I have read and respect the concerns of those who question Senator Obama’s politics. I even respect your right to question my congratulatory remarks toward him. Unlike many of you, I have met him and know him casually and I find it totally appropriate to congratulate him on his accomplishment - and more importantly to acknowledge the stride of this nation. I guess the problem comes from the fact that I tend to be a person who thinks in a compartmental fashion. That is to say I do not have to agree with anyone about everything to appreciate some things that they say or do. I would have thought that my statement, which said and I quote: “I hope that we can somehow merge the best ideas of our differences and emerge with a president who epitomizes our highest and best ideals” would have been enough to make clear that I had not endorsed anyone. Evidently it wasn’t completely clear and for that I apologize.

Frankly I find it problematic that any of us decide who is president by the color of their skin, though that doesn’t mean that this is not an accomplishment for our country. But I hope this professed colorblindness that some of you suggest that you have is not replaced with teaching Christians that there are only two moral issues that we should consider in a world that has global warming, a failing economy, middle class people moving into shelters with their children, millions of people dying of HIV/AIDS and so much more. I definitely think we should hold on to our values, but I hope those moral values aren’t limited to two issues when we have an ENTIRE bible FULL of issues to consider and a desperate need for leadership in many different areas. Our country, which was once a true superpower, is struggling in many areas and we will need an extremely effective leader to pull us up before we face some new tragedy or war that threatens devastation.