Campaign sacrifices

Taken way out of context, Nate Silver today offers a glimpse into the hard work and dedication that campaign staffers put into their job:

Young people generally perform paid campaign work, because the hours are absurd and the pay is marginal. For the vast majority, no job sits waiting at the end of the rainbow. Only the few make it through multiple “cycles,” the term for a campaign period. It is grueling on the body. Other areas of life are suspended or simply dropped. A campaign becomes all-encompassing. From the day you start until at least Election Day, it’s an all-day, every-day job. The sacrifices are sometimes hidden and private, little things you did that only you or maybe one or two who were right there will ever know or appreciate. And it all happens with the possibility that you won’t ultimately win.

What sustains most who elect this work is two things – the intense bonds of friendship one develops, and the connection to a larger sense of meaning. ...

Spot on.

Even if you are on different sides of the political divide, please always remember the sacrifices and the nobility of these rockstars.

Obama's approach to religion

According to the Christian Science Monitor, the role of religion in an Obama administration is about inclusivity and coalition-building. Money quote:

For Obama, the broad outreach into the faith community isn't confined to ceremonies but is emerging as a key element in his approach to coalition-building, say religious leaders who worked on the transition.

Another noteworthy excerpt:

"Rick Warren and Gene Robinson are symbols and represent large constituencies – and were in that sense daring choices," says Charles Haynes, a scholar at the First Amendment Center in Washington. "But I think the mood of the country is to say: This is what we want. People want to see the president trying to represent the country as a whole. If there ever was a moment when we have to have a cease-fire in the cultural wars, it's now. Given the nature of the problem the country faces, we cannot afford to demonize each other, to tear each other down."

Many presidents have tried to build coalitions, including those involving religious leaders, but Obama is working from an exceptionally inclusive template.

You, dear reader, and I already suspected this (here, here and here).

VA Tech tragedy

This makes me so sad. My thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of Xin Yang.

Teaching science in Texas (updated)

Apparently, the Texas Board of Education is considering teaching the strengths and weaknesses of the scientific theory in their public schools. Now, as you know, I am a big fan of thoughtful dialogue, but public school isn't the proper forum for such a discussion - especially since it is on the public dime and a foil for religious ideology. Teach science - not social debates, however well-intended - in science class.

I guess, since the Dover case, this is the new line of attack.

Update: The Baptist Joint Committee, a leading organization on the separation of church and state, just reported that the proposed changes were narrowly defeated, 8-7. Sweet.

Bucking the trends

Tim Craig points out a couple trends that Democratic gubernatorial candidates need to overcome. Since 1976, in partisan terms, the winner of the gubernatorial race returns to the party opposite of the newly elected President. Given the election of Pres. Obama, if history repeats, Virginia will vote for a Republican Governor (Bob McDonnell). And, for Moran and Deeds, since 1957, no candidate has won the nomination for Governor as a state delegate or state senator, without first seeking another higher office.

I generally approach these types of trends with curiosity and amusement. It's always a cool trend until it's not. For example, we only elect white dudes for President until we don't. Virginians (and North Carolinians) always vote for the Republican Presidential nominee until we don't. Americans and Virginians are not beholden to historical patterns and precedent.

Super Bowl tickets

Not even the NFL is insulated from the current economic struggle. The slumping economy has effected Super Bowl ticket sales, as outlets are reporting both reduced interest and reduced ticket prices. Pobrecitos.

Apparently, this has nothing to do with the doozer match-up between Arizona and Pittsburgh.

Presidential Oath

Needless to say that the Presidential Oath yesterday got flubbed. According to Article II Section I of the Constitution, the Presidential Oath of Office should be:

I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

Here is a transcript of the part in question:

ROBERTS: I, Barack Hussein Obama...
OBAMA: I, Barack...
ROBERTS: ... do solemnly swear...
OBAMA: I, Barack Hussein Obama, do solemnly swear...
ROBERTS: ... that I will execute the office of president to the United States faithfully...
OBAMA: ... that I will execute...
ROBERTS: ... faithfully the office of president of the United States...
OBAMA: ... the office of president of the United States faithfully...

Apparently, some on the Right have said that Obama might not actually be President because he wasn't sworn in correctly. I wondered this yesterday, but I didn't think that someone would give voice to this absurdity; I mean, it was administered by a Republican appointed Chief Justice - and he was the one who screwed up! Yet, last night, the oath was re-administered out of "an abundance of caution." From White House Counsel Greg Craig:

We believe that the oath of office was administered effectively and that the President was sworn in appropriately yesterday. But the oath appears in the Constitution itself. And out of an abundance of caution, because there was one word out of sequence, Chief Justice Roberts administered the oath a second time.

Obama's religiously minded inauguration

According to the Los Angeles Times, Obama's religiously minded inauguration has strong historical precedent. Money quote:

Like so many presidents before him, Barack Obama has invited a revered guest to his inauguration: God.

