DoxA

Rock the Boat

Right in front of me, as I write this, is a picture of my two daughters and me sitting on the front of a sailboat heading back to the island of Maui after returning from a scuba dive off the island of Lanai. Moments after the picture was taken several spinner dolphins entertained us with their seemingly happy frolic of flying into the air while spinning their bodies. Off in the distance humpback whales would slap their tales on the surface and occasionally one would exit the water in a full body breach! It was exciting to watch. There was something near magical of the slow yet powerful movement of those whales. This was something we had never seen before and would not had we stayed on the shore.

As children growing up we read the stories of Jonah in the belly of a whale for three days... this, alongside another story of a wooden puppet in search for his father, makes for nice fiction and presupposes children's stories are for children and rational thinking will eventually have it's way. Whether the characters were actual historic figures or not is irrelevant today, right? If they serve a purpose to teach us and we learn the lesson there's no difference whether George Washington cut down a cherry tree and couldn't tell a lie or not... is there? Jonah was a prophet of God... has his own book in the Bible and we agree it's true right? Pinocchio was a puppet and the figure of a fairy tale and we agree it's not true... right? However the origin, the result is the same; instill virtue, develop character and motivate appropriate behavior... yes?

We assume we get wiser as we grow older but I'm not so sure this is true. It's the older ones who tell stories like these to the younger ones so when they grow up they'll know their "place." We learn not to run away, to always do what we're told and to never rock the boat! In other words, doing the right thing means to follow and let others lead.

While it may appear obedience is to do what you're told sometimes obedience is to go against the very thing that seems right... In a society that screams to keep to yourself... most who claim faith in God deem it a private affair and walk quietly among the violently outspoken. So, what are we to do?

Rock the Boat!

"This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

Take a risk, do something you've never done before and speak up for truth even if it hurts. If you don't rock the boat; God just might and you'll be in it! So pray. Not for obedience, God doesn't give obedience; pray for courage and do something courageous... like another seafaring figure of history whose legend is told among the young...

The things that haven't been done before,
Those are the things to try;
Columbus dreamed of an unknown shore
At the rim of the far-flung sky,
And his heart was bold and his faith was strong
As he ventured in dangers new,
And he paid no heed to the jeering throng
Or the fears of the doubting crew.

The many will follow the beaten track
With guideposts on the way.
They live and have lived for ages back
With a chart for every day.
Someone has told them it's safe to go
On the road he has traveled o'er,
And all that they ever strive to know
Are the things that were known before.

A few strike out without map or chart,
Where never a man has been,
From the beaten path they draw apart
To see what no man has seen.
There are deeds they hunger alone to do;
Though battered and bruised and sore,
They blaze the path for the many, who
Do nothing not done before.

The things that haven't been done before
Are the tasks worthwhile today;
Are you one of the flock that follows, or
Are you one that shall lead the way?
Are you one of the timid souls that quail
At the jeers of a doubting crew,
Or dare you, whether you win or fail,
Strike out for a goal that's new?

The Things That Have Never Been Done Before - Edgar Guest

Thanks for Giving

Today, I am grateful for so many things. I'm sure you are too. So here's a little list to make it real on this day after Thanksgiving...

I thank God for His Amazing Grace. I don't deserve it but I'll accept it.
I thank Jesus for His pain. He didn't deserve it and I know I'm responsible.
I thank my wife for her patience. She waits, works and wonders because I'm not responsible.
I thank my girls for their honor. They love their dad like the Father wants my love.
I thank friends new for the joy they bring into my life and the harvest of hope.
I thank friends old for the treasure that I look upon proving I've had a great life.
I thank TOC for following down a path I'm learning as we go.
I thank SCC for equipping me for that journey.
I thank all who have struggled and came to me for help, you helped me more than you'll now.
I thank the the triathlon, cre:ate, emerging, Beautiful Day and Peet's Coffee communities for welcoming me.
I Thank TypePad, Facebook, Oovoo, Skype and Twitter for keeping me connected to y'all.

and finally,

I Thank you for coming back to this blog time and time again for another helping of random rants, self-congratulatory brags and my attempt to engage your heart and mind in a journey of real faith.

Happy "Thanks for giving!"

take note...

First, let me announce the winner of the Louder than Creation CD and share my gratitude for Shannon B. by introducing me to The Secret Life of Kat a blog on Wordpress that is clean and easily navigated even for those who you've admitted were blogiliterate... your word, not mine. Congratulations Shannon and thanks for turning me on to another good blog.

