Travis Johnson

You've Been Dubya'd!

First, I Dubya'd Janet Reno.  Then, Patrick Leahy.  I chickened out when I took a pic with Hillary Clinton...no worries though because the picture got deleted anyway.  Now, I've got a disciple, a protege, a minion, or whatever you'd like to call Pete.  So, props to Pete Zefo for throwing a Dubya on Dennis Kucinich.

Freedom of Speech

I used to have a long list of religious and political intersections.  The list has become significantly shorter.  Some things on my list would put me at odds with people in my own church.  That's one reason I love our church.  We come from all over the map (in every way possible).  It doesn't matter because we focus on our common ground faith essentials and make allowances for one another in our non-essential fringe opinions.  I truly believe diversity is beautiful.  I am not going to isolate some incredible people or be isolated because we don't see eye-to-eye on every opinion.

Today, my list of religious and political intersections is very simple- freedom of speech.  Without free speech, you cannot oppose injustice, stand for the defenseless, or speak truth without fear of reprisal.  Slowly, I see free speech eroding.  I'm thinking about it today in the wake of the Don Imus' firing.  The guy is a bozo.  But, I defend his right to say stupid stuff.  I'll say the same thing for Rosie, Jerry Springer, Al Sharpton, Pat Robertson, an even me.  God knows I've intentionally and unintentionally said some things in my life I wish I could "unsay."

I see free speech already unfairly infringing on faith.  For instance, in Miami-Dade county an Elks Lodge, Weight Watchers, or boy scouts troop can build and own a facility in a small square of land.  But, a church cannot be built on any less than 10 acres.  This makes it almost impossible for many churches to build and own their own property.

Did you also know that Curves, dentist offices, and Subways can rent a storefront?  But, it is almost impossible for a church to do so.  I am not a big fan of doing church in a storefront.  But, for some, this is how they facilitate worship gatherings.  I find those restrictions to be an unfair double-standard...an infringement on free speech.

So, as I reset my expectations for my religious and political intersections, I will still have other heart cries for America: defense of the unborn and less government regulation.  But, none so important as free speech.  Without it, no other issue can be spoken of.  I am left to wonder how far down the road of limiting free speech will we be willing to go?

Karl Rove aka MC Rove

tagged - Karl Rove - GWB - George Bush - Rap

Change

elections - change - victory - defeat - politics - gridlock

Check out all of the US Newspaper headlines here.

Church and Politics

Church and politics. These are the things you are supposed to avoid discussing in social situations.  Since we are approaching the mid-term elections, I thought I'd weigh in and share my perspective, effectively mixing the two and committing a big faux paux.

1. Our political outlook should reflect our moral compass with the Scriptures as our foundation.
2. Christianity is not synonymous with a particular political party.

Now, I am an opinionated person by nature.  I enjoy following politics, current events, and technological and sociological trends.  I have formed opinions on everything from the economy to national defense.  I have a biblical understanding on the sanctity of life.  Over the next several weeks, you will hear nothing from the platform at Life Pointe concerning who should receive your vote.  I will simply ask you to follow perspective #1.  Be informed and involved in the political process as much as you can.  Do it with respect, honoring God, and honoring one another.  Where differences exist, be reminded that in the essentials we have unity, in non-essentials we have liberty, and in all things, we show charity.

tagged: politics - church - church and politics - midterm elections

Survivor: Back of the Bus Edition?

I'm a pretty big Reality TV fan.  Contender and the Ultimate Fighter are by far my favorites.  Survivor is next on the list.  For the past 6 years, we have had Survivor Night in our home.  Friends and Family come over and we watch and hang out.

Well, CBS just announced that Surivivor 13- Cook Islands will be dividing the contestants into four racially divided teams (asians, blacks, whites, latinos).  The Bullwinkle Blog quoted Rush Limbaugh as saying, he "was amazed that CBS would use this format. knowing full well that at the end of the show, one and only one, is going to be declared “ the best”, “the winner”.  The other three will be losers……  all identified by their race."

Rachel S. of Alas, a Blog says, "I know this is largely a publicity stunt for the show, and my main problem is that the publicity surrounding the show may inadvertantly promote the idea that people are more strongly divided by race than they really are."

So, is this the "Jim Crow, Back of the Bus Survivor" or an ingenious idea on the part of CBS to boost sagging ratings of a formerly cool show?  Your thoughts?

Technorati Tags: Survivor 13 - CBS - Rush Limbaugh - Jeff Probst - Reality TV

What will you die for? my mission statement

What am I willing to die for?  This is it.

My life mission is to love God with wreckless abandon, be a passionate husband, loving father, faithful friend, lifelong learner, visionary leader, dependable follower, and a catalyst for community transformation.

Stephen Colbert and Robert Wexler

Yes.  This guy represents Boca!  Thanks, Bob.