MR McCain doesn't seem to be able to conclude why he is slipping in the poles, economy? Partially, but I believe it is also the electorate is finding out more about his once in a life time choice of a running mate. When the McCain campaign allows Ms. Palin to open her mouth it is evident she doesn't have a clue and is a heart beat away from being the President. Read the interview with http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2008/09/24/eveningnews/main4476173.shtml?source=RSSattr=HOME_4476173

That was pretty tame stuff compared to Obama's Church. It's not like Palin was talking in toungues or being possessed by the Holy Spirit.

She just stood there with her palms up.

What's the big deal?

Also: I think she looks pregnant in that video. I wonder who the mommy is?

What's the deal? Besides the creepy preacher? I think I heard that voice in The Omen....

So she is religious. So is Obama. If people are going to say she cant be in office without her religion interfering, than neither can he. If you say what you do everyday (at work or elsewhere) isnt a reflection of your beliefs, then you are a liar and a hypocrite.

Just making sure I understand:

• It is not okay to criticize the hate speech coming from Obama's pastor.

• It is okay to poke fun at the wacky religious beliefs and ceremonies of Sarah Palin.

That about right?

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing either candidate or party with this statement. I am just trying to understand what looks like hypocrisy.

You guys are missing the point.

Are their currently witches in Alaska? Were there witches there before this ceremony?

If this de-witching of Alaska worked, we could have a witch-free country if Palin is elected.

Getting rid of witches is no easy task. So we should all be grateful that these brave people are willing to go public with their withchunts.

before you make fun of Sarah Palin, maybe you should ask yourself just how many witches you've driven from your state.

"he is slipping in the poles"

As freudian slips go, that there is hard to beat. I guess conservatives are just happy he picked a woman for veep instead of some guy from the airport?

Fred, I think it's fine to criticize Obama's pastor, if you happen not to agree with him. It's a free country. I think, though, that it is stupid (the charitable case) or dishonest (the likely case) to saddle Obama himself with the pastor's expressions of opinion. Moreover, we don't see Obama participating in acts of superstition and witchcraft, as we do Palin, so there's a qualitative difference, too.

we don't see Obama participating in acts of superstition

But he claims to be a Christian, so he must, right? Im sure its not an act, or a lie.
If you poke fun at Palin's religion, which is the same one Obama seems to believe in, then arent you making fun of Obama as well?

First, I do not think it a coincidence that Palin is now traveling the lower 48. Ooh, ooh, witchy woman. New campaign song? Isn't this new Pastor dust up emblematic of the natural order of hypocrisy? Institutional projection. What a concept.

You're losing me, Jack... Since when should political candidates' (or anyone's) free expression of their spirituality or religion be mocked? Would it somehow be ok if she was praying at a Buddhist temple or worshiping at a synagogue? Just checking where you draw the line - are all religions to be mocked, or just Christianity?

I'm not mocking anyone. The video is there. She allowed it to be shot. I am showing it. I think it's interesting.

Just like when Hillary circulated the picture of Obama dressed in traditional Idonesian clothes - she wasn't mocking him. The picture was there. He allowed it to be shot. She was showing it. She thought it was interesting.

Im sure its not an act, or a lie.

How can one tell? I've never seen Obama filmed in the midst of religious rites. Nor have I seen him introduce his religion into his public policy proposals or pretend to be an agent of a god in his working life. Those things are all central to Palin's candidacy.

That's Christianity. I'm so glad I stayed away.

Allan L: "...I think, though, that it is stupid(the charitable case) or dishonest (the likely case)to saddle Obama himself with the pastor's expressions of opinion."

He has been listening to this pastor for the past twenty years. He takes his wife and children to listen to this pastor. This pastor was on his campaign team. He could have left this church along time ago but didn't. Of course he can be saddled with the pastor's expressions of opinion.

He has been listening to this pastor for the past twenty years.

Must have done him some good. He seems to make a certain amount of sense. Unlike what I've seen of your rants, Richard/s.

Hi Prof Jack -- Please tell us your point in posting this clip.

Here is what I saw:
A minister from another country who spoke with a funny accent and used speech patterns not common in the US.
The minister asking God to bless someone with divine favor
The minister asking God to bring righteousness to the state and to the nation.

I also saw a woman standing with her head bowed and with hands out. In that culture the bowed head is a sign of respect to God's authority and the hands out show a willingness to accept whatever God gives.