Second, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. I'm grateful for a lot of things and will post those tomorrow but today would like you to consider not just what and who you are thankful for but when and how you'll share those thoughts.

Finally, It's raining pretty good outside... I'm working on the message for Sunday and needed a laugh to break up the day... Thanks to Ernie, our Student Ministries Pastor, he sent me this video that did the trick...

BTW - I had several of you in mind!

Once Saved, Always Safe?

This past week when considering the storms of life we are having to face in our current culture due to the economic, political and moral morass we've created I've been thinking about another storm brewing.

I could be wrong about this but the pendulum may be swinging back toward doctrine as the most divisive topic facing the church. Typically, doctrine has always been a cause of dissension among the brethren but ecclesiology, baptism, spiritual gifts and most recently, worship styles have taken the driver's seat. When I look back with subjective eyes, I see the key issue has always been brought on by the latest church "fad." From the most recent "seeker-sensitive" approach to doing church came the knock-down, drag-out fights over performance alongside the perennial argument of traditional versus contemporary music.  Will we ever learn from these tides that come and go?

I hope, as I approach a much more seasoned age, I will let go of traditions for sake of tradition and reach for new practices that are not birthed from idealism. I want to be real... I want to matter... I want to work toward a cause and live for a purpose of value, truth, godliness and eternal effect. I, however, do not interest myself, nor do I wish to align myself with another fad that will ebb in and flow away never to be seen again or worse yet, to be forgotten altogether. That is why I am easily aligned with many fellow pastors who lead churches with the same hope but are being labeled into a movement... uh, that's another word for fad.

First, to be clear I am leading a church with an "emerging" mindset. Conversely, I am, this almost hurts to say, too old to be of the "Emergent" and more controversial bent. Secondly, I avoid the arrogance and elitism that is creeping into the young movement among the young. Finally, I like the struggle of balancing truth with grace but can't stand the mind-wrenching, never conclusive debate over Calvanism vs. Armenianism. It shouldn't bother me since I am in agreement with those who believe man is completely incapable of being or doing good and that God does choose those He loves, God's grace is only reserved for those who accept it and it is so compelling it produces reasonable and viable results that are life changing and life lasting under the protective watch of a God who doesn't let us go once he has us. YES!!! This is what I believe. But, I'm not smug about it...

I'm afraid Reformed Theology is becoming the same as those who believe if you're not speaking in tongues you haven't receive the "full" baptism of the Holy Spirit. Yet, for those who are eloquently espousing the return to pure doctrine it's mostly those who are more willing to glom onto a title over studying the tenants that are doing the new reformers more harm.

As people of faith we face a lot of opposition from those who don't share our faith let alone from within. We must be striving for, insisting in and protecting truth... we have a mission to lead people into a clear understanding what it means to be transformed into the image of Christ but I will shy away from exclusive, almost hostile conversations or associations that put me on opposite sides of the same team...

sola scriptura baby!

Looking Good

Win this CD!

Someone once told me that when a person drastically changes their appearance it usually denotes that person is currently experiencing a personal crisis. It seemed too general a statement at the time and a bit demeaning for it to bear credibility. However, having spent a bit of time in counseling people through life's struggles; it can be argued as a stereotype. So, I need to admit; I'm having a personal crisis and I want to change my look!

The blog, that is. I'm tired of the design, the functionality and the stale info. I'm sure you are too.

Here's how you can help. Please let me know you're favorite looking or best functioning blog. Also, if you would like to include why you like the blog-engine you use (no need to share the reasons you don't care for it). The design I choose as the one I like the best and will try to make my new blog resemble will get a copy of North Point's Worship CD Louder Than Creation. That's right! I'm giving stuff away at DoxA. But here are the rules... suggestions must be left in the comments. Anyone who emails me will be ineligible.

I will post my selection in a week and contact the winner for mailing info.

Thanks for playing along and helping me with my new look!

Good For a Rainy Day

One of the most common questions I get is, "I have a great life. I have no problems and everything seems to be going pretty good, right now, but I'm board and have no passion... What's wrong with me?" I tell them, "Oh, it's because you live in Santa Barbara!" They just look at me funny.

I have to admit I'm something of a wimp when it comes to rain and cold. I don't care much for snow unless I'm looking at it or skiing on it (and I prefer both just after it has fallen). Likewise I enjoy temperate days over blistering, hot ones! Therefore, because I like to be outdoors most of the time, consider me Goldilocks... I want days that are "just right!" My life thus far, as is yours, is a culmination of days; most of which are "just right" but occasionally a little too hot for comfort or too wet, cold or both to enjoy. Unfortunately, as I look into this matter these unfavorable days are essential for the days we consider just right as they balance on a delicate thread of too hard, too soft.

