Off Year Elections

Tuesday was a good night for the Republican Party as they celebrated victory in the New Jersey and Virginia. Many are indicating that this may be an indication of things to come in the 2010 Mid-Term elections, as it was in 1993. I hope that it is. The Republicans need to take note - the tide is able to be turned, but it won't turn if we keep playing moderate games. A cautious optimism may be in order - the next few months as the campaigns get started will be very interesting!

Not Since June

I guess it has been a long time since I posted anything here in this place. One could argue that I am not a very good blogger. It isn't that nothing has happened worthy of my time to comment since my last post - I just have not posted. I really should try to post more. So this is hopefully the first post of a more regular effort.

My only comment for this post beyond what is stated above is this: I think the Public Option with the Opt Out clause seems like more congressional smoke and mirrors. What is interesting to me is that the Democrats are engaged in such infighting on this issue. I will be curious to see how this plays out. I am traveling so I am away from Fox News more than normal. I need to catch up. Today I have been able to see a little.

Obama and a Dead Fly

For those of you who read this blog with any regularity you may be surprised that I am writing a blog to support President Barack Obama. However, today, I am supporting the President. In a recent television interview the President was being attacked by a fly. The President did what most people would do, he swatted the fly and killed it. Apparently, the folks at PETA are now upset with the President. I say, good for him!

Letterman Slams Palin

David Letterman, host of Late Night with David Letterman, took the opportunity of Sarah Palin's visit to New York City to support assistance for families dealing with Autism, to slam her and her daughter. Obviously, many people do not agree with Governor Sarah Palin (R-AK) and her political ideology. I happen to agree with her and grew to admire her during the 2008 Presidential Campaign. However, this post is not about Governor Palin's ideology, it is about David Letterman's inappropriate comments about her and her daughter.

I have not ever been a big fan of Mr. Letterman or his show, preferring to watch the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and before that, Johnny Carson. However, I can enjoy political humor as much as the next guy. I often found Jay Leno's jokes and sketches about President George W. Bush, whom I supported. Part of the reason I could appreciate the humor is that it was not offensive. Mr. Letterman has crossed the line to the offensive with Mrs. Palin and her daughter.

In a recent episode, Mr. Letterman made a reference to Governor Palin as looking like a "slutty" flight attendant. He also made a comment about her daughter being "knocked up" by A-Rod. Whether or not one finds the comments humorous, which I didn't, they are totally inappropriate to make about one who a Governor of the State or her teenage child. Yes the Palin family is in the public eye and thus are fair game for humor; however, there is such a thing as decency. In this case, Mr. Letterman crossed the line to the indecent side.

Kudos to Sarah Palin for responding with dignity!

First Lady Contrast

This evening, while watching Fox News I learned what the former First Lady, Laura Bush is doing. She is engaged in pioneering women's health. Her efforts are laudable and are evidence of her grace and poise which we came to know during her husband's presidency. During the same news coverage, I learned of that while the President, Barack Obama was in Paris this past weekend, he and the First Lady shunned the French President's invitation for dinner. Where is the poise and grace from our current First Lady?

The poise and grace of the First Lady is something that has been evidenced by many of the First Ladies throughout American history. When it is lacking it feels as though the Country has lost its poise and grace. Perhaps we have!

The First One Hundred Days

In case you missed it, today is the 100th day of the presidency of Barack Hussein Obama. He marked this day with a quick trip to Missouri, where he spoke in Arnold, Missouri. He then returned to Washington, D.C., for a prime-time press conference. The press conference consisted of 13 questions, with long answers from the President. The questions from the White House press core were generally soft-ball in nature.

I would like to have seen more questions about the state of the economy, the dangerous panic causing fly-over of New York City by one of the planes used as Air Force One for a photo op, and other such more challenging questions.

If you are a regular reader of this blog, you already know that I do not have much ideological in common with the President. Thus, you likely are not surprised by the fact that I am less than thrilled with his first 100 Days in office. However, I must say that I am surprised that the love affair the media have with him is not starting to wear off. It seems like the American people would be sick of hearing about him constantly. Perhaps this is why the ratings of the evening news programs on the three major networks are continuing to decrease!

All in all - I am glad the First 100 Days are over! Perhaps we can start to get beyond the uniqueness of the person in the office, and focus upon getting down to the business of the United States.

Call Day Memories

Yesterday, Wednesday, April 22, 2009, was Call Day on the Campus of Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri. I never tire of Call Day! Call Day is perhaps my favorite day on the Campus of Concordia Seminary. Call Day is the day that really is "what it's all about!" This is the day when men receive calls into the pastoral ministry and women receive calls to serve as deaconesses in the Lutheran Church -- Missouri Synod. Call Day is also the day when those ready for their vicarage or deaconess internships learn where they will serve for the next year.

I am not certain how many Call Day services I have attended. I can say for sure that I have attended both of these services at least eight times, perhaps one time more than that. I have also attended the Call Day service at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, one time. Twice on Call Day, I received a placement, once as a vicar and once as a pastor.

There is a certain sense of excitement in the air as each student approaches the front of the line to learn where they will be serving in the Church. The words are clearly read: A District Name, a Congregation's name, and finally a city name. All is revealed - everyone knows where God is sending them! The excitement yesterday was no different, and what a wonderful day it was at Concordia Seminary. The weather was wonderful - God provided a picture perfect St. Louis Day!

Every Call Day brings back memories of Call Days of the past. I recall the memories of my own Call Day experiences, and those Call Days when friends have received calls. Each Call Day is unique, and yet, in a certain sense they are all the same. As the history of the Church passes by, the names change, but the process of God calling His servants remains the same! Indeed, Call Day is really what it is all about! Soli Deo Gloria!