Contemporary essays, fiction, and opinion offered regularly by author Anne Brandt.






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Commander-in-Chief
Posted: 06/02/08
I understand that Barack Obama has reluctantly quit the church he’s been a member of for approximately two decades. I’ve seen a couple headlines that allude to this, although I haven’t made the time yet to read the articles and consider their content.

What I have done is mentally create a list of questions about Obama’s religious beliefs and their role in the primaries and possibly in the general election. Here they are:

How often did Obama attend Trinity Church? Was it weekly, monthly, when he was in town? Wouldn’t clear thinking people want to know?

How often did Reverent Wright preach? Was it weekly, monthly? Was it always with the same vitriolic spirit that the Internet showcases? Or were there sermons with less ignition power? Wouldn’t clear thinking people search for a balance and not simply watch the endless loop of Wright’s damning America?

I’ve heard many talking heads make comments like, “What took him so long? That’s what worries me. Is he really ready to be commander-in-chief?”

I don’t know what took him “so long” or if he’s ready to be commander-in-chief. But I do know that many of us have entered relationships that lasted many years, only to discover in the end that the people involved had changed and it was time to move on. I cite my own divorces as Exhibit A. So, is it possible that a relationship with a church is similar to a marriage? I don’t have the answer; I’m only raising the question.

As for whether Obama or Clinton or McCain are ready to be commander in chief, I think the answer for all of them is really, “No.” Each has strengths, but each has shortcomings. Which makes me wonder, “Is anyone ever really ready to be commander-in-chief?”

I’m beginning to doubt it.


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