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Doug Pollard's Rainbow Report airs Tuesday 1900-2000hrs AEST Joy 94.9 FM Melbourne Australia, streaming worldwide http://www.joy.org.au/listenlive and via the Joy iPhone app, available free from iTunes. Follow The Rainbow Reporter on Facebook and @rainbowreporter on Twitter. You will also find Doug from time to time on the Drum, Crikey, and wherever else he can earn a crust. But wherever you find him, the opinions belong to him and not to the platform he's standing on.

God Hits the Switch

June 16th 2008 03:39
God
Going on the down low with Obama?
The years of America hiding its light under a Bush’ll soon be over, and either McCain or Obama will take the oath. And Hallalujah, it looks as if God’s gonna be a winner either way.

We’ve gotten used to the idea that right wing = evangelical, but with Barack Obama in the game, it ain’t necessarily so.


It seems the Almighty is hitting the switch and going on the down low, politically speaking. Enter stage left a group called Matthew 25.

Now there’s a fair bit in chapter 25 of the Gospel according to Matthew. I looked it up.

There’s the parable of the wise and foolish virgins – that’s all about not sharing your oil and keeping it all to yourself.

Then there’s the parable of the talents – that’s about speculating to accumulate, and more being given to those who already have, and everything being taken away from those who have nothing.

Are these guys a bunch of closet Republicans or something?

No, turns out these Matthew 25 folks mean the last bit of the chapter – the Judgment of the Nations, the bit where Jesus says:

“Come, you that are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.”


The idea is to remind Christians that social justice was a major part of Christ’s agenda. The most important part.

In fact – though they may have forgotten it – for those who actually read the Bible, you’ll notice the only major difference between true Communism and true Christianity is the absence of God (not that either philosophy has ever been put into practice).

Jesus told us not to heap up treasures on earth. He told people to give it all away and follow him. He told them to rely on God to provide. Look after the sick, the old. Welcome the outcasts. Love the sinners. Do not judge others – you might not be able to see it, but you’re probably just as bad yourself.

Jesus did not tell us to set ourselves up as slick tele-evangelists, conning credit card numbers out of the gullible, having sleazy assignations in motels, driving around in Rolls-Royces and dining with Presidents.

In other words, there’s more reason for a true Christian to vote Obama, not McCain. At least, that’s the idea. Matthew 25 will talk to church groups about Bama's faith and about the Christian message of social justice.

And since a hell of a lot of evangelicals don’t trust McCain further than they could throw him, Obama could be on a winner here. He could get God to vote Democrat for a change.

Hallelujah!
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Comment by S.L.

June 16th 2008 19:20


The Political Brief
I'm no fan of McCain or Obama either (nor of Hillary!). Every one of them is a hipocrite in one way or another, Doug. But to think, even for one second, that Obama represents God is too far out for words! He attended a racist church for 20 years, his friends are criminals and terrorists, he has made it clear that he doesn't like or trust white people, he voted to make sure than any child who managed to survive a partial birth abortion would not be permitted to live, he and his wife both got their educations from tax dollars (a.k.a. Affirmative Action) and then complain about how rough they had it and what a "mean country" America is, his idea of being good to the less fortunate is soaking everyone else in the tax whirlpool, he talks about change with no substance, he wants us to pay more for petroleum products rather than make any real effort to generate our own supply, he's so far on the "environmentalist wacko" side of things he can't see the proverbial forest for the trees on a variety of subjects, and he doesn't even know that the United States has FIFTY states, not 57. (Boy, that was a really long sentence, wasn't it?)

No matter which of the candidates gets elected, it won't bode well for the USA. This time it seems like we just can't win, no matter who we vote for... Maybe next time (in 2012) there will be someone who can do the job and do it well.

Comment by The Roderick Post

June 16th 2008 20:46
In response to the last comment:
1. He did not attend a racist church. That's an ignorant statement.
2. John McCain's Friends are criminals and thieves.
3. Cindy McCain's was drug addict
3. Black people can't be racist

I am sick and tired of scared white people trying to make up excuses as to why they don't want Obama to be President. At least be honest with yourself. You believe like most people believe that who ever is in the white house is going to do things for people who look the most like them. Oh and maybe there was something to that old move Birth of a Nation. Gimme a break people.

Comment by S.L.

June 16th 2008 21:02


The Political Brief
Hello The Roderick Post. You are obviously an expert on ignorance.

