No, no, no, no, NO!

A "pastor" (and I use the quotes for a reason) has publicly prayed for the death of Barack Obama. He leads a self-styled fundamentalist church (and tmatt, if you see this, I feel free to use that word because he applies it to himself on his church's web page). I would like to see how he deals with the following scriptures:

Romans 12:14-13:7

¹⁴Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. ¹⁵Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. ¹⁶Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

¹⁷Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. ¹⁸If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. ¹⁹Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. ²⁰On the contrary:
"If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." ²¹Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

¹Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. ²Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. ³For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and he will commend you. ⁴For he is God's servant to do you good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing. He is God's servant, an agent of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. ⁵Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also because of conscience. ⁶This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. ⁷Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

There is no language strong enough to condemn this sermon and this attitude. We may pray that President Obama would reverse his position on abortion, and even that he would implement a flat tax (see Joseph's story, specifically Genesis 47:24). But to call for someone's death who is not actively killing people is unconscionable and must not happen. When it does, it is to be called out and denounced.

Something Fishy in the Air

Apparently, the American people aren't singing the same tuna as the President and his desire for health care reform. Is the Swordfish of Damocles hanging over it? What will it take to get the Democrats to say, “To halibut!” and drop the idea of putting the government in charge of over 15% of the economy? A school of sturgeons testifying against it? It's a crappie scheme if you ask me. It smelts funny.

There are tales of Representatives and Senators being catfishy about who they're letting in their town halls. Are they quivering like jellyfish with regard to hearing their constituents? It looks like they'll let the people talk until they're bluefin in the face, all the while just sitting on their perch and say, “I cod listen to you, but instead I'll just huff and pufferfish about how something must be done, even if it's carp!” Looking at it from a different anglerfish, what are they afraid of? Large groupers of conservatives snappering at them? Sure, they can stand up in front of a friendly crowd, but they look like a clownfish if they keep the “wrong” people out.

The reports of sharks are also out there. I've been herring of people getting beaten up. Salmon the President's side definitely don't like fighting fair. They've trouted out reports of people expressing their opinions as “mobs.” They're not barking like dogfish. I highly doubt the majority are giving the fingerfish either. They'd be as gentle as goldfish if you listen. But of course things get orange roughy when people are ignored and shut out of the process.

Can we make them feel the stingray of poor decisions at election time? 2010 feels like a long way off, but I'm not seahorsing around. Shine the lamprey of exposure on their tactics. Shout with all the strength of your lungfish to tell your friends. Light a fusilier under your Representative and Senator. Let them know that you've haddock up to here and won't take it anymore. Don't flounder around. Get up and get flyingfish! Be a roaring lionfish. Keep gar-ing after them tilapia they listen.

I'm back!

After a hiatus due to unemployment, I declare this blog to be back in business!