Days Until Vegas: 9

I knew I'd be taking in Sunday's Jets-Bills game (ugggh) with my friend Evan and I have to admit I wasn't really looking forward to the impending election discussion. Now I enjoy discussing these social issues with Evan because his background as a Pentacostal minister gives a different perspective, but I was afraid I'd be too frustrated to represent my side well.

After talking about the game, the weekend in college football and the new Mets manager, he just sort of asked me.... "So what did you think of the election?"

"Well, it was what it was...It was a close election but Bush won and I just hope he does better than he did in his first four years," I said.

And he was talked about how happy he was to her that optimism and how people just want him to do bad and hope America fails..

Huh?

Therein lies a problem. No one who lives here, or better yet almost no one who lives here wants to see this nation crash and burn. Many of us are afraid that's what's going to happen and I think we're justified but I speak for many when I say I hope Bush improves his governing skills tenfold.

Also, let me not point out the same people on the opposite end of the spectrum who couldn't stand Bill Clinton. I mean did they want America to fail? I don't think so, but they didn't like the man in office.

So for the last time...IT'S OK TO DISLIKE GEORGE W. BUSH!!!. It's not anti-American, hell it's pro-American to dislike authority because we're supposed to be free and what not...

Now to Evan's credit, he admittedly isn't happy with much of Bush's performance, but Bush's pro-life stance means a lot to the minister so it sways his vote. And I can respect that.

We went on to talk about the Christian Right. People have different opinions of the Christian Right. I believe the Christian Right is a glorified PAC who bully their way onto the pulpit and manipulate people by exposing them to hateful messages.

And Evan asked an interesting question, one that caught me off guard. Do I think a man of faith shouldn't be allowed to be president?

The first instinct is to say no but that's silly. Everyone in politics claims to be of faith, most are lying. So after a pause.

"Well yes, a man of faith should have to right to pursue whatever career path he likes. However, faith is a personal preference and should be used as such.

"Bush uses his faith as a scapegoat for his poor abilities to govern. No WMDs? Well he was just following his faith. Poor economy? Well the tax cuts were based on the faith he has. That's why a faith-based presidency is so concerning because he always seems to blame Jesus for every mistake."

I'll append more to this soon.