Dubya's Beatitudes

Well, the election is two weeks away. I must say, this has been one of the more grueling ones I can remember. I have really grown to hate the opposition on this one, and I don't remember feeling that strongly before. And that feeling is growing--necessitating these weekly rants to keep me from running amok.

Let me congratulate the Republicans for so dividing the country further. In Oklahoma, as well as several other states, conservatives are trumpeting their "family values" nonsense by putting anti-gay marriage legislation on the ballots. Real mystery what will happen here, since we are so enlightened. It isn't that I don't understand the concern about gay marriage, but the lockstep approach that could end up endangering the kids. In Ohio, the language is so vague that even some Repubs are opposed to it. It could, from what I read, make the state not enforce any legislation for unmarried couples, and that could even include a protective service order--something near and dear to my heart. But hey, if they are unmarried, screw em! Right? Anyone who doesn't fit the white, suburban ideal of sexuality or marriage? Screw them! This is America, where differences are not tolerated! And should not be!!!!!

On other fronts, I was talking to a friend of mine yesterday. She mentioned how offended she was whenever she heard Bush say he was a Christian. Was this because she is opposed to Christians and doesn't want people of faith in office? No. She was offended because she saw actions that seemed so very opposite to the teachings of Christ, yet so many Christians seem to glow when they talk about Bush as one of them in office. I keep asking for any evidence that Bush has acted like a Christian (except talking about how "important" his faith is to him). Still no takers. Doesn't that seem odd? Evidently Bush is allowed to keep saying he is a Christian and get great credits from it, but is not expected to actually live out his faith. Really makes me respect the Christian church right now. Sure glad they are so concerned about family values and morality to support this guy. I sometimes wonder what his faith is all about, if it is even real? I suspect he thinks he is Christian and is being honest when he says so, but his ideas about Christianity are so super thin that he couldn't answer a complicated question about what his faith is really about. The fact that the church hasn't asked him means they are fine with that. Way to go, Church. You are really holding up your end in this deal. As it turns out, I think the American church is just as slutty as so many others in the country. They can be bought off with a $300 check and a few vapid words about how "God changed my heart." Really? Be interesting to know just how ruthless and amoral he was prior to that so-called conversion. But again, that is asking too many questions. I am supposed to respect his faith, and somehow overlook the fact that I have never seen him act on even the smallest portion of his supposed "relationship" with God.

So, with all due respect to those on the other side, I give you:

The Beatitudes according to GWB:

Blessed are the Rich, because I like them.

Blessed are the Poor as well, because we are getting so many more of them. God must like poor people, and he will take care of them, so that the wealthy will not have to.

Blessed are the warmakers, because it is a scary world and you have to hit them before they hit you. Thus and verily so. Killing others is good! And we will not record how many of the others we kill, because that might cause bleeding hearts to care. Caring is bad.

Blessed are the polluters, because mercury in the water and fish will only harm the infants and pregnant women (family values).

Blessed are the torturers, because we must protect ourselves in a scary world.

Blessed are those who lie for their President's sake, for their ends shall justify their means. (and if the President can lie, why not his minions?)

Blessed is John Ashcroft, and his racist little heart, for white supremacy is a good goal, and civil liberties have always gone too far.

Blessed are the gay bashers, because they will always have an audience who is scared of others.

Blessed are those who profit, because profit is the highest form of human endeavor and should be valued over people and God's creation.

Blessed are those who proclaim their Christianity without living it out.

And finally, Bless America, and no one else.