Rev, Jeremiah Wright used the term "white" in an insulting fashion repeatedly on film on the pulpit. He lied about white people doing damage to black people. He said "God Damn America". The Catholic priest who spoke on the same pulpit, made very clearly racist remarks against Hillary Clinton (of all people) and how horrified she was to find that Obama was black. If you have listened to any of the Wright sermons, you can't miss the blatant anti-American, anti-white racism.

Name a few of McCains criminal friends. Obama is a friend of Mr. Ayers (a famous terrorist who brags that he didn't do enough damage). How about the slum lord who was recently put on trial for criminal behavior? I can't recall his name right now, but he's quite famous and engaged in some shady dealings with Obama. Or maybe the Palestinian terrorist leaders who have met with Obama's representatives? I'm sure they're just nice, misunderstood people, right?

What office is Cindy McCain running for? If we aren't supposed to notice the way Michelle Obama behaves now, why should Cindy McCains past (whatever it might have been) be an issue?

And who says black people can't be racist? How about Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan? They're proud to be racists. And they prove it every time they open their mouths.

One final note. I never said what race I am. I wouldn't vote for Barack Obama under any circumstances because his politics (such as they are) are both stupid and dangerous. My first choice for president is Alan Keyes. Like I said to begin with TRP, you're an expert on ignorance.

Comment by theroderickpost

June 16th 2008 21:58
Racism is an institution. Black people in America don't have the power to be racist. I never said they can't be prejudice. Racism and prejudice are two different things. None of the people you mentioned above are racist including Jeremiah Wright. You should do more research before calling me ignorant SL. You are certainly the ignorant one here.
Obama sat on board with Ayers, he wasn't going to the kids birthday parties. Cindy McCain campaigns for her husband so her actions are relevant. Why don't you look up the Keating Scandal and learn about his affiliation with criminals..including his own wife.
I have listened to Wright sermons and while fiery, they point out truths, that America has had a history of oppressing people of color. SL..you indeed need to pick up a dictionary and a history book.


Comment by S.L.

June 16th 2008 22:07


The Political Brief
It's surprising how little you know for someone who considers himself so brilliant, TRP. And I'm not going to debate the merits of John McCain. I didn't vote for him in the primary and will only consider voting for him in the general because Obama is so much worse.

Building a future on long past complaints is ridiculous. It only prevents people from making any progress on their own. Harping on things that happened generations ago accomplishes nothing but feeding fires of hatred that should have turned to ashes. If that doesn't bother you, then enjoy it. Revel in it. Just don't expect anyone with common sense to agree with you.

Comment by Tiffeany Roderick

June 16th 2008 22:19
Look. If you are an African American with a 90 year old grandmother, her mother was probably born a slave. Its not that long ago if you put it in perspective.I am not saying to dwell on the past but people don't want to acknowledge the wrong doing. The same year Barack Obama was born states like Mississippi had laws like the Grandfather clause..so if your grandfather didn't vote neither could you. You also had to site your interpretation of the states constitution if you were black in order to vote. Its so easy for white people to say get over it when you have benefited and not been discriminated against. Its not complaining its stating facts about the past.
If you had common sense SL you would not vote for four more years of GWB. Your sending our country down in flames with that nonsense.

Comment by S.L.

June 16th 2008 22:42


The Political Brief
Well Hello Tiffeany. Better four more years of a Bush administration than four more of Jimmy Carter. And just FYI, Obama is much more like Carter than McCain is like Bush. McCain wants to cancel the tax cuts, among many other unBush-like things. Obama's plan to tax us into prosperity sounds just like the plans Carter implemented which nearly bankrupted us.

My great grandparents didn't have anything to do with me, personally. The fact that they were slaves is sad, but they were freed, in case you hadn't heard. I also have great grandparents who were Cherokee, but I don't need to go on the "warpath" to celebrate my heritage. And I didn't ask for Affirmative Action to help me cheat in school. I pay my taxes and not always very happily, because I resent the way some people think that their heritage is to waste their lives while moaning about the past. Funny, isn't it, how the loudest of those whiners, call themselves "progressive?"

Comment by theroderickpost

June 16th 2008 23:01
Again..easy for a white person who has benefited to make those statements. If you could be black for one day you would see the injustice for yourself. The only time I've seen whites change their mind is when they adopt or have a child with a black person. No one is whining here. No one thinks that slavery is still around. And the affirmative action..help you cheat statement..just stupid. Its a fact that blacks with the same job of their white counterparts are typically more qualified and more educated. Do you research. You are the ignoramus here. You sound like you are afraid that the white man will lose power in America.

