Happy Birthday, Mr. President!
President Obama:
I know you’re not reading this. You’ve got a country to run, and even when you do have time to peruse the Internet, this blog is so far down on the totem pole you’d need an electron microscope to spot it. Still, on the odd chance that the seven degrees of separation come into play, and it ends up someone mentions this post to you, hope the people who read this site don’t mind if I chat in your direction for a bit.
First, happy birthday. I’m sure it seems odd to not have the wife and kids around today. And the White Sox are out of town, so there goes the chance of catching a ballgame with the boys. Still, I hope you have a happy one anyway.
I know that more than a few of my fellow conservatives are tossing around snarky comments about what an appropriate birthday present for you might be. I’m not going to do that. Not my style. I say that while noting the “Palin in ’12″ button on my cubicle wall isn’t for decoration; it’s a statement of my political conviction. But the personalization, channeling straight into demonization, of those who hold different political and philosophical views? That’s schoolyard silliness. Certainly the debate can grow heated. If you’re convinced about what you believe, you should be passionate about it. But that’s where it ends.
I don’t have a birthday present for you at the moment, but when it’s done I’ll send you the revised version of my book. I very much doubt you’ve heard of any of the artists that are in it, and I even more seriously doubt it’ll actually get through the necessary layers upon layers of assistants and aides and whoever that occupy the space in-between the mailbox at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue and your inbox. But as noted above, you never know. If it does get to you, my prayer is it’ll be a blessing and inspiration.
Indulge me for a moment as I circle back to something else touched on earlier. I strongly disagree with your policies and practices on the role of government in the lives of the people. You economic policy of massive deficit spending isn’t working, and can’t work as it is based on an incorrect premise. The health care measure you championed doesn’t correct the flaws in the present system; it only adds new ones. Your foreign policy practices in the area of military involvement violates a fundamental rule of engagement: never tell the enemy when you’re leaving. Or, for that matter, what you’re doing. I could go on, but you get the picture.
That all said, I don’t believe you’re Lucifer incarnate who’s hellbent on destroying America. Do I believe your actions are damaging? Yes. But I’m also willing to hear out measured arguments about why they are the correct way to do things. I have no problem with respectful disagreement when the other side offers reasons for respect. Calm discourse never hurt either side. Not that I’m expecting a phone call, but if the equivalent of a Victor Davis Hanson on the left exists, feel free to point them out.
But hey. Enough about politics.
I mentioned my book, which those who have either read or are aware of know places me firmly in the realm of Christ, soul, rock’n'roll. I’ve heard and read more often than I can count how you’re not “really” a Christian, and I will state without reservation that the black liberation theology you at least in part embrace is seriously messed up. However, only God truly knows your heart. I’m more than happy to leave it at that. If you say you’re a follower of Christ – and you do – good enough for me.
You see, I’m one of those crazy Christians who believes that no one is outside the reach of the Almighty God. No one is beyond the redemptive power of Christ’s love. No one is incapable of being made whole through faith in Jesus. With this in mind and heart, it’s my obligation to be both honest toward others and respectful toward them, ever mindful that I, too, am but a sinner saved by grace. At times the honesty is expressed via anger. But never through hatred. Not an option. Never an option.
So, while there is much we disagree on, there is no basis for disrespect or treating you in any different manner than I wish to be treated. I know whenever my birthday rolls around, I want everyone I know even in passing to acknowledge the occasion. Why not? I, along with everyone else, have only so many birthdays to celebrate. Therefore, as I wish for mine to be, so I ought to do for yours. Namely, say what ought to be said.
Have a happy birthday, Mr. President. Enjoy.
Oh, and the gray hair you’ve semi-jokingly complained about?
It’s all Biden’s fault.
Really.
