Observations©

By Donald S. Conkey

Date: September 4, 2008 - # 8836 - Title: On the Olympics and the Political Conventions.(818)

The world in the past month has been treated, courtesy of television and satellite technology, to a series of extraordinary events, some historic, some entertaining and one, hurricane Gustav, devastating. Each of these events, except Gustav was choreographed for a specific purpose. And possibly Gustav could have been choreographed – but not by mortals, for unknown purposes.

These events began August 8 with the spectacular opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. This event was choreographed to soften the world’s view of China – to help the world forget Tiananmen Square and the despotic rule that has governed China since the 1950s, a government that totally inhibits freedom as we Americans know and practice freedom. During their despotic rule millions of Chinese were slaughtered as they enforced complete authority over their subjects, even closing their borders to hide their barbaric treatment of their citizens.

Then for two weeks we watched the astonishing achievements of over 800 world athletes, all superbly conditioned, as they competed for gold medals. My favorite was Michael Phelps swimming his way to world stardom by winning eight gold medals. These events were followed by a superbly orchestrated closing ceremony, unlike anything the world had ever seen.

The following Monday the Democratic Party Convention met in Denver. This convention turned out to be historic when it nominated America’s first African American as its presidential candidate. It too had a purpose – present their candidate, Barrack Obama, as a fresh new political figure that would bring new hope and change to America on November 4. Obama’s acceptance speech came close to matching the extravaganza the world saw during the Olympics opening and closing ceremonies. Obama’s speech drew an estimated 38 million viewers – the most ever for such a political event. But Tribune columnist Charles Krauthammer said his words were hollow and lacked substance. Many agree.

But before Obama had time to glory in the media limelight following his impressive speech John McCain upstaged him with another historical announcement, the naming of a woman, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, to be the Republican Party’s first vice presidential nominee. The naming of Sarah Palin to be his running mate did indeed electrify the party faithful. But will it garner the hoped for votes in November? They will have to wait for the electoral count to know – but it did garner the media attention they had hoped for.

But before the Republican Party’s convention could get started hurricane Gustav formed and disrupted it by coming ashore Monday morning. Gustav riveted the nation’s attention and President Bush was determined Gustav was not going to be a repeat of the Katrina disaster three years ago. He seemed determined to redeem his administration through Gustav. If the TV reports on Sunday were an indication of readiness he and his administration could indeed be redeemed.

Joan and I followed Gustav closely. Our daughter Laura lives in Slidell. During Katrina Laura and her husband stayed and watched the flood waters destroy their home and business. It took three days to locate her after the waters receded, and then it took a miracle getting cash into her hands after finding her out in the backwoods of Mississippi – safe but not a happy camper.

But going into its Minnesota convention the Republican Party’s goal was the same as the Democratic Party – convince the voter their candidate will make the best president. Were these impressive events successful productions? Did they accomplish their goals? Did they convince you to vote for their candidate because of what they saw or heard? These answers will become apparent on November 4.

And just what did you see or hear?

We each saw and heard something different. I loved the Olympics but I continued to see Tiananmen Square and those millions the Communists slaughtered to gain their totalitarian control.

            Perhaps it was ironic but watching the Olympics just ahead of the two major political conventions provided the American people with a powerful contrast between America’s democratic republican form of government, a government of free people - with a government still controlled by dictators.

            And I clearly saw the contrasting differences between America’s two major parties. America will see change regardless of who wins in November, but will hope remain? I see one party leading the country to a greater dependency on government, socialism, with the other party striving to restore the foundational principles of a free government while providing the people opportunities to reach their dreams through hard work and faith in themselves. The three basic things a free government must guarantee are: 1. the free exercise of conscience; 2. the right and control of property; and 3. the protection of life. Without these guarantees the people will return to slavery, the slavery the Founders fought a war to free themselves from.

            Are the people knowledgeable enough to choose a president who will lead with wisdom, as did Solomon, and still prosper? We all hope so.