Comment by S.L.

June 16th 2008 23:07


The Political Brief
It's a cryin' shame that you lack reading comprehension skills, theroderickpost. Maybe if you try reading what I said, one more time, slowly, paying attention to the words, the light will begin to dawn on you. Until it does, the ignoramus title is all yours.

Comment by theroderickpost

June 16th 2008 23:13
Actually, I don't need to. Someone has enlightened me that S.L stands for Slow Learner.

Comment by Doug Pollard

June 16th 2008 23:18


Current Affairs
Rainbow Reporter
When I majored in American Studies at university, one of my professors explained the presidnetial system to me like this.
He said that because the process is so expensive, it could hardly be called democratic, because of what the candidates had to do to get the nomination.
Or to put it succinctly - "every four years the Americans get to choose between a crook and an idiot" - a crook because he's fought his way there, an idiot because he's a puppet for hidden interests.
No prizes or guess which category Big Dubbya fits!

Comment by S.L.

June 16th 2008 23:27


The Political Brief
Still can't read, I see, theroderickpost. Is this when I start screaming about how racist you are? Or shall I just be nice about the fact that you're illiterate.

I assume, Doug, you're referring to the fact that some people don't think Pres. Bush is as smart as Al Gore or John Kerry, right? Did you know that he has an MBA and graduated from Harvard and Yale with higher GPA's than either of the other two? If you want to get a close look at a puppet for "other interests" I suggest you pay attention to Barack Obama. How else could an inexperienced, unknown, first-term Senator wind up as the Democrat candidate? It sure isn't his sterling voting record. He can't give answers "off the cuff" and he trips over his tongue every time he speaks. Oh, he also doesn't know how many states there are in the United States.

Comment by theroderickpost

June 16th 2008 23:42
Why didn't you mention Obama's grades...oh thats right he was Magna Cum Laude. At least Obama will be elected as President by the people and have a campaign sponsored by the people. I work for a fortune 500 company and I had to have a B average in my upper division coursed to get this job. Not so for our current President. Furthermore, if you know anything about schools such as Harvard, you'd know that they allow students to take classes over again as to not tarnish their image. And the best that our current President could get would be a C which his daddy probably bribed the teachers to give him. George Bush is idiot...he must've gone to the same school as "Slow Learner"

Comment by S.L.

June 16th 2008 23:45


The Political Brief
Since you can only toss insults at the president and defend Obama, I suppose you are either embarrassed to admit that you had someone explain to you what I said. Or you are ashamed to ask anyone to read it to you. You'd be quite comical if it wasn't so sad...

Comment by theroderickpost

June 16th 2008 23:51
I have 3 degrees, I don't need anyone, especially a slow learner to explain to me what you said. Its just mind blowing how racist you are without knowing it (the worst kind of racist).

John McCain does not care about women's rights or equal pay for women. He didn't even bother to show for the vote for equal pay for women. I could never vote for a man like that for President. Women need progress not reversals of landmark Supreme Court decisions retracting women's rights.

Comment by S.L.

June 16th 2008 23:59


The Political Brief
3 degrees, huh? What in? Certainly not in English (or you'd be a better reader). You know something, theroderickpost, you were mildly amusing at first, but it's beginning to wear off. Now you're becoming a frightful bore. Contradicting yourself isn't particularly cute, either. It just displays your own racism and ignorance.

Remember, when you listed your objections to what I said (feel free to go back and check it, since your thought process is obviously not working) on the second number 3, you said that black people can't be racist. And now you accuse me of being racist. Well, genius, which is it? Or have you still not managed to read what I said?

Comment by theroderickpost

June 17th 2008 00:16
I never said I was a genius, just smarter than you which is obviously a very low low bar.
Back to the subject at hand you didn't mention Obama's grades because they were stellar.
I've made errors in the post because I am really trying to dumb down to your level to make sure that you understand.
Of and for there Record I have a B.S in Business Management and Market and an MBA with an emphasis in international business.
I've lived all around the world and I've seen the likes of you. You obviously don't get out much and you're not enlightened. Regardless Obama will be our next President, like it or not so you may as well start getting used to the idea. What did you study? Haterism 101?