Because the world is dealing with the ramifications of global warming brought on by our poor environmental policies we must also look at the impact of personal neglect, over time, securing our own individual comfort. While using our cars, consuming energy irresponsibly and dumping tons of toxins, plastics and metal products into our oceans and landfills we can claim ignorance to our part but the truth is we're lazy and we like it that way! Because we could, we did. Sadly, today we look at dwindling rain forests and waning glaciers and think, "Oh! We can fix this... can't we?"

Similarly, just like the environment, I know there will be a personal weather forecast I either prepare to face or ignore. Each day the weather is changing and while most tend to be just right, some are violent storms and others are heat waves I can only liken to hell on earth. Most of these storms are unexpected... a sudden illness or loss of a job. It's like you wake up and they just happen while others can be seen coming in the distance... financial difficulties; forecasted by excessive spending on credit. And if that isn't enough to make for a miserable day, there are those storms that are self-imposed...bringing an act of God meant to turn me on my heals and get me back on track where I belong. If ignored these storms can be extremely devastating!

Regardless of the type of storm; I have a promise...

When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. Isaiah 43:2,3

... and so do you!

• What is the storm you face today?
• Did you see it coming?
• Did you have something to do with it?
• What good will it do in time?
• What "conservation" can you do now to avoid devastating storms later?

Find 5 key points involving the environment from the accounts of Noah and the people in Gen.6-9  and Ezekiel and the Valley of Dry Bones in Ezekiel 37. What was sudden, forecast and devastating and why? Discuss or journal the implication for your life today and what a little rain could do for you.

I love Santa Barbara, by the way! But if you lived there; you know what I mean.

A discussion blog for the Message series: Rain - Dealing with the Storms of Life.

Post Race Post Season

History... skip to the race report if that's all you're interested in (I would)...

I began training and racing triathlon in January, 2001. My first race was a sprint distance that took place in May, then a shorter version of an Olympic distance race in June, a true Olympic distance race in July and another one in September two days before the terrorist's attack on our country. At that time I didn't realize there was an "off-season" to triathlon but realized I was ready for a break from the routine and started taking it easy. My next race of the new year was a half Ironman (then Ralph's... Now California 70.3) race in April as a primer for my first ever Ironman race in June (Ironman Utah) which led to my participation in Vineman later in the summer... My first year, 4 races; my second 3 but covering, literally, much more ground! The following year 5 races, the next 2, then 5, then 5... I liked this pattern. It worked well for me since my Sunday availability is somewhat hindered. But in 2007 the race card showed - 0.

With moving from Palm Springs to San Jose and taking the responsibilities of church which required a lot of attention not only was it difficult to find time to race, it was nearly as hard to find time to train! However, with the encouragement of the Elders of our church this year would be different.

After connecting with Brian Grasky at the ICTN Training Camp late in January, who agreed to coach my comeback, I first started with Wildflower a difficult race held the first weekend in May. Next came Ironman France in late June, then Santa Barbara Long Course in August, Pacific Grove/Olympic mid September, Austin 70.3 in October and this past weekend the newly revised, Treasure Island, now known as San Francisco Triathlon/Olympic.

Pre Race... report still below.

Chris Anderson, Director of Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Endurance (FCA-E) put out a call early in the year for any of the teammates in the Bay Area who could man the booth at any of the TRI California events. I mentioned since some of the races are held on Saturdays I could easily do this. Consequently I was also able to do those Saturday races. So, after connecting with Marilyn to pick up the display tent I headed up the peninsula to set up for the Friday expo. Once set up, the expo was quiet with a great comradere of fellow vendors and athletes. Notably this time was, Cowboy with his Fuzzy Duds, the ART guys, Patty at Wetsuitrentals.com and Evan and Lindsey with 53x11 Coffee. Terry Davis, the race director of TRI California stopped by and we talked about our faith and the expectations of the weekend. He mentioned something about having one of us FCA'ers give the invocation in the morning to which I offered. Later Troy and Robin arrived with their two! daughters, Anna and Ariel. We had a good time chatting and catching up. As the sun was setting I picked it as the best time to head back to San Jose and fight the traffic... and I did! Getting home Joy was prepping dinner, I got all my gear and bike together packed away and double checked and then food, water, sleep.

