Say what you mean, mean what you say

In 1984 Hall and Oates released what would be their final number one hit song, a little ditty that made little sense to me at the time. Apparently, they were ahead of their time, at least politically. The opening chorus and all that I remember of the song, is "You're out of touch. I'm out of time."

That silly chorus runs through my head every time Hillary accuses Barack of being "out of touch."

Much ado has been made of Obama's poor choice of words recently, bemoaning the bitter state of rural America.

Unfortunately, he was right. America is bitter. For the most part, the citizenry has become quite cynical when it comes to the government and its ability to accomplish anything but a home-state pork roast.

His sentence structure, however, left something to be desired. He clarified his intent during the Democratic Candidates Compassion Forum April 13, saying, "...but this is something I've talked about before, I've talked about in my own life, which is that religion is a bulwark, a foundation when things aren't going well. That's true in my own life, through trials and tribulations."

As I perused the transcript from the Sunday CNN broadcast of the Democratic Candidates Compassion Forum, I was admittedly impressed with both candidates' responses to the questions asked, questions that were designed to evoke how their faith impacted their personal lives and their public policies.

However, my cynicism will not be easily overcome by any candidate. I've learned the hard way, as many of us have, that people are more than capable of saying one thing while thinking and doing something entirely different.

Many years ago, a supposed dear and close friend had a deep secret, not meant to be shared before its time. She had purposed in her heart to leave her husband. But the leaving must wait until certain things, known only to her, were accomplished. Therefore, she embarked on a months-long double life of sorts, presenting the expected face to those around her, all the while living with the leave-taking ever in her mind. It was the most impressive case of duplicity I had ever witnessed. And let's face it, many politicians have duplicity down to an exact science. From one married governor coming out of the closet to another caught paying a high priced call girl for her attentions and all of the lesser peccadilloes in between, our politicians have proven themselves to be all-too-human and all-too-vulnerable to the temptations common to all men. I certainly didn't need Hillary to be caught in an out-and-out lie for me to know she is human.

I have to admit that there is an added element to my cynicism. It rears its head whenever I see a business lauding its Christian connection or a politician preaching his faith from the public pulpit. Too often, the name of Christ has been used and abused, in the private sector and the public square. And I'm tired of witnessing its subsequent journey through the sewers.

The American Idol Gives Back program clogged Christian blogs last week, when at the close of the Wednesday broadcast, the contestants gathered to sing "Shout to the Lord," changing one key word in the introductory stanza. (They reportedly restored the lyrics for the Thursday night broadcast.) The one word, the key word, was "Jesus" for which they substituted "Shepherd."

I've written before that there is something about that name, Jesus. For I know that there is no name under heaven by which any one of us can be saved (Acts 4:12). And I know there is life in that name (John 20:31) and that one day, at his name, every knee will bow (Philippians 2:10). And I know that at the name of Jesus, demons tremble and flee. And I know that misuse of that name, even with the best intentions, can reap a terrible reward. (Acts 19:13-20)

A second perusal of the transcripts from the CNN broadcast revealed that neither candidate ever used the name Jesus, or Christ, or any combination thereof in speaking about their Christian faith and their relationship with God. There really is something about that name.

For the political arena, the questions are straightforward. Is the candidate a person of integrity? Does he keep his promises, both personal and public? Does he tell the truth and when he's wrong, admit the wrong and make amends where possible? Does he meet the other requirements of education, intellect, natural wisdom and leadership? Perhaps that should be the measure of the man, not what church he attends or what faith he claims.

For the believers, however, as a the old saying goes, the proof is in the pudding.

"Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them." Matthew 7:20 (NIV)

Things you won't see in heaven: Pruning shears