Sunday, November 2, 2008

Historic Elections and Where We Go From Here

On Tuesday, our nation makes history. Either we elect the first black president or the first female vice-president. Barak Obama's candidacy is not a sign of the end of racism in America, but it may be a sign that the obstacles racism presents are no longer insurmountable. This may open up some new opportunities for racial reconciliation in the nation and in the church.

I for one would welcome the opportunity to work side-by-side with black pastors to press the gospel into the problems faced by the urban poor. I recognize my learning curve would be steep but the effort could mean progress toward permanent change as the gospel proves itself once again as the only real hope for mankind.

If Barak Obama wins the election, it will be a sign that the American mind-set has moved to the point of co-operation. If Obama loses, his progress this far is no less an indicator. It would not show proper respect to the distances Obama's campaign has traveled to say that he is a victim. The race will be won or lost on issues. I am an old school conservative who believes that real compassion is not shown by increasing the power of government. That does not make me a racist.

It will be important not to fall back on old racist arguments of victimization. Obama's candidacy has taught us that. As a nation, we are now in a position to do better.

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