Race Report...

Even though the race wasn't a priority race and I saw it much like a training day, I did toss and turn a bunch. I felt nerves that are reserved for more important races. So before the alarm went off I was already up and getting out the door eating a bowl of cereal, banana, muffin and juice. I planned to arrive at 6:30 for an 8:15 wave start and everything was going well, even a quick stop into Starbucks for a jolt of caffeine, but somewhere up the 280 a CHP officer flew by to slam on his brakes and start the "weave." Instantly, I knew what was going on and before we hit the next exit we were completely stopped. After a small eternity everyone was diverted off the freeway to find their way over to the 101. Minutes seemed like hours and my ease of time was being overcome with slight panic. When I parked my car nearly 30 minutes off my anticipated arrival I had only enough time to get my bike racked and stuff put on the ground to hear Terry begin the morning prayer. Arghh! first real frustration of the day.

Swim... After watching a few waves head out into the cold waters of a protected cove under the Bay Bridge, it was time for me to get in... and I did about 7 minutes earlier than I should. I overheard someone the day before say the water temps were 61 degrees... they lied. I got in early to warm up but since there was little room to do so I did a couple of sprints starts, warmed up my heart rate but that was about it. I had just purchased a new Garmin Forerunner 405 (which I'll be returning) but either the water was so cold it would not let any of the functions work or I couldn't figure it out. I tried and tried to get the timer function to set and only after a frustrating and cold several minutes just before the gun, while holding my left arm out of the water the whole time while doing eggbeater kick, did it finally work. Once off on the two loop swim I could tell my rhythm seemed slow. There was very little congestion and the water was flat. I wasn't turning over much and for some reason even though I could sight fairly well to the first buoy I kept swimming to the right.  At one point, I was swimming stroke for stroke with some guy on my left as if we were continuously high five-ing each other. I felt stronger coming in the second lap and expected a fairly decent time but my heart sank when I looked down to see a 27... I thought for sure I had swam a 25 something... oh well, second frustration of the day.

Bike... transition was smooth and required a long run out to the mount line. Once on the course the never-ending 90 degree turns began on this fairly rough, six loop course. All in all, the 40K bike course would employ 108 90 degree turns with several more "shuck and jives." I overheard some folks talking about their concern for the hill that had to be done six times... What hill? Oh that little thing near the end... hmmph! Come train in San Jose!

The frustrating thing about this bike is you can never get a real rhythm going. I love the flats! It's where I can hammer but no sooner do you settle into a pace and oh, another turn. I've been used to doing 40K bike time trials in the 24 mph range... here 22+ Oh well, every one else had to have the same frustration.

Run... I was looking forward to the run because it's flat and three loops. Easy to determine pace and stay motivated to push hard. But as soon as I came out of transition I intended to follow Coach Brian's advice and hammer the first 5K at a 5K pace (for me that's 6:15 miles) but no sooner did I hit the road did my quads seize and told me, "you dummy! you needed to drink some fluids during the bike!" Yes, I got lulled into thinking it's cool, (I was still cold from the swim) overcast and you're not thirsty. oh, and with all the turns who had time to grab a drink? So, with this wonderful revelation it was a matter of seeing just how hard my legs would let me push before they would lockup in cramps? Verdict? somewhere around 7:15 to 7:30 pace. That's as good as it got! Even though I was passing and never got passed on the run I knew it was not going good... One highlight though was seeing one of the spin students I see in my Wednesday night class who was doing his first Olympic distance triathlon. Passing Faan at the out and back turn, high five-ing him as I passed, he had a huge smile on his face.  I later was cheered on by his family and couldn't believe my eyes when I saw his results later that day! 2:39!!! I was also cheered on by a couple of passes by Troy doing the bike as a relay with his wife Robin. They both did a great job out there as FCA was well represented on a good day with a strong mission for the glory of God.

So, in looking back, I know I shouldn't be too upset with my results but again you always want to do better. I feel good that I'm ending the season with a hunger for more next year, a plan to get there faster and enjoy the journey at the same time. I'm grateful to my wife, church and the source of my strength, my Lord Jesus for allowing me to do this sport. I am blessed with more life than I deserve and am honored to share it with you. I hope as you consider what your goals and dreams could be in this coming year you'll consider making them a little out of reach, a whole lot real and for something bigger than yourself.

Signing off on triathlon blogging until it's time to get off the couch!

