I fear for my country.

There is a fundamental bias, which the right has encouraged, that believes that patriotism, or christianity for that matter, are the purvue only of the conservatives.

Recently I saw a truck with 8 different “christian” logos or bumperstickers on the back. Through the rear window, I could see two large American flags on the front window.

While I have no particular objection to either sentiment in the abstract, I can’t help but wonder how Jesus would have viewed the juxtaposition. He taught, as near as I can tell, the acceptance of everyone regardless of nationality, the true worth of people based on their actions, rather than their rituals or professed beliefs, and the inconsequentiality of earthly kingdoms and nations.

When did patriotism and christianity become the captives of the conservative right?

I am a Christian. Maybe not in the context that many self-professed Christians would believe, but I believe Christ taught that the primary rule was to love your neighbor as yourself, and the fundamental worth of every human being.

I am a Patriot. I love my country (as I love all people), and believe that what makes my country worth that love is the respect and support of everyone, as written into our constitution; not the unconditional acceptance of whatever foolishness our leaders take us into.

I am a Patriot. I am a Christian. I am a Liberal, and I reject the attempt to limit these terms to the self-righteous right that has highjacked them.

My country is poised to re-elect (assuming he was elected the first time) a president who rejects reason, rejects the ruled of law, and rejects the basic teachings of Christ. God forgive us for what we are about to do to ourselves, and to the world.

I pray (literally) that the citizens of Wisconsin, Ohio, and Florida will see this election as it is, and reject the hatred and bigotry implicit in the current republican administration.

God help us all, God Bless America, and God Bless the rest of the world.