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Many Christians and conservatives are not happy about the Health Care Bill. It’s pretty obvious. Twitter, Facebook, and Fox News has been flooded with negative comments about the bill from angry, middle-class, evangelicals. And I get it. I understand what the anger is about. I’m not exactly thrilled with the bill itself.

But what I also see is these same people repeatedly bashing President Obama, the House, and the Senate for their work in the bill. Comments are not simply expressing dismay. They seem to be expressing hatred, even going so far as to wish President Obama was dead.

I truly believe Christians should be knowledgeable about political issues. I also believe we should be active in making a difference, whether that’s by voting, working to fight injustice, serving our communities, etc.

But I’m really confused as to what extent we should be involved in politics. Yes, we see the importance of making our voice heard. But how far should we go in that? Is it necessary to take the same shots at our government as Bill O’Reilly and Glenn Beck? Is it okay and acceptable to attack the character of our President or Nancy Pelosi because we think their leadership is immoral and improper?

I’m not trying to lean to a side on this post or bring any agenda into it. I’m just really curious where that line is between making our voice heard/being politically active and being downright disrespectful and hateful to our leaders.

I need some feedback on this. What are your thoughts?

This post might offend some people. If it does, just try to hear me out before you get angry and vow to never read my blog again. I have this theory that there are a lot of things that are popular in this culture simply because we think we’re supposed to like those things. For instance, when I was in high school, some friends and I made up a fake band and started raving about them to some of our other friends. Within a short time, some of our oblivious friends were raving about how awesome that band was. They even claimed to have all their albums and songs. Unfortunately, that band was made up. They simply liked them because some of their friends did.

Just because something makes this list does not mean that you’re a poser and only like it because your friends do. In fact, most things in life are “liked” because of a chain reaction. I truly believe that there are genuine fans of these shows, movies, products, etc. The following list (in no particular order) contains things that I think our society has overrated, simply because people think they’re supposed to like those things.

1. Coldplay
And here come the hateful comments. I do think a lot of people like Coldplay for their music. However, I think a lot of people buy into Coldplay because “everyone” thinks Coldplay is “cool” and let’s face it, we all want to be cool.

2. Dane Cook
He’s not funny! But somewhere along the way, someone really popular said he liked Dane Cook. And the snowball effect has taken place.

3. Lost
Too soon? I will admit that I’m a fan of Lost. However, sometimes I think Lost gets overhyped because people think they are supposed to be obsessed with it. It’s a great show…but some go just a little bit overboard with it.

4. The New York Yankees
You either love them or hate them…and a lot of people that love them came to love them by jumping on the bandwagon. They’ve almost become more of a fashion accessory than a baseball team. If you see someone wearing a flat-billed cap turned sideways, chances are it’s a Yankees hat.

5. Avatar
It was in 3D. It featured blue people. But is it really a “great” movie? Is it Golden Globe worthy? Academy Award worthy? I think the media made a lot of us buy into this one.

6. Lady Gaga
People call her a freak, yet her music sells. Someone must be buying it. I guess she could be the very opposite of this last and everyone buying her music is a closet fan afraid to admit it.

7. The North Carolina Tar Heels
This one is tough to put on here because I’d like to think of myself as one of the biggest Tar Heel fans on the planet. (I even came home from the hospital wrapped in a Tar Heel blanket when I was born.) However, much like the Yankees, the Heels have become a bandwagon-ridden team. This is mostly in part to Michael Jordan. Nonetheless, there’s a lot of Heels fans out there who are Heels fans simply because they want to fit in with their peers and culture.

8. Kim Kardashian
I’m pretty sure she’s only popular for being popular. Yet Kim, as well as any other “reality-TV” celeb on the E! channel have become overnight sensations. Their shows and stories are pitiful, materialistic, and vain, yet their popular keeps growing. Do we really like this people, or do we simply like them because our friends like them?

9. Hot Wings
This probably applies to guys more than anyone. Wings are a “guy’s” food. And to be honest, they’re good. But there’s a level of pride in guys that says they have to eat the hottest wings possible to keep their standing as “one of the guys.” Anything mild makes them a wuss. So even though they’re mouth is on fire, they’ll swallow their pride (literally) and pretend like everything is fine.

10. Rap music
A lot of people truly enjoy rap music. But a lot of people only listen to it because their friends are listening to it. You know who I’m talking about too. They’re very easy to spot.

11. Alcohol
If none of your friends drank alcohol, would you? Even more, if all of your friends thought alcohol was disgusting and detestable, would you touch it? Probably not. You’d have no need to.

12. The Super Bowl
The Super Bowl is much more than a game these days. It’s 2 weeks of media coverage, and a 3 hour social gathering for most people. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact, it’s fun for people to get together for the game, even if they care nothing about the game. But since a lot of people show interest in it just to blend in with the crowd, it makes this list.

