Thursday, September 04, 2008

Still Ecstatic


I told you so . . .

Count me as one not surprised by the home run I saw last night in Gov. Palin's speech, though it has the even likes of conservative columnists Charles Krauthammer and Peggy Noonan likely rethinking their initial dislike of Sen. McCain's VP choice. I'm telling you, this is the start of something really big . . .

11 comments:

Rev. Paul Beisel said...

Are you cheating on Megyn now? Is this your other girlfriend?

Seriously, I wholeheartedly agree with you. I loved her speech. She's got sass, which I like. Unfortunately, McCain is still weak on immigration and terrorist interrogation measures, and is too concerned about "reaching across the aisle." But you could be right: "This could be the start of a beautiful relationship."

Fr BFE said...

If you heard the speech, she made reference to the vast resources in Alaska, something Mr. McCain has been on record against using. Seems to me he may have to change(or want to find a legitimate reason to change) his position on ANWR drilling. Works for me.

Peter said...

I couldn't agree more. This could result in a real sea-change, especially in the right-to-life movement. Her mention of special-needs children was inspiring, as was her can-do attitude. Go Sarah!

William Gleason said...

First, Charles Krauthammer is a neoconservative. Not an insignificant point. Regardless, I may agree this is the start of something really big. Bigger than we might want or can handle. See

http://washingtontimes.com/news/2008/sep/04/palins-evangelical-faith-drives-pro-israel-view/,

and
http://www.chroniclesmagazine.org/?p=720.

"Put not your trust in princes..." or princesses, either.

Bill +

Peter said...

For the record, the admonition not to trust in princes is often misused. The Psalmist's point is not that all princes are deceptive, but that they are mortal creatures, who can not deliver that which is eternal. That said, God does raise up leaders, through whom he accomplishes great things. My hope is that Sarah will lead this nation into a culture of life, away from abortion, infanticide, and euthanasia. And, given her talents, abilities, life experience, and disposition, she may be able to pull it off. At least, that's my hope. But, this is not what the Psalmist had in mind when he advised us not to trust in princes.

Fr BFE said...

Right. I'm thinking of the Prophetess Deborah as a comparable example . . .

William Gleason said...

For the record, many Bible passages are misused in many places, fortunately not in this case. I never implied anyone was deceptive. Merely cautioned not to put trust in mortal men, as was pointed out. Yet it indeed sounds like you gentlemen are putting your trust in a mortal to save us from our ills, which is the exact point of Psalm 146.

I agree that Sarah Palin has some dynamite sounding pitches. But as they say, talk's cheap. Especially for a pol. Go ahead, put your hope and trust in her if you want. I simply think you will be disappointed. After all, in the end, she'll only be the VP. When was the last time any VPOTUS ever had any real policy impact, particulary if it went against the President and the Party? I seriously doubt that McCain would choose any running partner that wasn't in full agreement with his platform.

That said, my biblical reference was not the main point of my comment (though it fitly applies). Did anyone read the articles I referenced? The Washington Times article ought to cool, even a little, any fire for Palin. And Pat Buchanan's article highlights the deadly serious matters that are taking place right now about which, apparently, Mrs. Palin admits she's a little uninformed. Forgive me, but I think our Veep needs more than sass.

Also, just in, Chronicles magazine online has a very interesting roundtable discussion started on this very topic. Check it out: http://www.chroniclesmagazine.org/. Fellow LCMS member and church scholar, Aaron Wolf, has some good points.

Cordially,

Bill +

Fr BFE said...

"Yet it indeed sounds like you gentlemen are putting your trust in a mortal to save us from our ills."

Ummm, "for the record," I don't recall indicating that I put my trust in anyone. Good heavens, man, all I'm saying is that this is a breath of fresh air. You know, sometimes good things do happen in Washington. Those who choose to by cynical about every politico evidently don't have the memory or the longevity to consider Ronald Reagan.

But again, let's not get our politics mingled with our theology here. Just because I post this on "Gottesblog" doesn't mean I can't discuss matters pertaining entirely to the kingdom of the left.

Peter said...

Yes, because I hope that Sarah will do great things does not mean that I'm putting my ultimate trust in her. Of course, in a human sense, I "trust" my wife, and my parents, etc. And, in battle, troops put their trust in each other and in their commander. As for ultimate trust, I put it in Christ. But, I agree with Father Eckardt that the Psalmist is not calling us to cynicism. Some leaders accomplish great things. Others disappoint. I pray that Sarah will do great things, as we fight for the unborn, and work for a freer and more just society.

William Gleason said...

Apparently I have caused offense. My apologies; none was intended. I thought we were having a spirited conversation, which included some innocent political disagreement. Perhaps its the weakness of blogs that friendly gestures are absent.

My reference to Psalm 146:4 was not meant as a dose of law, but it seems to have come off that way. Again, apologies.

I don't think that I am cynical, but I do admit to great skepticism when it comes to politics.

I guess the lesson I am learning is that when a man is ecstatic over a woman, its best not to criticise her. :)

Fraternal regards

Fr BFE said...

No offense taken.

But to the point of Ps 146, "Put not your trust in princes," the same Psalm also concludes, putting the matter positively, "The LORD shall reign for ever, even thy God, O Zion, unto all generations." This provides a fitting bookend for the Psalter, which began, in Psalm 2, by declaring the LORD's anointed, against whom the nations rage. King David, though not the author of Ps 146, is nevertheless the one to whom all the Psalms may be attributed, if not by authorship, at least by grammatical person.

Therefore, in short, the point of this and any Psalm which declares the LORD's reign is not to disparage the reign of any earthly king, but to say that it is the LORD who establishes and governs this and all kingdoms by His inscrutable will.

Maybe that's why I'm ecstatic over Palin. I envision the distinct possibility that His mercy is governing this in a way which will bring us prosperity; whether it happens of course remains to be seen, but it's always exciting to see history unfold.

Incidently, to Rev. Beisel, I actually have three girlfriends now:

Megyn Kelly
Sarah Palin

and, of course,
Ann Coulter

You go, girls . . .