Although the Constitution forbids the government from establishing religion, faith is once again figuring prominently into the nation's grandest political pageant, just as it has over the course of American history.

Whether Republican, Democrat or Whig, presidents from the nation's beginnings have invoked the Almighty's powerful hand to convey their visions in times of calamity and contentment alike.

Quote of the Day - Inaugural Speech edition

With yet another brilliant speech, it is difficult to praise only one quote. Many have proposed their favorite excerpts, from commentator to commenter to history-bystander. Here I offer my mine:

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

Terminator and Jesus

Speaking of Terminator Jesus, you should watch this clip on the Terminator and Jesus. The Last Supper scene is ha-larious.

Your thoughts on yesterday

I wanted to post some of the comments on yesterday's thread on what Obama's Inauguration meant to you. I took the liberty to excerpt the comments for a more compact post here, so I apologize if this does injustice to your comment. Great comments from all of you. Thank you. I am glad that you participated!

Matt F and Darren were astonished by Obama and his speech. First, Matt F says:

I got chills. That's our President now, and one everyone can be proud of.

Then Darren adds:

This is "ask not" plus "the only thing we have to fear" times 10.

This is what I voted for.

Jesse was moved by a profound interaction between Obama and a soldier:

Something about that moment - realizing the responsibilities and the duties that he has assumed; seeing that this human being whom we have become intimately familiar with over these past few years is now at once the President, the Commander-in-Chief, and yet still Barack Hussein Obama, professor, author, organizer, husband to Michelle and father to Malia and Sasha - something about that moment got me more than any speech, prayer, performance, or image of the day.

Yet, several of the comments surrounded the theme of renewal, a fresh start for the nation. From A Faithful Reader:

A new beginning! All things are new again. For me hope returned to our people.

Adds Tripp, regarding his one year old child:

My little one year old boy is growing up in an America more beautiful than the one I was born into.

The inauguration of Obama represents American strength and ingenuity. From Charlottesville Fan:

When a nation sets it's eyes on change, it can be done.

We have moved from "Yes we can" to "Yes we did" on to "Yes we will."

Importantly, we were all proud of inaugurating our first African-American President. According to JCWhite we have much to be proud of, but he says this well:

Today, I watched as Americans of all nationalities, cultures, religious backgrounds came together to show their support for this nations first African-American President. I shared their tears of joy, and their sense of pride as President Obama gave his first speech.

Despite a bad day in D.C. and some quibbles with the inaugural event, Roland the HTG says:

That said, the spectacle was truly something. The impact this day had on so many ordinary, hard-working people should never be forgotten, and never be diminished. Despite my displeasure with certain aspects of the ceremony, the fact that it was being held for a black man truly is a wondrous thing.

Last but certainly not least, Kent H, while also proud of the inauguration, finds beauty in our democratic process:

Today was a good day --inaugurations are. No one transfers so much power with so little tension. May we pray now that the days following this one will be good as well.

Inauguration Day

I want to fully appreciate the historic nature of Inauguration Day, so this will be my only post today.

I, however, would like to hear from you about what this day means to you. Please drop a comment, as I would also like to highlight some of the responses in a follow-up post.

Enjoy history.

(photo AP/Scott Andrews)

Danville editorial

The Danville Register & Bee chimes in on Tom's fast start and his committee assignments:

People who drive cars, served in the military or are worried about the cost of sending their children to college should be pleased with U.S. Rep. Tom Perriello, D-5th.

...

But his committee assignments and his first bill reflect the needs and problems of the 5th District. Together, they show Perriello listened far more than he talked during the recent campaign. He is off to a great start in Congress.

War on Terror

Mark Jurgensmeyer is top-notched, credible scholar on terrorism, and he has spent years in the field interviewing notorious religious extremists. So, I was excited and intrigued when I saw this article yesterday about our current War on Terror. The article is definitely worth the read. With the incoming Obama administration, Jurgensmeyer offers five ways in which we could drastically reduce the spiral of violence done in the name of the "War on Terror." Each of his five points of advice have a thorough rationale, which I have perhaps oversimplified - in a teasing manner - for you here.

1.) We must recognize that we are not confronting war but a war mindset. - The us/them - good/evil mentality forces everybody to take sides (i.e., poor teenagers predisposed to anti-Americanism) and treats potential allies like enemies.
2.) Accept that America is the enemy [in the eyes of extremists] because of what it does, not what it is. - Terrorists still have an idealized understanding and appreciation of American principles, but our military actions abroad, especially in Iraq and Afghanistan, breed agitation.
3.) Stop acting like an enemy. - Our military presence fosters discontent, and a quick end to military action - especially in Iraq and Afghanistan - would neutralize most anti-American and jihadi logic.
4.) Become a problem solver not a problem maker. - Our one-sided relationship with Israel colors Islamic perceptions of American interaction in the Middle East. Our strong support of Israel should not come at the expense of security and autonomy for Palestinians, and helping to broker a fair-minded peace negotiation between Israel and Palestine would assist in our efforts overseas.
5.) Take the moral high ground and adhere to international standards of justice. - We must restore our moral standing in the world by repealing the most "pernicious" anti-terrorism legislation (i.e., torture, Guantanamo).

