Post-Election

A big congratulations to President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden! I pray for their success and that the Lord will uphold them in their offices with wisdom and guidance. Also a big thank you to Senator John McCain and Governor Sarah Palin for their hard work and determination in a well-fought campaign! I pray that the Lord of all consolation and strength will give them comfort and the determination to carry out the duties to which they have been elected by their respective constituencies.

I have no envy for President-elect Obama. He is inheriting a mess, and his work will be cut out for him. But he seems to be gifted with a calm and cool head and a marked thoughtfulness, which is the kind of president you'll want when the country is faced with a crisis. Biden was right when he said the world will test this man. Both Clinton and Bush faced attacks on the WTC early in their first terms. I'm not saying that there will be another terrorist attack on our shores. I'm merely pointing out how volatile our world is. The world, including those who would destroy us, watched this election very closely. I really hope the Obama administration will make wise decisions when it comes to our relations with other nations, especially those in the Middle East.

I'm glad that the Democrats did not win enough senate seats to override Republican filibusters. This will mean that there will still be healthy and meaningful debate in this country and that, although the Democrats hold the majority in both houses of Congress, any Democratic legislation will undergo intense scrutiny before being passed. It will also mean that our country will not be subject to one-party rule. Power that is afforded one party is always a bad thing because it causes the political pendulum to swing too far, too soon.

It seems to me that this election was a clear signal to Washington that the American people really desire that politicians learn to work together with less bickering and downplaying power plays. In a word, change. What remains to be seen is whether or not Washington follows in step. My gut tells me that they won't. The political system is too big and will resist any effort to substantial change mostly because Washington insiders have too much capital and emotion vested in the way things currently exist.

Here's what I think Obama should do very early in his administration. It might sound crazy, but from what I've studied about Middle Eastern culture I think it will have a big impact on world relations: invite all of the leaders and presidents of Middle Eastern nations to the White House, both friend and foe, and have a dinner in which they all recline around the table (which will be the dining room floor). Before the meal begins, Obama should then walk around with a basin of water and a towel and wash the feet of these leaders. This act alone will speak volumes! I can guarantee you there will be tears in the eyes of the guests because they will see that the one who is undoubtedly the most powerful man in the world consciously chooses to wield his power in a way they had never seen before-- with gentleness and humility.

If you think this sounds like something Jesus did, you would be right. I'm convinced that of all of the peace plans forged by humanity, Jesus gave us the only one that works.