Swim - 27:34 / T1 - 1:53 / Bike - 107:11 / T-2 - 1:09 / Run - 45:50

Total= 2:23:38 - 6th AG/34 Overall

San Francisco: A Treasure Island Tri

Tomorrow will be my last race of the year. After that, I'll be able to join the ranks of millions of couch potatoes... at least for a month or two. Honestly, I'm looking forward to a break from the relentless schedule of swim/bike/run. But then again, I'll miss it too! There is something about the routine that is somewhat comforting even with the physical grind. But a change up in the schedule and more mornings of sleeping in will be a welcome change for all.

However, I have to say this year wasn't too bad so the comparison of training-season to off-season won't be as great. I haven't been taking myself too seriously this year because it was a rebuilding year; kinda like the Lakers after they lost Shaq. I knew I had to get back into base fitness to do such long distances and get a feel for race morning all over again. I'll be finishing this year with the same body composition I did three years ago when I was heading into the most successful year of my triathlon career. I'm hoping for an even more successful 09 than 06... but I'm getting ahead of myself. Tomorrow's race:

The San Francisco Triathlon, formerly known as Treasure Island was essentially the last race of the year. However, the 70.3 World Championships are now held on the same weekend and Ironman Arizona is no longer a race in April but a race done in late November. The SFTri is an Olympic distance race starting in the COLD waters of the San Francisco Bay in a protected cove off Treasure Island the island that connects the two spans of the Bay Bridge. It's primarily a Naval Base and will provide a technical, criterium type bike course and fairly flat run.

We'll see how it goes. This will be the second Olympic distance race for me this year. I've not been in the habit of hammering the bike like I used to which had provided me huge leads going into the run but I've had some of my best run speed ever this year in training and sometime in races; which is nice if I can combine the two next year... there I go again. Staying in 08 for now!

I'll have further reflections of this race after it's over and then projections for the coming year... as for today... I'll just get ready for tomorrow.     

A Letter to Our Next President

Dear President Elect Obama,

Congratulations on becoming our nation's 44th President. I am hopeful for our country and continue to believe, even amid difficult financial and social challenges as a nation, we can be more prosperous, secure and generous in the coming years under your leadership. I am praying for you and committed to follow your lead. I will not speak negatively about you and will encourage others to be like-minded. I am unwilling to believe much of what I hear about you until I have a chance to see from you what I've heard. I am going to speak my convictions but do so respectfully if I disagree with you. I am going to protect the unity of our United States and if necessary fight for it. Lastly, you have my commitment that I will sacrificially serve the people of this country, I will endeavor to speak boldly against bigotry and stand for the equality of all people and I will seek justice for those who have no voice. You have my word!

Here is what I ask of you... Respect the office to which you were elected by hearing the voice of ALL people, not just those who share your views or voted for you. You represent the people meaning, not only shall you hear but you must serve the people. Therefore, it must be asked, "Who are the people?"

I believe the people are those who the constitution states are to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity... We are the people. We are... minority and majority. We are... poor and rich. We are... sick and healthy. We are uneducated and graduated. We are... weak and strong. We are... employee and employer. We are... young and old. We are... secular and spiritual. We are... in the words of President Lincoln, a government of the people, by the people for the people.

Now I realize you will not be able to please all the people all the time. I will, no doubt, be disappointed at times with decisions and actions that are made in favor of another. However, I heard you talk about sacrifice and I agree with you. Sacrifice comes in many forms such as those made by men and women who are giving and have given "the last full measure of devotion" for this country. But sacrifice should not be theirs alone; call all Americans, not just those who have, but those who receive to a greater call of duty. You have an opportunity unlike any other, to end entitlement expectations, to silence racism and to promote union. May God grant you wisdom, give you favor and protect your way as you begin this new journey down a familiar path we have never seen before.

You have the job of leading us. However, the work is ours.

That's Not What I Meant

Being misunderstood, having to answer questions that you already answered, having to say you're sorry to something you never did... all these things just get at me. I remember being blamed for something my sister did growing up. She just sat there and let me take the punishment... oh, and I did the same to her. Perhaps she was getting back at me. Perhaps she thought she was right and I was the wrong one.

My wife says I point my finger too much when I preach. Reminding me that when you point your finger at someone there are three pointing back at you! She's making the point.

When we are quick to accuse there are those who stand ready to accuse back. Usually in meaner or uglier fashion. It's defense. It raises issues that were never the issue and leaves one stammering for an even uglier comeback. This is why I don't get into political brewhahas. Not because I'm incapable of competing and rolling around in the mud. I just don't want to. Never seen what good it does. People tend to polarize over emotion while rational thinking gets chucked out the door.