13. MMA
UFC has a huge following, as well as the rest of MMA. It’s a sport that’s on the rise. But in a sport that’s becoming so popular, you know there has to be a large chunk of the audience that only watch because it’s the “cool” and “manly” thing to do. Also, wearing Tapout and Affliction t-shirts fits in here too.

14. Abercrombie & Fitch
Why do people buy overpriced clothing? Because they’re friends are buying overpriced clothing and because the media says that is what we need to wear to be cool.

15. Dave Matthews Band
See Coldplay

16. American Idol
For many of us, we watch because our friends and co-workers watch. After all, we don’t want to be left without a word during the talk around the water cooler.

17. Political Activism
Whether it’s a fight for social justice or politics, a lot of people take a side they know nothing about and march, protest, complain, etc because that’s what everyone else is doing. This really seems to spring up around election time. If you really want to see it in action, wait until October 2012. Whether people love Obama or hate Obama, they will be out in full force…with absolute ignorance as their guide. Any guesses on how many of those people actually read the newspaper or watch Fox News and/or CNN regularly?

18. President Barack Obama
I’m not bashing or endorsing the president here. However, in many circles, it’s fairly obvious that people make up their opinions about the president based on the opinions of their friends or others in their “social group.” Very few people actually know how to think politically for themselves. Instead, they either hate or love the president based on what they think they are supposed to do to be accepted in certain circles.

19. Twilight
Need I say more?

20. Michael Jackson
It’s sad that Michael Jackson died at an early age. It’s amazing how many people became fans after he died. Some people just couldn’t stand to fall behind a trend.

Thanks for those that contributed. I want to give you credit, but I don’t want to put your name down if you wished to remain anonymous. So, feel free to claim your submission. If there’s anything to add, feel free. If you disagree, I would love to hear about it.

Earlier today, I was doing some research on Seth MacFarlane (Family Guy) for an article I’m writing. Without a doubt, MacFarlane has a huge influence over teenagers and young adults. They got me thinking: Who are the most influential celebrities? In other words, what celebrities have the most input/influence over the development and shaping of our culture?

One publication named Zac Efron as the most influential celebrity. I tend to disagree.

Here are some people who I think make that list (in no particular order):

Seth MacFarlane
Beyonce
Lorne Michaels (SNL)
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Ashton Kutcher
J.J. Abrams
Stephenie Meyer
Barack Obama
Bono
Oprah
Simon Cowell
Jack Dorsey and Biz Stone (Twitter)
Tiger Woods
Miley Cyrus
Michael Jordan
Steve Jobs
Judd Apatow
Kanye West
Michael Jackson

If you think of more, please feel free to comment and add your own list. I’m very curious to see the results. I’m not instituting a “Vote for your Favorite Celebrity.” Instead, I want to see what factors make someone so influential. Is it talent, skill, ability, being in the right place at the right time, being born into wealth, etc?

By now we all know that President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Do I blame him? Not at all. He didn’t ask for it. They just handed it to him. Actually, I feel a little sorry for him. He was given an award he didn’t ask for, and immediately our country, other countries, and his supporters started saying he doesn’t deserve it.

While I’m not here to bash or defend President Obama, I would like to make mention of the man who I believed did indeed deserve the award.

His name is Greg Mortenson. You’ve probably never heard of him. I hadn’t until today. But here’s what Nancy Gibbs from Time Magazine had to say about Obama’s win compared to Mortenson:

Compare this to Greg Mortenson, nominated for the prize by some members of Congress, who the bookies gave 20-to-1 odds of winning. Son of a missionary, a former army Medic and mountaineer, he has made it his mission to build schools for girls in places where opium dealers and tribal warlords kill people for trying. His Central Asia Institute has built more than 130 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan — a mission which has, along the way, inspired millions of people to view the protection and education of girls as a key to peace and prosperity and progress.

Mortenson also started Pennies for Peace, program sponsored by the Central Asia Institute (CAI) that “helps educate American children about the world to show them they can make a difference one penny at a time.”

By the way, at least check, Mortenson had helped build 131 schools in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan providing education to 54,000 students and over 44,000 girls.

“You’re a racist!”

At least that’s what I was told. I was in 5th grade. It was the day of the verdict in the OJ Simpson case. Our teacher asked us to vote on whether OJ was “guilty” or “not guilty.” Like the majority of Americans, I believed Simpson was guilty. The evidence seemed overwhelming. Even though I was in 5th grade, I understood that a man’s blood and DNA didn’t make it to a crime scene unless something fishy was going on.

Some of my classmates didn’t see things the same way. As soon as I declared my belief, I was declared a racist and my freedom of speech and opinion was seemingly stripped away.

I was reminded of that incident this week when former President Jimmy Carter accused Congressman Joe Wilson of having racial motives when he yelled “You lie!” at President Barack Obama during a meeting with Congress. What Wilson did was wrong. In no way should he have addressed his president, my president, in such a manner.

However, Carter’s statements are a problem. Not a small problem either. No matter if his comments are politically motivated or if Carter truly believes what he said, it’s a problem.

