There are times I wish I could put my thoughts into words as succinctly as some of my favorite writers and commentators. They often have a way of capturing what I'm thinking or feeling in just a few well crafted words or a choice phrase. Unfortunately, as one of my former Marine friends puts it, I write like he (referring to Charles Krauthammer) runs. You get the idea.  So here are some of the things I wish I'd said or written. They're insightful and to the point.

Perry Noble has it absolutely right: "Let me say it more clearly–they missed Jesus because of politics!!!  (And religion as well…but that’s another post!). For a Christian to claim that the world is going to be doomed to hell because a particular party happens to “control” the White House is a slap in the face of a Sovereign God. He reigns!  Read through Scripture & it is so clear…God has used kings and princes that were sold out to Him…and He’s also used those who had no love for Him at all… for HIS glory! So…next Tuesday…go vote!  “For who,” you ask…well, here’s an idea…ask Jesus who to vote for…and then do what He says.  (Yes, it REALLY is that simple.) Then…whoever gets elected…PRAY FOR THAT MAN OFTEN!  Even if the guy you want to win doesn’t…all the more reason to pray! One more time…YES, we should have political opinions…and YES, it is OK if they are strong AND we believe in the cause…BUT PLEASE let’s not make the mistake of thinking that God is somehow limited by the policies and philosophies of a particular party!

HE REIGNS!  Always has, always will!"

I also care deeply about the right of the unborn to grow up and make their own choices, so by my definition, I am "pro-choice". Contrary to the Democratic position, I know that life is worth protecting from the beginning. No amount of rhetorical contortions can make me believe that the Obama/Biden position lauded in the press as correct. My vote was cast (I cast my contrarian vote earlier this week, voting absentee) for this deeply held position. I see insight in Chuck Norris' rhetorical question, "Remember when the issue of abortion used to matter to conservatives in political races?" If that makes you wrinkle your nose because it comes from someone so "blue collar" it's further proof that we've polarized into two Americas - one that pursues a culture of life and one that pursues a culture of death.

This polarization is what prompted Dennis Prager to write so insightfully about the left's vision of America. The rhetoric of the last several months has convinced me Prager is right when he writes: "Right and left share the same ends, I thought. That is not the case. For the most part, right and left differ in their visions of America and that is why they differ on policies. Right and the left do not want the same America."

I believe we (Christ followers) should be concerned about our nation's stance toward the nation of Israel. I don't believe this current manifestation is the Israel that will be - we're still waiting on King Jesus for that one to appear. Cal Thomas has it right though when he points out his concerns that a Democratic president would be very pro-Arab AND anti-Israel.

I was once excited about the Democratic candidate because he was "post-racial". As a Christ follower I care deeply about this issue. I thought that perhaps Barack Obama really was able to look beyond race. Now I see that he clearly isn't there yet. As Krauthammer wrote, "But should you bring up Barack Obama's real associations -- 20 years with Jeremiah Wright, working on two foundations and distributing money with William Ayers, citing the raving Michael Pfleger as one who helps him keep his moral compass (Chicago Sun-Times, April 2004) and the long-standing relationship with the left-wing vote-fraud specialist ACORN -- you have crossed the line into illegitimate guilt by association. Moreover, it is tinged with racism."

I haven't touched on Obama's proposed socialist agenda for the economy. Pat Buchanan, with whom I rarely agree any more, managed to hit the nail on the head on this one.

My friend Bud Brown sent me a good prayer reminder the other day. You can update the time sensitive first point, but it is a worthwhile reminder. Pray for:

Four days of good news in the financial markets. There seems to be this pattern in the electorate: McCain will slowly climb back up in the polls and then his momentum is stopped by something about the economy. We need good news in the markets and the economy all the way through Monday.

·         More MSM newscasters to broadcast truth. It's been starting to happen but pray that the logjam is broken up and all these stories that have been on ice will get out into the public. Maybe we should pray for a sudden loss of judgment or temporary insanity

·         Good news out of Iraq. Obama needs to be proven wrong. Enough said.

·         A sudden realization of just how bad the world situation is. I had thought about saying "Pray for bad news on the world scene" but that would be wrong. Rather, pray that the electorate will have the blinders removed from their eyes in re: the current dangers that face our nation abroad.

·         Compassion for the unborn.

·         Concern for the fate we will lay upon our posterity. I am amazed at how few senior citizens who are thinking of the Obama vote have no concern for the welfare of their children and grandchildren!

·         Major turnout of the 18-24 voters. The polling data indicates that the youngest of voters are heavily in favor of McCain. Obama's toehold on the "youth vote" is the 25 – 35 age group, so pray that they can't get out to vote!

·         Suppressed vote in key liberal cities. If you look at the county by county maps on the blue states you discover that the bulk of the population lives in the big cities; these folks are all liberal. But the small cities, towns and rural areas are generally strong conservative supporters. So pray that there's real bad weather in the areas where liberals live to suppress their votes!

·         Court victories in the litigation that is sure to ensue.

On Monday I will be fasting and praying for the defeat of Barack Obama as well as one of the most unique men in America, ex-Marine Doug Murtha. Unique, because he's the only ex-Marine I know.

As my old Gunny used to say "...'nuf said."