No Race-Based Spoils System

Some Illinois politicians are saying that the U.S. Senate seat previously held by one Barack Obama should now be reserved for African Americans. Really? I can't think of a better way to hurt race relations in the state and to enshrine black inferiority for the foreseeable future.

Such a course of action would make the land of Lincoln more like Lebanon (where seats are set aside for perpetually warring groups) and less like the vision enunciated by Martin Luther King Jr., who said people should be judged not by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

Thou Shalt Not

What part of "Thou shalt not" don't you understand?

Grace Today

Give someone a little grace today.

Commercialism

If we were to divorce commercialism from Christmas, would anyone still care about Jesus?

Christmas Benediction

May Christmas faith, hope, and love be yours today and forevermore. Amen.

Accounting

Accounting is boring even for accountants.

Bitter

Bitterness toward God is better than comfortable agnosticism.

Global Cooling

Whatever we've been doing to fight global warming, we can stop now.

A Really Good Shoe

To the "television journalist" in Iraq who apparently pines for the good ol' days, just remember that if he had tried such a stunt under Saddam's gentlle rule, the least he could expect to lose would be his feet. The fact that he felt secure enough to even throw his shoes at the American president is testament how much life has improved since 2003.

Rules for Living

No. 81: After you've done everything you can do, relax.

Christmas Perspective

Just returned from a "Lessons and Carols" evening service at my church. Heart lifted heavenward; problems down here seem very small indeed. God rest ye merry, gentlemen.

Rules for Living

No. 6: Wait before you send that e-mail.

Turning Over Rocks

During the campaign opponents of Barack Obama warned that he had a lot of corrupt friends in Chicago, that he was no reformer, and that he might bring Illinois political mores to the White House. The spectacular fall of Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich, while not as yet implicating the president-elect in anything untoward, serves only to reinforce those warnings.

Once those political rocks start getting turned over, there's no telling what we might find out about Mr. Obama. I'm guessing he's not sleeping all that well right now.

Rules for Living

No. 35: Save your temper for important things.

Another One Bites the Dust

Another friend of Barack is taking the fall in Illinois. While it seems pretty clear (contra Axelrod) that Obama is free of tainting with Gov. Blago, I'm still waiting for the expected comment from the president-elect: "That's not the Governor Blago that I knew."

Rules for Living

No. 155: When all else fails, lend a hand.

Atheist Contradictions

Atheists are unable to live consistently with the contradictions inherent in their godless philosophy. If you don't believe this, ask one what he or she will be doing on December 25.

December 7

This week a government body told us a nuclear or biological attack on U.S. soil is likely by 2012. Are we prepared for another sneak attack? This is not a partisan issue. I hope Obama takes the threat as seriously as Bush has.

Rules for Living

No. 22: Don't presume that tomorrow will be like today.

Rules for Living

No. 14: Homework doesn't stop after your school years are over.

Rules for Living

No. 551: Each day has enough trouble. Don't go looking for it.

Rules for Living

No. 109: No personal note ever begins with the words "Dear Friend."

Free Money

Now state governors who overspent during good times are asking for a federal bailout, too? Here's an idea. Why doesn't President-elect Obama simply set up a giant printing press and create free money out of thin air for everyone?

Insult

Don't let an insult keep you from doing your duty.