All in the name of God

In a three-part BBC news series titled, “Elusive Peace: Israel and the Arabs,” Palestinian Foreign Minister Nabil Shaath described his June 2003 conversation with President Bush, in which he said, “I’m driven with a mission from God. God would tell me, ‘George, go and fight those terrorists in Afghanistan.’ And I did, and then God would tell me, ‘George, go and end the tyranny in Iraq -‘ And I did. And now, again, I feel God’s words coming to me, ‘Go get the Palestinians their state and get the Israelis their security, and get peace in the Middle East.’ And by God I’m gonna do it.”

I bet some are thinking to themselves, “Great. Another columnist who can jump on the anti-Bush bandwagon.” If you are one of these individuals, please, deep breath- OK, now read the quote again: Bush believes his policy (as far as Middle East policy is concerned) to be the veritable will of God. God is G’dub’s muse? Hmm-isn’t there some other global political militant organization led by a self-proclaimed demi-god who expounds the paroxysm of peace through war?

Not again, Mr. President, you’re not supposed to drink the bong water.

All right, maybe the current trend in the media is Bush bashing – but so what? Call me trendy. I care. Still, I would not be surprised if even some of the most radical, right-wing, Bible-thumping conservatives admit they find Bush’s self-proclaimed divine dialogue a bit troubling.

Thanks for the Ten Commandments Moses, but step aside. Prophet, excuse me – President Bush hath spoken.

I find Bush’s comments puzzling, not to mention disturbing, and I’m not even religious. For the record, despite my sarcasm, I have no problem with religion or God for that matter; only with those who claim to speak for God. Personally, I am spiritual rather than a religious person, as are many other “non-believers.”

How then do Bush’s comments account for such people? They do fly in the face of a cornerstone of our democratic society – the separation of church and state. Who’s God does he speak for? Is this a Christian God he speaks for, or a Buddhist or Hindu God, perhaps?

Let’s assume that there is truth to Bush’s claim (pause for laughter or aspirin for subsequent headache). He would have the opportunity to seek answers to the most puzzling questions: Is God a Republican? How does He feel about Roe v. Wade? What is the deal with marriage? What the hell happened to Osama Bin Laden? Will the Spice Girls ever get back together?

 

Comments or ideas? Maybe you just have something to say. Get on the soapbox and talk back with Jack, at Jingramster@gmail.com. Next Tuesday, I will respond to select e-mails and present a new topic for debate. Peace.