God Bless America?

If you read any of my prior posts a while back on politics, you might pick up on the fact that I'm a bit disillusioned with it all. Truth is, I'm just not sure how patriotic I am right now. I love my country, I really do. But before July 4th, I heard something on the radio and had the realization that though I do love my country, I'm not sure I'd voluntarily offer to go die for it. No, I'm not happy with myself about that, but I must admit I think it's true. If I was compelled or asked, I would honor whatever was required of me, but I wouldn't just offer myself without being asked. For my family, and for some friends, I would offer myself up without hesitation, but unfortunately not necessarily just for my country.
I think maybe some of it has to do with part of my heart being in Guatemala. Yes, my son is home, but Guatemala will always be a part of him, and also always a part of me. Even today I was thinking of it's beauty. I realize there are many problems in Guatemala, and much poverty, but that is also true of the good ol' USA.
And I think sometimes I have been very turned off by our American arrogance. Our way isn't always necessarily the only right way. Who made us the boss of the world? Even if it's by status of our wealth, is that okay? Especially with the poverty in the world (and here)?
There's a John Reuben song I've listened to lately called 'What About Them'. It talks about 'Puff the magic Jesus' floating around the universe and the United States is his favorite place. I can't help but agree that seems to be our overall attitude as Christians in America. It's like because we were founded by a group of Christians, we're God's favorites or something.
What I've been realizing is that God doesn't have favorites among nations (and if He does, it's certainly Israel and not us). God doesn't give a rip about the U.S.A. I believe he could care less. God doesn't love countries. He loves people. It's not important to God what the U.S.A. does. It's important to Him what you and I do.
One of the main reasons Jews of His day rejected Jesus, was because He wasn't a political leader like they hoped. Never did Jesus do his work through political means, or at a 'national' level. He worked through individuals like you and me. Even looking at the old testament, and the kings, I can't help but think about that God never really intended to set up the kingdom. According to 1 Samuel 8:6-9, it was because they rejected God as their king that he allowed them to have one. It came with a pretty stern warning in the next few verses.
So, what am I trying to say. Well, I'm not completely sure myself, but I think it's mainly to point out that it's you and I God is concerned about. It's all the people in all the countries and lands of this world. He doesn't love anyone here more than anyone in Guatemala, Haiti, Ethiopia, Iraq, Iran or anywhere else you can think of. So maybe that's why I struggle with placing America on such a pedestal. We have so much, and sometimes seem to care so little.

I hope everyone is having a good day. Much love to you (and my country).

Beware: I'm talking politics again...

As I know I've blogged about at least once before, from time to time I at least try to read up a bit on what's going on in politics. Trouble is, EVERY time I do, I am reminded how much I despise what is now American politics. Surely the circus we have today is not what the founding fathers really envisioned. They were very smart from everything I can tell. They were even smart enough not to create a democracy in America. Yes, I said America is not a real democracy. Look it up. It is in fact a democratic republic. There is a big difference. If you don't know the difference, well, I guess you have homework. That's what you get for visiting a blog called 'I was thinking...'. Sometimes you'll have to think for yourself a bit. Anyway, I digress.
I was reading this article talking yet again about the race that just won't end. Then near the end, on page 3, I saw something that once again made my skin crawl. According to this article, if you combine what all the candidates (past and present) have spent so far in this year's race, it totals out at 1 Billion dollars. That's right, Billion with a B. That's this: $1,000,000,000. Now I know I'm not to good with really any number ending with -illion as far as putting in context. The article did that for me, though. Basically, 1 billion dollars would almost fund the Red Cross' relief operations WORLDWIDE this year.
Instead, we get constant dueling soundbites, some signs and bumper stickers, commercials tearing opponents down, and late night comic fodder. What has gone so wrong?

Politics...

I've never been big on politics. I do try to vote at each opportunity, and try to do so in a reasonably informed manner. I do still think that is important. However, the more I've tried to learn this year about the presidential race in particular, the more I remember why I've never been too interested in it. Honestly, part of me just sees it all as such a waste. Lots of what I've read makes me think we're looking to choose a high school who's who rather than choose a national leader. Everything always seems to come down to the different parties focusing on who can win (i.e. who is more popular) than who will do the best job. Doing a good job seems to have so little to do with it in picking someone. It's just who is more popular. The money it takes and the money raised and spent just really makes me sick. I think one month one of the big 3 raised over 30 million just in one month. All this while there really are so many in our country have so little. And not to mention people literally starving to death every minute across the world. What exactly is accomplished by all that money spent on stupid advertising that I personally could care less about anyway. How much lasting good could be done with all that money?

I know personally, and I bet for many of us, it seems like the main inspiration for voting is to choose the lesser of two evils when it comes down to it. We dislike one candidate more than we do the other so we vote against that one, rather than for anyone. Can I (anyone) really get excited about that? Is that what is supposed to make this such a great country? When did we learn to just settle for such mediocrity? How can we learn to demand more?