicited an awful lot of comments. I’ve found some of the comments of those who agree with me to be pretty creepy. They compare the new president to Hitler and go over the top with hints of secret movers and shakers and Illuminati and sound crazily conspiratorial. Oooh! Scary! He might even be a vampire!
However, the most spooky ones are those who take me to task–not over the veracity of anything I have said, not disputing the grisly pro abortion stance of this man, or the frightening socialism he espouses, not quarreling with me because I have mistaken his Chicago underworld connections, his terrorist friends or his shallow rhetoric, but attacking me purely in sentimental and racist terms.
Because I have not bowed down at the Obama Greek temple and anointed him as the Messiah for our age I am blamed for being racist and self righteous and hateful. Come now, if people want real debate why don’t they argue that the man is not a socialist, or that socialism is, after all, the real American way, or that he is not associated with criminal members of the underworld, terrorists and members of the angry racist crowd?
Why not argue with me about the truth of his record and say that, in fact, the man is not in favor of infanticide, that I have got it wrong, that he is not in favor of the termination of babies right up to the moment of birth, that I have made a mistake and he is, after all, a compassionate man who wants to defend life? Why not point out, (if it is true) that he is really in favor of helping women in crisis pregnancies and that he does, after all, wish to offer medical help to infants gasping for life on the steel tables of abortuaries after surviving a procedure designed to kill them?
If I am mistaken and he actually believes that inducing labor feet first, puncturing a still living baby’s skull with a scissors and sucking out it’s brain (partial birth abortion) is an inhuman horror equivalent to Auschwitz, then please, by all means correct me and supply the evidence and I will apologize and stand corrected.
Please, If I am wrong about these facts, correct me, but spare me the tired and emotional accusations that because of my opposition to this President I am somehow against the advancement of Afro Americans, or that I am hateful or that I am self righteous.
If Obama is such a wonderful new leader of our nation tell me why. I am open to reason.
In the meantime, as a Catholic priest and a Christian, I assure you that I shall obey St Paul’s injunction to pray for our leaders. After all, he commanded this during the time of Nero. If the early Christians could pray for Nero, I can certainly pray for Obama.
It reminds me of the line from Fiddler on the Roof. “Rabbi, is there a proper blessing for the Tsar?”
“Yes. May the Lord bless and keep the Tsar….far away from us.”
The fans of any team winning a national championship want to savor the moment of victory. To be reminded of the recruiting violations, paying of players, electronic eavesdropping, and on field infractions makes the victory hollow. I understand their resentment of the truth.
Oh but were this just a game.I was sounded smacked several months ago for using my free speech protections to state my opinion on our newly elected President in waiting. I pray so very hard that I will be proven wrong!
That’s what I’m talkin about!! Thanks, Father. Lord help us, we need more courageous priests like yourself…
Father,While so many so-called Catholics continue to “turn a blind eye” to the horror of abortion and the evil of socialism they will look only at the superficial and see in Obama some sort of cult-like leader.It would be great for the African-American community to have one of their own as President. It would help make up for past evils, like lynchings etc. Except for the fact, that this particular man, regardless of his skin colour, has so much evil legislation connected to his activities in politics so far and will no doubt continue to do great harm now that he is to be President.I wish the left-leaning, liberal Catholics would wake up! Jesus and His Church set the standard we should follow.
So, the most “spooky” thing to you isn’t the fact that there are people responding to your blog calling our President-elect names like Hitler, but instead, the “most spooky ones are those who take you to task” in what I hope to be a civil discourse? Strange.I would never ask (or expect) you to bow down to the “Obama Greek temple;” however, I believe, you do owe our new President respect and a real chance to show what he’s made of before lambasting him in your blog. (And, for the record, I do not bow down to the “Obama Greek temple” either. I understand that President-elect Obama is a human being with all the flaws of a human being, but I also understand that he’s also a man who can make right choices too and I, for one, will give him a chance. If we (the flawed human beings) were all judged for only a few of our actions in this world, none of us could look each other in the eyes.)
“They compare the new president to Hitler and go over the top with hints of secret movers and shakers and Illuminati and sound crazily conspiratorial.”The Hitler comparisons are always sad – no matter the target. The Illuminati references are just plain silly.I for one DO believe that AmPresidents are generally first “vetted” and then supported with hard money by some powerful establishment (East Coast, IV league) families and institutions who then direct massive amounts of cash and support to candidates. Considering the choices we usually end up with, this seems reasonable.