Comment by No Borders Migration Advocates 1

June 17th 2008 00:27


No Borders Guide
The Roderick post earlier dsaid " 3. Black people can't be racist"

That is racist. I don't care what colour or religion people are, it makes no difference. But I have to say it, some (and like every race driven talk I mean only some) black people are the most racist. They blame everything on racism, any bad comment towards them or rejection they see it as racist. Blaming racism is a form of racism. How many times have you heard a person with dark skin who doesn't get their way call a person with light coloured skin a racist. (given sometimes it is racism but not all the time).

For racism to go away it needs black people to help by stop blaming their situation on a racist act (unless it really is, and you know when it is and when its not)

Comment by theroderickpost

June 17th 2008 00:36
No Borders..."racism" when it applies to black people, is a reaction to being oppressed. If you have been oppressed you are more sensitive to it than people who have not. I am not saying every time a black person says something is racist that it is. That is far from the truth. I am saying if black people had not been discriminated against we would not be having this discussion. You are blaming the oppressed for the problem and not the oppressor.

Comment by S.L.

June 17th 2008 00:37


The Political Brief
Very nicely said, No Borders Migration Advocates 1! It has become much too easy for some of us to blame our own failings on racism. It comes from all races and colors, too, not just whites against blacks. Dr. King had it right, you know. We should all be judged on the content of our character and not the color of our skin.

As for "prejudice" that's also real. It means (literally) to "pre-judge" just like theroderickpost has pre-judged me and made all the wrong assumptions. That's another sad form of ignorance and racism.

Comment by theroderickpost

June 17th 2008 00:45
SL I am so glad that you've quoted Dr. King who in his time was considered radical. In fact the sermon that he was to deliver the Sunday before he was slain was entitled "Why America is Going to Hell".
This sounds a little like something another Minister which has been mentioned in this post.
Dr. King was a peacemaker, but make no mistake, he understood the mental chains and institutionalized racism which was prevalent then and still exists today.

Comment by S.L.

June 17th 2008 00:53


The Political Brief
Comparing Dr. King to Rev. Wright is like saying that Martin Luther (who was German, by the way) was somehow equal to Adolph Hitler. I don't recall Dr. King ever saying "God damn America" from the pulpit, do you? Dr. King was a man of peace who lead people in the right direction and stood up for civil rights when it wasn't popular. Wright (and those like him) have come along and gotten people fired up by pretending that racism lurks under every rock and around every corner. I have found that relying on myself and doing what's right work better than whining and accusing others of racism, theroderickpost. But apparently that concept evades you.

Comment by theroderickpost

June 17th 2008 01:03
SL. Your analogy is ridiculous. If you every read history books and if you've ready the background of Jeremiah Wright you would admit you analogy is ridiculous. I never said that MLK said God damn America. I did say that he wrote a sermon called "Why America is Going to Hell" Since you have claimed to have listened to Rev Wright's sermons, you should know that when he said "God Damn America" He was damning America to Hell for its treatment of Africans, Chinese and Native Americans. Not exactly the same words but are in fact similar in context. You can read (if that's not too hard for you) this Really Long Link
I am not making this up.
It was you who brought up Martin Luther King, not me. I am just pointing out facts to you since you obviously have a very little grasp on history.

Comment by S.L.

June 17th 2008 01:21


The Political Brief
All right, enough is enough. This is getting ridiculous. Since you obviously can't read (or count. Just FYI, oh brilliant holder of three degrees, 4 is the number that comes after 3), and have very limited comprehension skills, I will spell it out so that even you can understand. It was fun for a little while, watching you twist everything I said (or, everything you thought I was saying), but it's getting insufferably boring now, watching you determinedly making a fool of yourself.

I mentioned that my great grandparents were slaves. What do you suppose that means? Do you think maybe they were Swedish slaves? I also mentioned that my other great grandparents were Cherokee (that's Native American, since you apparently didn't know). As for my not knowing much about history, I've lived a great deal of it.

Thank you for calling me a Slow Learner, ignoramus, etc. It displays your ignorance and prejudice to a "T." It makes you look so very, very smart to accuse a black person of racism after saying that black people can't be racist!

Maybe I should call Al Sharpton and have him ream you for your foolishness? Nah, why bother, I'm sure he's busy with another Tawana Brawley "incident" to prove that black people can't be racist.

