Rick Warren is an obnoxious slime, that is pretty much self-evident to anyone capable of independent thought. He is, at first calculation, a horrible choice to have speak publicly at any inauguration (even a conservative one). The fact that Obama has chosen him to speak at this inauguration has mystified me for several days. It just does not make much sense.
Here is Obama’s explanation:
Simple link for those who don’t get embedded videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=syIEoSIJHis
I am beginning to form a new theory about it, not necessarily one I agree with on timing, but I suspect that Obama is concerned about those Americans who cannot think for themselves, and there are millions of them. If Warren speaks in the same public forum as Obama and many others, and pulls his usual sociopathic ass-hattery, then perhaps some of those Americans will see for themselves Rick Warren’s message of hate and cherry-picking of scripture. Perhaps by shining a bright light on the contrasting messages in full public view we can get some decent public discussion going about these people who preach hate. Obama might be sending the message that we all need to start pulling our own weight. We supporters need to actively combat ignorance and stupidity, and not remain passive to the aggressive onslaught of hate-mongers in America.
Full Disclosure: I actually own a copy of Warren’s book “The Purpose Driven Life”, given to me by a very confused brother one year after he discovered I was Buddhist. The brother is still very lost and confused and thinks I am damned. The book is horrible beyond belief, but I keep it to remind me how messed up huge portions of our country’s people are and how easily they can be misled.
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I think that’s an extraordinarily generous view of Obama’s pick. The simpler view is that Obama is showing the Warren flock that he’s interested in them, and that he’s not really on that whole gay bandwagon thing (always good politics in the US – look how many Dems are willing throw gay rights under the bus at the drop of a hat).
Don’t get me wrong; I am bitter about it personally, but I can see a chance to make Warren either tone down his hateful diatribes or repeat them to a national forum; which may create a backlash. I think people like Warren are only successful when they preach at those who are susceptible to their influence, once independent thinkers hear him in large numbers the cat is out of the bag.
Perhaps its possible that Warren is someone Obama wants to promote for reasons completely unrelated to the gay issue. Not because of, or in spite of, but just not related to it at all.
Rather, I think it’s because Warren has substantial support with the general evangelical community, but he talks about poverty and suffering much more than morality. If we can find common ground on poverty and suffering between evangelical Christians, secular humanists, and even urban Buddhists, then maybe we can stop insulting each other and start helping people.
I read the original posting and the following comments – and not to be considered a “fence sitter” – I’ve been going back and forth…
I was disheartened by his choice – and began to reflect on why he may have chosen him over another (Trust me “The Purpose Driven Life” was shoved at tons of people all over Oklahoma – where I came from – books, tapes, journals – it was overwhelming and quite sad to boot…)
I actually agree with each of the follow up statements – I imagine that Obama is trying to cover all his bases – (cannons to the left of us – cannons to the right of us – …)
Vince was closest in suggesting that the intent was to somehow find a common thread (because the lines are thin) and demonstrate that with that small measure of commonality we can begin to change and correct and heal… maybe?
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