‘Tis a shame that all those claiming racism were silent during Alan Keyes’s campaign in 2000.I for one hadn’t heard anything about racism in this campaign – until the Democrats complained about it. And Obama was already in the lead at that point.Those naming Hitler are diminishing what happened in the early 1930s. Obama is not Hitler. Most arguments are full of oversentimentalism and exaggerations. However, the lack of respect for life in all forms (Hitler himself respected life… just those worthy of the honor), the close, contested elections, the wildly euphoric hysteria and all coming on the heels of an economic crisis should probably not go uncriticized.Many have used emotions to sway. And anyone using exaggerations should be ashamed. Both sides were guilty in this election. But if one side had won, we would have had more economic woes. If the other side had won, we would have lost 5+ million more children to abortion during a single 4-year presidency (at the current rate of abortions). Remember, too… that’s 5+ million citizens paying in to Social Security and the economy.
For the record, there was only one Illuminati reference, and that was from me. I did not, nor do infer that President-elect Obama is part of the Illuminati, but that they (whoever “they” may be) are working behind this in a vast sort of way – as in being something that is very orchestrated. Call it conspirational; that was my notion of things. Or would anyone actually try and say how real the whole “democratic” process was as it played out on their televisions and radios? What was creepy was the so-called “debates” between the senators.People seem so ready to brush aside such notions. And yet they go on about how false the media is. Are we really so foolish to believe that there are no distinct societies, or hierarchies of evil (increasing in power as they increase in secrecy) just as there are hierarchies of good – like the varying levels in the Church?As for the Hitler references by people, it’s not that creepy when understood that people are merely using hyperbole (yes, perhaps wrongly) due to their strong convictions of the wrongness of Obama’s policies. Mark Shea does it all the time, yet with him it is satirical exaggeration by way of making his point.
I don’t want to sound like a crashing bore. However, I think Obama will push through the Illuminati’s plans for gradual depopulation and control of the nation quite well. What better way to start than abortion and eugenics (otherwise known as human embryology). Apparently he is 32nd degree Freemason, btw. Dig a little deeper, Father and the conspiracy theories are not so silly as they sound. Remember Robespierre?
Linda, I think I made it clear in this post that I don’t mind being taken to task.I just wish you would address my points rather than dishing out vague sentimental notions of ‘respect’ and ‘giving the man a chance’.As I said, “Correct me if I’ve got it wrong about his pro-death policies, his socialism and his shady associates.My judgements of him at this point are based on his voting record and public statements and acknowledged associates and mentors.If he reverses these views and charts a different course, I’ll be the first to praise him.I am also not closed to the idea that, while certain of his positions and policies are intrinsically evil, he may also accomplish some good while in his office.It is for this that I pray.At the same time, it is arguable that all the great tyrants and evil leaders accomplished good during their time in office.
I understand your chagrin, Father. I mentioned that what worried me was that the American people elected him *in spite of* his record. Well, why did they elect him then? Perhaps because they wanted to elect a black president. So–if that is why they supported him, then, they assume, you did not support him for the same reason. Therefore, you must be racist. So runs the reasoning of racists.During the primaries, poor Geraldine Ferraro made the suggestion that Obama was popularized by the media because of his race. In context, she was pointing out that Hillary Clinton’s policies were more mainstream democratic than his (they were) and that she was therefore more electable. Because she mentioned Obama’s race as a factor in his popularity (truth), she was branded “racist” and excused from Clinton’s campaign. People who are obsessed with race (racists) see it everywhere except in the mirror. The governor of–was it Nebraska?–declared that anyone who didn’t support Obama was racist. Good grief. The African-American community who supported him (and not all did) were and are euphoric. Jesse Jackson’s tears were touching; it made me weep to see him. I *wanted* to share the experience; euphoria is so inviting. But I could not. I don’t care if he’s chalk-white, his RECORD on life issues is horrific.
Linda,So if Obama signs the Freedom of Choice (to Murder) Act into law, what will you say about him then?
I would argue that taxes already represent a redistribution of wealth – so Obama's comments pertaining to this 'redistribution of wealth' doesn't bother me at all. I think that one could make an argument that our current economic situation has an incredible amount of injustice in it. I've seen statistics where that avg. CEO makes between 400 & 600 times the avg. employee. Also that between 1995 & 2005 the CEO pay rose by 298% while the employee's pay rose by 4.3% — seems almost IMMORAL, doesn't it?
