Why shouldn't I vote for Obama??

[ChristopherHall]

I can see where some of you are concerned that Barak Obama might have some Muslim influence in his life. And we've looked at it as though it might be a detriment, as though it might mean he would cause us harm in some way. But there's another side of this to consider....

The greatest threat we face as a civilization is Islamic extremism. I think it can be agreed that we cannot resolve this by invading every Muslim country and Christianizing them. As attractive as that might sound to some there is no way we would ever or could ever do that. In order to combat militant Islamic extremists we are going to need to bring moderate Islamic countries along side us in the war on terror. Right now they see militant Islam as a family matter they care to deal with in house without the US "meddling" in their affairs. It's like a family. You might see some real nice and intelligent folks in a family who might never mean you any harm...but many families have their "Uncle Butch". He's a hard drinker, loud, obnoxious, and is quite dangerous if he perceives your looking at him funny. The family still invites him to Christmas parties and they put up with his antics. They might even argue and fight with him on occasion, but...don't you dare meddle in a family disagreement over dad's estate. You're not family. They don't see you has having a right to lash out at Uncle Butch. They'll unite to kick your tail and then get back to trying to resolve their family issues their way. Kinda like us...we Oneness Pentecostals might debate and argue about the Rapture (or politics)...but get someone who isn't even Christian attacking one of us we all show him that it's in his best interests to just move along and let us deal with our differences. So, how do we bring moderate Islamic countries on board with us in the war on terror? Well...it's going to take someone who they feel comfortable with to some degree. Someone who's close enough to the family they can be comfortable that he's not going to come in and steal the silverware. Someone who might look like them, know their ways, understand their concerns, and know how to empathize with their feelings. Someone who is a lot like one of the family. Our troops undergo training in how to relate to Islam and how to respect their customs and not be offensive in demeanor when dealing with them on an inter-personal level. Even our Presidents are often educated as to how to properly behave, speak, and deal with Islamic leaders without offending or insulting them. Of course...Bush has been terrible at this. They believe he comes off arrogant, militant, and insulting. The leader of Pakistan even popped off with a remark indicating that Pakistanis can think for themselves and don't need Bush's un-welcomed input regarding Pakistani issues.

Now this is just a thought, what if God has raised Obama up for such a time as this? What if Obama has what it takes to help the Islamic world's more moderate nations feel more comfortable with forming a counter terrorist alliance with us? They may feel like Obama is more like one of their own, not a white Englishman who arrogantly wants to intrude into their world's most difficult and embarrassing issue.

Who do you think can get the right Muslim parties at the table talking about an alliance against terror? An overbearing, stiff, uppity, impersonal white lady named Hillary Clinton; a hot tempered war vet who is running as a man committed to another 100 years of war in the Middle East named John McCain; or a black man who knows what it is like to live in Muslim countries, knows their customs, religion, history, and even attends a church who has a history of giving recognition to their achievements and contributions to civilization as a people? It may just so be that God is raising up a black man named Barack Hussein Obama...for just a time as this.

That's just a thought, another way of looking at it. Something to consider.