Racism is a problem in our country, and it has been a problem since our foundation. I hate racism with a passion and long for a day when we can ignore the color of skin and look at people for who they truly are. Unfortunately, I believe comments like Carter’s only set us back in that pursuit. I do not believe Wilson’s comment was racially motivated. While it was out of line, it does not ring true of racial hatred. In fact, Wilson’s record and appointments prove he’s anything but a racist.

While racism is a problem, falsely accusing someone of being a racist is also a major problem. As I mentioned in an earlier post, Kanye West did this when he spoke out on national TV and said President Bush doesn’t like black people. Janeane Garofalo did this recently when she declared that those who protests President Obama’s policies are racists.

Calling someone a racist is a very serious accusation. It’s not like calling someone a dork, nerd, or idiot. It’s accusing someone of reveling in hatred and bigotry. Unfortunately, pulling the race card seems like such an easy thing to do these days. When people question the “Rev.” Jesse Jackson about his organization’s tax-exempt status, he uses the race card.

Just because someone opposes the President’s policies, opinions, or legislation does NOT make that person a racist. Unfortunately, we’re so quick to use that accusation. Being pro-life does not make me a racist. Being against universal health care does not make me a racist.

Yes racism does exist. It’s a problem that needs to be fixed. But when we use “racism” as our scapegoat to “1-up” someone with different political views, we only set ourselves back.

I submit to my President. Not because he’s black. Not because I’m scared of being called a racist. I submit to my President because he is the man that God has placed over our country at this time. However, I also disagree with many of his policies. Not because he’s black. I disagree because I don’t believe many of his standards (morally and politically) hold up to God’s standards.

Sorry I can’t add fuel to your fire, but I’m not a racist. I’m just a man with opinions who disagrees with the opinions of my President.

Is universal health care a good idea or a bad idea? Why?

I’m not going to touch this issue yet. I want to hear your opinions. And please give real reasons. Answers like “It’s a bad idea because our President is stupid” will not get approved or posted.

Let the fun begin…

Here’s something a little different.

Today, Jacob Riggs and I recorded a podcast for The Brink. The Brink podcast is the audio arm of The Brink devotional magazine and small group studies for twentysomethings.

Today’s topics included The Bachelorette, steroids in baseball, a Christian’s view of torture, and your mom on Facebook.

If you’d like to listen, visit thebrinkonline.com or visit the direct link to the podcast by clicking here.

Also, you can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes. We’d really love you if you did that!

Enjoy!

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There’s no doubt that much of the media has turned from objective journalism to spearheading a fan club for President Barack Obama. However, even though I shouldn’t be, I continue to be more surprised daily by how far the media will go to praise the President.

Today, things might have hit a new low. I was looking on the front page of USAToday.com for some REAL news, when I came across this FRONT PAGE story:

Please don’t declare me a witch yet for the title of this post. Earlier today I came across an article from the New York Daily News that features a professor with a view that endorses the title of this post. Below are excerpts from the article. Feel free to dissect it, tear it apart, praise it, comment on it, or do whatever you want. It definitely makes for an “interesting” read:

Is sexting the new spin-the-bottle?

At a conference this week, an associate professor at York University in Toronto defended sexting (where teens exchange nude and seminude photos of themselves over their cell phones) as a modern day “playing doctor or spin the bottle,” according to an AFP article.

The professor,Peter Cumming, presented a paper on children’s sexuality at the 78th Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, reported the AFP. At the conference, held at Ottawa’s Carleton University for about 8,000 researchers from around the globe, attendees heard that youths who sexted should not face child pornography charges, according to the AFP.

In the United States, some teens have faced such charges. In one case, according to the AFP article, a Floridaboy was charged after he sent a photo…to a female classmate. Another teen, after e-mailing nude photos of his 16-year-old girlfriend to her family, was listed as a sex offender.

Whether or not sexting should warrant criminal charges will remain a hot button issue, says author and Hollywood media expert Michael Levine.

“We are in unprecedented water,” he says. “We don’t know what the consequences of this will be in 10 years, but we do now that it is much more widespread than people think.”

Levine says that sexting is “extremely widespread and common. If you ask a kid what percentage of her top ten friends sex-texts, they’ll say 100 percent,” he says.
 
Teens are using technology like cell phones to push the boundaries of flirtation, says Dr. Kathleen Bogle, sociology professor and author of “Hooking Up: Sex, Dating, and Relationships on Campus” (New York UniversityPress).

“To teens, sexting is not some sort of pornographic exchange, but a way to communicate sexual and/or romantic interest in one of their peers,” Bogle says. “Much like spin the bottle games utilized by a previous generation, sexting is something that teens do away from the supervision of adults. However, they believe it is a normal right of passage.”

Some 20 percent of American teenagers said they had participated in sexting, according to a survey by a US family planning organization reported by the AFP.

Bogle says that sexting does not necessarily make kids more promiscuous.

“One mistake adults make is that they assume one means the other,” she says. “Even though sexting is going on, it does not necessarily follow that promiscuity is on the rise.”