Dear Father Longenecker,I enjoyed listening to your interview on the radio of the Journey Home program.I could not agree more with you about what the U.S.A. is facing with President-elect Obama. Living in the great Land of Lincoln I truly fail to see any similarities that Mr. Obama has drawn about himself and the 16th POTUS. I feel compelled to give him the same initial respect that the Dems gave President Bush, which is no chance, but my faith teaches me differently. Time will tell and God will judge the soul. I will judge his actions and teach my children appropriately according to our Catholic Faith.God bless you Father Longenecker and welcome Home!Peace, Graubo
Bill: You said, “If the other side had won, we would have lost 5+ million more children to abortion during a single 4-year presidency (at the current rate of abortions).” Are you under the illusion that abortions would suddenly stop under a McCain administration? (Did this happen, or anything vaguely like it happen, under twelve years of Reagan/Bush 41 and eight more years of Bush 43?) No. Even if Roe v. Wade were overturned, the states would still be able to permit abortion, and it’s arguable that most of the states where the **vast majority** of abortions are performed today would still permit legalized abortions in a post-Roe v. Wade era. Be honest. South Dakota might outlaw abortion (though thus far, twice having been given the chance, South Dakotans have rejected that option), yet South Dakota (and Utah, and Wyoming, and other states that would quickly outlaw abortion) account for a very small fraction of the total number of abortions performed in the U.S. each year. I am arguing not in favor of legalized abortion, but rather against the simplistic notion that a McCain presidency would have resulted in 5 million fewer abortions.Father: I am glad to hear that you are “not closed to the idea that, while certain of his positions and policies are intrinsically evil, he may also accomplish some good while in his office.” The same is true of your blog. You engage in evil (or at least cooperate with evil) when you demonize Barack Obama and accuse one of the few dissenters on this blog (Afro American, a few days ago) of being a racist when he simply disagreed with your characterization of the president-elect and begged you not to be so oblivious to what an Obama presidency represents to many African Americans (among others). Yet many of your other posts in this blog have been enlightening and, at other times, entertaining. Your blog is a mixed bag. I’m glad that you seem to be backing away from calling Obama a complete Herod. Yes, of course the president-elect is a mixed bag. As are all of us.
Father Longenecker,I failed to mention that President-elect Obama has spoken about sending taxpayers (loose term) stimulus checks to spur the economy. Out of greed I like this idea and liked it before, however admitting the greed that can sometimes consume me, I will be giving it to Pro-Life organizations to make reparations for my past sins.Peace, Graubo
"Also that between 1995 & 2005 the CEO pay rose by 298% while the employee's pay rose by 4.3% — seems almost IMMORAL, doesn't it? "Should it? Except for the class-envy value of pointing out that those “richers just get richer and richer”… Well I don’t see the immorality of it as presented.In some cases foolish? Sure. Immoral? I am not convinced.
“Furthermore, I think he is not only a socialist, but a radical socialist who, by his own admission, is driven by an angry agenda against ‘white America.’ I think he wants to overthrow the status quo and his mantra of ‘change’ might just as well be a mantra of revolution.”Fr. Please explain this, waht agenda does Obama have aginst White america? Help me understand how this statment is not racist in itself? These are your words, what do they mean? What is the status quo? The present state of Minorities in this country? I find it rather interesting how we say we want to be civil in our arugments, however, civility only last as long as most people aggree with you.R.
“Except for the class-envy value of pointing out that those “richers just get richer and richer”… Well I don’t see the immorality of it as presented.”Envy – not so…. It seems to me that a true Christian, and likewise a Christian society, would not spend all one’s effort at obtaining more and more material wealth. When one individual obtains more wealth than they could spend in a lifetime and find themselves in a society where there are families whose children go hungry, there is something terribly immoral about that. Remember, it is OUR Christian scriptures which presents the story of Lazarus and the rich man. It is OUR Lord who said that whoever has two cloaks is to give one to the man who has none. This is the way that we Christians are supposed to live. If one chooses to close ones’ eyes and ears (and hearts) that just makes one blind and deaf – not Christian…
Whatever our opinion of Obama, it is incumbent upon each of us who are American citizens to contact our members of Congress and yes, the Obama transition team to share with them our concerns. As it happens, the Obama transition folks have set up a website for just this purpose. Let them you know you oppose FOCA, overturning the Mexico City Policy, and ending restrictions on embryonic stem cell research. Let them know, if you can, that you support the Employees Free Choice Act, which would level the playing field for union organizing (Most unions, BTW, have stayed out of the abortion debate.).And yes, by all means pray for the President and Vice President-elects.”For our President-elect Barack, for our Vice President-elect Joseph, for all members of Congress, for all state and local officials, for all judges, and for all who lead or serve their country in this and every land, that justice, peace, and freedom may prevail throughout the world, let us pray to the Lord”
I generally agree with you, Father, and have even let visions of conspiracy theories dance in my head at times. However, I would have to agree with Afro-seminarian that Obama does not seem to have an anti-white agenda.I would say that it seems clear he entertains anti-white sentiments by his own admission, but your use of the word “agenda” would indicate, to me at least, some sort of plan with the intent to oppress all white people. I don’t really see that.That said, the items that are for certain on his agenda are scary enough. The line from Fiddler is perfect!
