Reading Barack Obama's speech about the connection between faith and politics has left me both impressed with the man and a little frightened. I am diametrically opposed to just about all his political positions, and yet his speech was was very well-argued and probably quite persuasive to those less convinced than I. Insofar as he calls for the use of "fair-minded words" in the political dialogue I am wholeheartedly in agreement, and it's too bad that his experiences haven't led him to embrace more of my political positions. Still, the guy is smart and very appealing, and will probably become a very formidable presidential candidate. After reading this transcript I think it's likely that he could someday win that office, and I'm afraid his policy preferences will cause no end of trouble. Despite his obvious intelligence and compassion, tax-and-spend never works and abortion really should be outlawed.
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Indeed, Obama is very smart about the way he presents ideas. And, I welcome his call to open, ethical, and moral political discussion using fair-minded words.
But, as you point out, his policies are not agreeable to everyone.
What is Obama's vision for our country? When you turn his ideas into policies, what do you get? I think he's saying that contraversial issues should be left to the states, but he doesn't actually say it. He argues that we do not all hear the same voice of God, so therefore we must compromise:
Yet, there will continue to be conflict between those who are willing to make certain compromises and those who are not. So, what is possible? Maybe a confederation of increasingly independent states held together by a shrinking federal government? That would be an interesting direction, but is Obama thinking that far ahead, or is he just saying that we should all get along?