I dont' see much different here:
http://tinyurl.com/4arr8t

or in the story of 'Blood and Guts' Patton's prayer at Bastogne:
http://www.pattonhq.com/prayer.html

PS - the Padre's story is a good one.

Just checking where you draw the line - are all religions to be mocked, or just Christianity?

I can't speak for Jack, but all religions are open to mocking...it's called free speech.

Also, a christian is not a christian. There are bazillions of flavors of christianity and although they are all delusional, some are harmless, and some are not.

Judging from the reactions, the brand Obama subscribes to is harmless. Palin's, however, is dominionist in nature and, as such, I warrant it a great deal MORE suspicion than I do mainstream Methodism (for example). I believe in the separation of church and state...she does not. That is a critical point in electing people to high office.

The whole point is that he is praying to protect her from witchcraft. Like the evil omens and incantations directed at her from this blog...

So I am wondering...
EXORCISM

Non-Vatican Interpretation of Fatima Third Secret

"The Rite (Ritual) for expelling demons (devils) from people
certified as being possessed by authorized Catholic priests.

WARNING: Only Catholic priests who are both legally and morally ordained and are faithful to the teachings of Sacred Scripture, as validly understood through the legitimate moral authority of the Church, and who remain spiritually sound should attempt an exorcism. Devils are powerful beings and can be extremely harmful to the unqualified. Instead; Praying the Exorcism Prayer is encouraged.

Preliminary actions for those recognizing satanic activity in relation to themselves:

1. Immediately reject any and all types of unnatural insights whether they occur in a dream or while in a waking state. Such insights commonly originate in the occult and are of satanic origin. Such insights may refer to a past, present of future event. They are intended to seem worthy with resultant enhancement of self-esteem. Eventually the evil spirits giving these insights, feelings, or seeing of auroras will seek full control over a captivated persons being. Such possessions or manifestations frequently occur to those who have used or participated in the following:
* Ouija boards, Seances, Magic 8 balls, Palm reading (even as a game), Tea leaf reading, Fortune telling, Potions, Incantations, Yoga (even as exercise), Martial Arts (in most cases), Dungeons and Dragons, Harry Potter Books, Eastern Mysticism, Tarrot Cards, etc.
When one begins honestly trying to live the Christian life, one MUST break with all Satanic influences that one has accepted in one's life. This would include all organized occultic behavior. Many of these things are presented as games or midway attractions at a county fair, but they're actually portals of access for the attack of one or devils. It may have been years since one was involved but until it is recognized as sin, confessed, and absolved with proper penance, the doors remain open for Satan's entry.
Many people never know that the games they were involved with as children are mortal sins that will send them to hell without proper repentance.
It is not enough to say that you never did it yourself. To be aware that any of these things are being done and not to say something against it is to give tacit approval by your presence. Such failure jeopardizes your own soul.
2. Avoid other conditions and associations that breed satanic influence concerning one's spiritual life:
3. Disassociate from drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Illicit Sex, Pornography.
4. Terminate association with any of the following and similar organizations:
* Freemasonry, Skull and Bones, Illuminati, B'ani B'rith, Cecil Rhodes Scholars, Satanism, Wicca, Eastern Star, Shriners, York Rite, Scottish Rite, Amaranth, DeMolay, Order of the Rainbow for Girls, Job's Daughters and ALL other Secret Societies.
* Eastern Religions, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Rotary International, Kiwanis International, Lions Club, and similar organizations most of which are at least indirectly associated with Freemasonry.
5. Build the foundation of your faith by:
* Carefully studying and reflecting upon the Qualities and Attributes of God. Understanding Faith through Learning About God
* Reflecting on what makes for a serious offense against God by doing a thorough examination of conscience. Make All Things Right with God'

Hey at least her church is diverse and the pastor did not saying anything divisive...

Oh by the way, many people outside of Oregon attend church.

How can one tell? I've never seen Obama filmed in the midst of religious rites. Nor have I seen him introduce his religion into his public policy proposals or pretend to be an agent of a god in his working life. Those things are all central to Palin's candidacy.

But thats my point. Just because he keeps it to himself, doesnt mean it isnt happening. It has to be. If you are claiming to be Christian, it must be central to your life, thats how it works. If Obama is as religous as he wants us to believe, (and I think he is), then he is using God's words to guide his actions. Otherwise, he's just another "born again" hypocrite.

Speaking of diversity, the guy on Palin's right looks like Bill Gates.

But then the minister did pray to "bring finances to Sarah".

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=wCLZHgJEF3s