when I wrote ‘driven by an angry agenda against white America’ I did not mean that Obama himself has a formal agenda to suppress white people, but that his life and view of himself and his world is driven by an established angry black racist anti white agenda.I was thinking of the influence of his pastor and other extremist in the civil rights movement who foment racial hatred for its own sake.
That makes sense, Father. I never thought your statement made you racist, btw.
Father,However much I may agree with your positions regarding contemporary politics, I have to admit I worry when I see men of the Church take sides in this false dichotomy of democrat/republican. This dichotomy, perpetuated by the talking heads in the corporate media, excites otherwise rational men and women into a frenzy and somehow convinces the populace that if one opposes unprovoked invasions, one must also support the right to “choose” infanticide (and vice versa). Getting involved in such a foolish debate sets oneself on a slippery path, and whatever side one takes, it is sure to alienate approximately 1/2 of the population.I pray that Obama does not come to believe that he is the mythological Obama that many people seem to think he is. I also pray that the Church brings the truth of the Light to as many souls as are capable of receiving it. If that happens, the rest, including the ongoing holocaust of the innocents, will take care of itself. If it doesn’t happen, then we are really in for some dark times. Hey, look at the bright side, Father: the Christian world had far more integrity back in the days when its adherents were a besieged minority.
Folks, the worst has already been done in your country and mine (Canada). The number of children aborted and women devastated by abortion is nothing short of apocalyptic. A nation of prurient citizens is bound to catch a disease. In this instant, the disease is the culture of death.
Look up this book on Amazon.com: Race Course Against White Supremacy. It’s by Obama’s friend, William Ayers and his wife, Bernardine Dohern. From the description: “White supremacy and its troubling endurance in American life is debated in these personal essays by two veteran political activists. Arguing that white supremacy has been the dominant political system in the United States since its earliest days—and that it is still very much with us—the discussion points to unexamined bigotry in the criminal justice system, election processes, war policy, and education.”It’s due out in March 2009. To Afro Seminarian–I think Obama’s agenda, using the cover of white racism, is to implement socialist/marxist policies. It’s not that he believes in white racism so much as he will use it’s stigma to accomplish political goals.
One of the posters has asked Father to give Obama a chance.Again I find it extraordinary that a Catholic can dismiss Obama’s appalling pro-abortion record as though it was irrelevant. I have said it before and I will continue saying it – there is no issue that is a more fundamental indicator to a nation’s true spiritual and emotional health than the issue of abortion.If a nation is prepared to dismember its young then that nation is on the path to hell.No, I for one am not going to sit back and “give Obama a chance” before I make judgements about him. He has already shown by his active support of pro abortion legislation what he intends to do.His refusal to support legislation that would help babies that had survived botched abortions shows his basic attitude to innocent human life.This man is dangerous! ALL supporters of abortion are dangerous, he is no different.
It’s happening everywhere… I made the “mistake” of saying “Rather than celebrate his election based solely on a genetic trait over which he had no control, why don’t we wait and see what type of president he is going to be?” I was only asking that we consider the “content of his character” rather than the “color of his skin”. I caught such a verbal beatdown… I may have permanent scars! I was informed that I was racist, that I had deep-seated issues, that I wanted to rob all African-American children of a powerful and positive role-model, that I should pray for wisdom and truth to light my way, and bisically just get over myself… O.o
It’s a tragedy that the first black President has such despicable views. It’ll push people to abandon or downgrade very important moral principles in order to feel less racist.