Jurgensmeyer admits that this likely won't eradicate all terrorist activities, as there will always be a small group of people disaffected with authority somewhere. This advice, however, would go a long way in reducing the spiral of violence in this war. Some of this advice would be difficult to achieve, but other parts, could be relatively easy.

Uptown Martinsville

Blogger Jim White passed along this article to me pointing out the economic potential in Uptown Martinsville. Turning some of the upstairs in the uptown buildings into apartments would help bring retail shops into the area ... oh yeah, and it would make uptown a hip place to live, retaining some of the migrating youth. Duh.

I've been saying this for awhile, but in fairness, not on this blog. I saw the deliberate restoration of downtown work in Winston-Salem, and it could work here too.

Quote of the Day

From today's E.J. Dionne editorial entitled, "Why the Uniter Divided Us:"

A hyper-partisan domestic politics of us vs. them followed naturally from Bush's instinct to confuse moral certainty with moral clarity. In his farewell address, he declared yet again that "good and evil are present in this world, and between the two, there can be no compromise."

Yes, but the hardest moral decisions are usually not between good and evil but between competing goods (security vs. liberty) or lesser evils (a draining war in Iraq vs. a messy, long-term strategy to contain Saddam Hussein).

Arizona Cardinals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

I'm an NFC fan by nature, and I've admired Larry Fitzgerald since his days at the University of Pittsburgh. But, I just don't see how the Cardinals can beat the Steelers. The Steelers defense is too good.

Who you got in the Super Bowl?

CLASS Act part of the stimulus bill

Early last week, Rep. Perriello co-authored his first legislative bill, the CLASS Act - a bill that makes it easier to receive tax credits for college tuition. A couple days ago, Perriello learned that his bill is going to be wrapped into the upcoming economic stimulus bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan) and funded for around $12.5 billion. He announced this news yesterday at his swearing in ceremony in Martinsville last night. In a press release, Perriello stated:

“This is a great victory out of the gates, showing that the new Congress is all about moving quickly and producing tangible results for middle-class families. In this tough job market, any American who wants to become more competitive by attaining more education and training should be able to do so, and this bill will make that education more affordable. Investing in education and workforce development is what we need to do to regain our advantage in the global economy. We will make sure that this recovery package is working to benefit working families.”

Again, he has been our congressman for just two weeks. Two weeks.

Like toothpaste and toilet paper

American Protestants are just as loyal to their denomination as they are loyal to their toothpaste brand. In a survey conducted by Ellison Research, church goers were asked their specific denomination and, hypothetically if the respondent had to find a new church, they were asked what role of their current denomination would play in the decision-making process. The results:

Just 16 percent of Protestants surveyed said they are exclusively loyal to one denomination, while half (51 percent) preferred one denomination but would be open to another. By comparison, 22 percent of Protestants said they would use only one brand of toothpaste and 42 percent indicated a preference for one brand while being open to others.

Similar levels of brand loyalty exist for bathroom tissue (19 percent would consider only one brand and 40 percent had a preferred brand), pain reliever (16 percent and 42 percent, respectively) and soft drinks (14 percent and 56 percent).

Rod Sellers, head of Ellison Research argues that denominations have poorly developed their brand loyalty:

"Church denominations certainly are not the same as hotels or soft drinks, but some of the same rules apply," Sellers said. "The brands that develop stronger loyalty tend to do a better job of differentiating themselves from other brands and demonstrating key elements of the brand very clearly."

To which Bill Leonard, the Dean of my Wake Forest Divinity School, opines:

"Fewer religious Americans think of their primary religious identity in terms of a denominational identity," Leonard said. "Loyalty to local congregations as the primary source of religious identity seems to be increasingly normative."

He added, "Many folks can switch denominations as readily as toothpaste, I suspect."

Exactly. The other day, I argued that hyper-denominationalism had its hand in the American individualization of theology. Here is another consequence. Denominations over-fragmented during the last century and a half, and this has caused theological confusion among the laity. The average church goer cannot tell the difference between their denomination's theology and another denomination's theology. Without strong theological and denominational differentiation, the average church goer approaches church-finding with a consumeristic mentality: i.e., who has the best church music, the best children and youth programs, the best community atmosphere, and the like.

For unto us a child is born

Meet my niece, Hayley Marilyn, born yesterday, 6 lbs, 1 oz.