I was reading some blogs tonite on the so-called "Saddleback Showdown" forum between Obama & McCain. I loved the format, was impressed with Rick Warren's questions (we need more preachers like him) and his ability to weave scripture into the conversation.

One blog commentor said that watching Obama was, to him, both sad and scary. I thought that was a fairly accurate description of my feelings about the man. He skirted the major questions, such as "What is your greatest moral failure?" I appreciated McCain's honesty when, in answer to that question, he talked about the dissolution of his first marriage. At least he was real. I appreciated McCain's quick answer to the question "At what point does life begin?" He shot back immediately with "At the moment of conception." Now, whether or not you and I agree with him on this, at least he is a man who has sought a personal answer to one of the greatest moral questions of all times. And for Obama to say that "Speculating on the beginnings of life is way above my pay grade" is just assanine, ignorant, and personally weak. Has he truly never wrestled with this issue? Has the matter really never even crossed his mind enough to formulate an opinion for himself? For someone who could potentially be changing a lot of laws and regulations concerning the matter of abortion and the beginnings of life, I would hope that the man making those decision would have at least postulated in his own mind some kind of solid basis for that decision. But to simply say "that's above my paygrade" is idiotic. Even the bum on the street can tell you when he thinks life begins.

Now, on the contrary, I did like what Obama said about the fact that we need to work to lessen the number of abortions in this country. I agree with him there. Of course, I wholeheartedly disagree with his methods of doing so, but oh, well.

I'm just not getting all starry-eyed about this so-called 'golden boy' who is touted to be the "saviour of our sinking nation." First of all, if you really think America is that bad off, perhaps its time for an overseas experience. And secondly, this whole election campaign has shown how easily people can be swayed by a snazzy slogan and spiffy, "wearable" logo. (C'mon.. how many of you have an Obama'08 shirt? Ok, how many of you want one?) There's much more at stake here than a cool looking bumper sticker or a fashionable political expression. Now, do I think that McCain is the answer? Of course not! All I'm saying is, its time to take the rose colored glasses off, and start looking at issues that matter and proposed solutions each candidate offers.