The leaves are changing, drying, and falling, adding to the detritus swirling around us as we pursue our individual hopes and dreams. And like the leaves buffeted by winds, we find ourselves caught up and carried along by the emotions of those around us; in some instances lending our energies to raise the intensity even higher. The past eighteen months culminated in an almost Orwellian display of emotions that was at once inspiring and totally draining; and has left me dreading the 2016 campaign, assuming the president-elect can shepherd us from the imminent depression and quagmire of foreign war before the 2012 cycle.
It has been almost two weeks since the election and the rhetoric of misinformation regarding gun and ammunition ownership, and a new national security force is still in full stride! Visible fear comes to the fore when you talk to the zealots who are preparing to not be caught unarmed when the knock comes on the door. With all the fervor being generated can it be long before the NRA applies for tax exemption as a religious order?!
An analogy has been drawn between the Mr. Obama and Mr. Lincoln; both elected under trying circumstances and both drawing on recent-past foes to establish inclusive cabinets. I fear the analogy may be too right in that both men will be remembered for how their elections created a nationwide schism that took years to heal.
And on the topic of separating things; a Bishop was in the news for telling his congregants that anyone who voted for Mr. Obama could/should not receive communion before going through a rite of penance since Mr. Obama is pro-abortion. In this age of face-to-face reconciliation, I doubt there will be many takers.
1 comment:
"With all the fervor being generated can it be long before the NRA applies for tax exemption as a religious order?!"
An intriguing proposition. I would point out, though, that the Supremes have already ruled on tax-exempt status and political participation...see Regan v Taxation Without Representation.
Post a Comment