When I counsel couples that are struggling to treat each other with fairness and respect, I'll ask them whose standard do they live by? In other words, who gets the final say on how it is and why is your way better than his/her way? There's always a bit of hemming and hawwing, on the spot compromising and declarations of "It depends." Then, usually without asking, an example is offered up by one of them. As the story unfolds you can see the tension building between them until finally, given a chance for rebuttal, the "accused" looks at me and declares, "That's not what I meant!"

Today, standards are a dying virtue and absolutes; are you kidding me? Everything is judged by the situation. By allowing individual standards to determine behavior, not only are we undermining the foundations of our culture we now build houses on the "slippery slope." I fear we have no idea and worse yet, no concern for the outcome. This is why, I'm old fashioned and even though I think I'm tolerant, compassionate, seek justice, and care for the widow, oppressed, poor, orphaned and stranger in this world... the B I B L E is still the book for me.

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before. It was written a long time ago, by men, in cultures that were unfair and mistreated women and people who disagreed with their spiritual views. Yeah, yeah, yeah... it says we are to do things that restrict behaviors based on imperial supremacy and oppression... say what you want. That's not what I meant.

It's not what God meant.

Hallow Weenies

Scary, spooky, icky, creepy... It Halloween tonight and the neighborhood will be a buzz. We live in a little part of San Jose that takes this night seriously! And we do not. Well, that's not true. We do for the fun of it but we don't get caught up in the Christian debate of "It's a night for Satan but what about the kids?" Don't get me wrong. We pray for safety and protection especially on this night and recognize there are a lot of things done especially for this night that the evil one would enjoy but these homeys don't play that. The enemy of our soul essentially gets every night; we would do well to remember this and pray each day for every night that the prince of the power of darkness be bound and Christ's followers kept safe. So, with that said, we don't go to a Harvest festival, Trunk or Treat or any other reason for the faithful to gather together and ignore their neighbors. Ouch! Did I just write that? S'ppose so... I haven't deleted it. No, These homeys stay home.

Over the years my wife and I have made a tradition of making chili, and having a houseful of friends and loud conversation while handing out candy... And not just any candy. We give out full size Hershey Bars to the bigger kids! We don't pass out tracts... we want people to come back to our house. We share our best wine with our adult neighbors, we talk, ask where they live, what they do. Many we've gotten to know starting in November. Been invited over to their house for dinner. Offer to take their garbage cans in while they're on vacation and keep an eye on things.

...yeah, it's Halloween. We'll be home tonight and we don't think it's scary, spooky, icky or creepy to get to know your neighbors on a night when it's so easy to meet them.

In Search of Political Correction

When I was a sick little tyke, my mom would take an aspirin, grind it up and put it in a spoonful of jam so I could swallow it. "Swallow" she said... "It'll make you feel better."

I'm actually feeling a little bit of nausea today. Why, you ask? No, I don't have the flu, don't think I have another infection, in fact, physically, things appear to be functioning quite well. Then why do I want to puke? Oh, maybe it's all the PC BS that is spreading as quickly and doing equal damage as any plague in recent history. Fear and ignorance are used by both political machines to promote their agendas and I'm sick of it! We continue to undermine one another through half truths and deflection. I don't care about the stage at the DNC, couldn't care less about the clothes Sara Palin wears and how much they cost... anyone talking about the cost of fund-raiser dinners while a third of the world's population goes hungry today? When was the last time a candidate claimed, "We have to do something about the issue of clean water for 1 billion people" and canceled just one TV campaign ad that could produce hundreds of water wells for an impoverished nation? Just sayin' isn't just doin'! Talk about the issues and intend to keep your promises. That's all we''re asking.

Then there are the initiatives. Talk about spin. I feel like I'm on a cheap carnival ride. Oops, here comes my lunch again. I want Ellen Degeneres to have a happy life, I do! I'm not trying to take away anything from her... But I'm just SICK she says I am if I vote for Prop 8!

Come on people! Let's stop making this personal and start making it practical. I'm tired of swallowing all this sugary stuff! I'm a big boy now. Just give me the thing that will make it all better.

This rant is part of the collective conversation happening at the Watercooler today. Join in and if you were uncertain about how silly ads can get I'm putting one here that has no bearing on any current election so as to keep you guessing and because of my position; unable to publicly endorse any candidate! God bless America.