Comment by Tiffeany Roderick

June 17th 2008 01:29
HAHAHA. Sorry its just funny how you had to resort to bringing up something we talked about an hour ago because I just proved you wrong. You're pathetic and just proved my Slow Learner point. This a blog not a thesis. I don't have to dot my I or cross my T here as I am not being graded or trying to impress the likes of you. I save my mastery of the English language for people who can understand it. I've tried to explain things to you like you are a five year old. I apologize if I did not include pictures in this blog to make things easier for you Slow Learner.

Comment by S.L.

June 17th 2008 01:35


The Political Brief
Sorry, TR. I wasn't aware that you have a mental disability. Sometimes you almost sound rational, albeit rare and brief. Maybe you can ask one of the nice nurses to read my last comment in terms that you can understand. But afterwards, please take your meds and get some sleep. Your poor brain has clearly been overtaxed.

Comment by theroderickpost

June 17th 2008 01:44
Typical Slow Learner, making fun of the disabled. Obviously you have been sharing meds with Cindy McCain. I hope you don't take any before you hit the polls in November..or maybe you should.....

Comment by S.L.

June 17th 2008 01:50


The Political Brief
Apparently, you can't even make up your mind what your name is. I learned my name at a very early age, maybe someday you'll learn yours, too. Since you obviously don't intend to apologise for all the nasty things you've said about me, you're either incapable of shame or too self-absorbed in your little hate game. So go find someone else to play with. Maybe you should pick on Doug, after all this is his blog, isn't it? I'm sure he'd be amused if you start calling him homophobic.

I'm through wasting time on you.

Comment by No Borders Migration Advocates 1

June 17th 2008 02:04


No Borders Guide
I'm sorry Roderick but being oppressed is not an excuse.

I feel for any race that coped abuse and degregation because of the colour of their skin or the god they followed butit's no excuse. They should lead by example, be the bigger person, attempt to educate the people making the racist remarks (when they are actually racists remarks).

message here is there is no excuse for racism, oppressed or not, period.

Comment by theroderickpost

June 17th 2008 02:05
I believe you began by calling me ignorant. Then when you realized I was smarter than you, you started calling me names again. I am glad you learned your name at a young age, however it would've been nice if you learned how to spell it too Slow Learner. I won't pick on Doug because I believe he's well informed and intelligent. You however...................... .not the brightest light on the Christmas tree.

Comment by theroderickpost

June 17th 2008 02:13
No Borders..I just don't understand how pointing out injustices is racist. Wright did not make these things up these things actually happened historically. I think that Whites don't understand the black church. People don't leave the church angry and hating white people after hearing a sermon like that. These Ministers point out racism in the bible and compare it to racism not to show that God delivered one people and he can deliver another. Its more of a lack of cultural understanding.

Comment by No Borders Migration Advocates 1

June 17th 2008 02:20


No Borders Guide
I think you missed what I was trying to say.

Yes pointing out racist remarks isn't racist (although it doesn't help the matter) I agree.

I am just disappointed when people blame misfortunes on racism straight away without even considering that 'not getting the job' or being kick out of a pub' was because of them 'not being the best person for the job' or being too drunk'.

I believe that both parties (races) need to work on their behaviour in order to cease racism for good.

Comment by troderickpost

June 17th 2008 03:59
If you are a victim of racism, you know it when you see it no matter how subversive. If you can't haven't experienced it, quite frankly you wouldn't understand. Everything is not racist, however...again, I think you aren't listening to what I am saying, if you are black and you have experienced it you are more sensitive to it.

Comment by Lilla

June 17th 2008 04:03


From The Home Front
Enviro Warrior
Dream Herald
Esoteric Bookshop
Hi Doug,

I just wanted to say, well written piece ... I REALLY enjoyed the read.

Well said.

Lilla ...

Comment by Doug Pollard

June 17th 2008 04:33


Current Affairs
Rainbow Reporter
Thanks Lilla, much appreciated.

Comment by No Borders Migration Advocates 1

June 17th 2008 04:35


No Borders Guide
Roderick, I think we are commenting on different aspects here. I realise that after experiencing racism you will become more sensitive to it. I was just saying that regardless of race and whether or not one has experienced racism. Racism is not always to blame. And it annoys me when people pull the racism card whenever something doesn't go their way.

By the way, what if your white roderick. If you are white and have experienced racism are you more sensitive to it as well.

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