The President can't win even when asking for prayer. AP Photo
Related Articles
-
Full video and transcript of President Obama's Oval Office addres on the Gulf oil spill
Last night's Oval Office address from President Obama on the Gulf oil spill drew criticism from both the right and left for various reasons. The right predictably criticized the President for trying to "politicize" the oil spill and blaming BP. The left predictably attacked the President for not being forceful enough and not calling for cap and trade legislation.
However, one part of the speech which I expected the President to receive a "pass" on came at the very end. President Obama called on Americans to pray as part of their own personal response to the disaster. Presidents traditionally invoke the power of prayer at times of national crisis, so President Obama's call was hardly unexpected.
However, both the left and right took issue with the President's request. Last night Rachel Maddow questioned whether "prayer" was really the appropriate request given the enormous complexity and magnitude of the problem. The President spoke about more practical solutions earlier in the speech, but for some reason Maddow focused on the last part of the speech in her criticism. On the opposite end of the media spectrum, Fox News also took issue with the President's call for prayer. Fox & Friends hosts questioned whether the President was really being sincere in asking for prayer, since he does not go to church regularly - the assumption in the argument being that one must go to church in order to genuinely pray. When asked about the President's call to prayer Newt Gingrich states "I hope he means it."
The President has spoken and written extensively on his spiritual journey. He has written on his conversion experience and has been baptized. President Bush's conversion was never really questioned, yet this President receives a great deal of skepticism dealing with anything spiritual. No matter how much he claims to be a Christian, attends church (as he did for nearly twenty years), or ask for prayer, it seems some always want to make him an atheist or Muslim.
Taking criticism comes with the job of being President of the United States. Having said that, perhaps our media goes a bit too far in questioning not only the President words, but the sincerity of his religious beliefs.
Comments
Ryan,
I have to agree with you on this one. Asking for Gods help collectively as a nation by praying is a better option than relying on the 'talking head numb skulls' from both the left and the right. We should all be praying for the people and the animals suffering in the Gulf Coast.
This oil spill seems to be your epiphany Ryan. Mine was 911. I can tell that this mess is weighing on you. You care deeply about about the environment and rightfully so. But these politicians pushing cap and trade could care less. They care about power and wealth. Just like the right fighting this phony 'war on terror'. How many times do we have to be lied to before we have had enough? What is the breaking point?
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!