Does the President Need a Prophet?
Normally, I don't write about politics because it's a sure way to alienate at least half of your readers. But I just read Wendell Griffen's article titled, Obama Protects the Powerful Over the Poor.
Griffen contends that President Obama needs a prophetic voice in his circle of advisers, one who will speak for the poor and the disenfranchised in our society. He critiques Obama's calculated preference for the banks over homeowners, the powerful over the poor, and political expediency over the moral courage.
Does the President need a prophet? Do pastors need a prophet to call us back to concern for society's marginalized, especially in this economy? I thought the article deserved a mention here, and I hope you'll take time to read it. Rev. Griffen's sermons are also posted on EthicsDaily.com, and he's a powerful preacher with a unique insight.
If you don't know Wendell Griffen, he was the first African-American appointed to the Arkansas Court of Appeals. Currently, Rev. Griffen is pastor of the New Millenium Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, and CEO of Griffen Strategic Consulting.
I had the opportunity to spend an hour in conversation with Rev. Griffen last year. We talked about reconciliation and how to help communities come together by building what he calls "cultural competency." Through Griffen Strategic Consulting, Griffen's unique approach to racial reconciliation helps communities and corporations recognize the differences in diverse populations, but also finds common ground for cooperation and understanding.
A New Nominating Process
On another political note, if you're tired of politics as usual, you might be interested in a non-partisan movement to select a presidential and vice-presidential candidate via the internet. AmericansElect.org is the first open presidential nominating process using the internet to tap into the growing disconnect between the two dominant political parties and regular folks. You may or may not be interested, but I find what they are trying to do a refreshing approach versus the two year-long primary process that has already begun. Visit the site because I think this is glimpse of the future of the American political process.
