Don't Choose a President Based on the Paint

Something To Think About Presidents and Paint:

Political commentary from a former president: I’m living in one of the smallest nations in the world.  The government in Palau bears many similarities to the government of the USA, only it is incredibly smaller.  The population of the country is about the same as the rural county where I live in the USA    A pastor friend and I went out to eat the other day.  At the conclusion of our lunch I found out that the restaurant is owned by the former president of Palau.  Hearing me talk he concluded that I’m an American, so he stopped by the table to chat for a few minutes. President Nakamura is a gentleman, so he didn’t bring up the political campaign ongoing in my country.  When I asked him, however, if he had been watching the campaign in America, he couldn’t resist asking,   “How did the greatest nation on earth, and two of the greatest political parties end up like this?”  Indeed! Certainly the United States is not alone in experiencing political difficulties, but one difference—a big difference—is that the United States is a government of the people.  In many nations rulers seize power, and stay in control by military and financial might.  In the United States we step up and take our choice.  In recent decades—some think the Kennedy-Nixon debates marked the change—our choices have had more to do with the package than with what is under the wrapper.  It is a bi-partisan, or maybe pan-partisan syndrome.  My pickup truck is red.  The better part of twenty years ago, when I bought it, I was looking for a very basic vehicle.  Most trucks like what I was looking for are sold to fleet buyers.  They are painted white to provide a good background for the company logos that go on them.  I didn’t want a white truck.  Let me confess my shallowness.  One reason I bought the truck is because it is red. The privilege and responsibility that we Americans have when it comes to voting for those who will lead us is a great stewardship.  Let’s make sure that we get deeper than the paint.  If I’m able to visit with the President again, I’d like to have a conversation based on more encouraging news. It’s STTA.