One of the new myths being built by the Republican establishment is that Barack Obama’s followers looking at him as if he was the Messiah. They call it Obamessiah, and Rush Limbaugh and his dittoheads have taken to repeat it like mindless parrots in a cage. Typically, this is not only untrue – but also best describes their own tendencies over the years.
First of all, the Obama supporters I know, have heard or read, look to him to help rescue America from the politics of division and dishonesty. There is no significant or organized attempt to portray him as someone who will save the world or our soul. There is no attempt by the campaign or the Democratic Party to claim that he is a direct messenger from God and no one is elevating him anywhere near the heights that we have seen for Ronald Reagan and, up until recently, George W. Bush. Indeed, when you take a look at the Right, you see that presenting their politicians as “God’s Choice” is pretty darn close to S.O.P for the G.O.P.
Next, let’s look at Ronald Reagan. An untrained observer could easily be lead to believe that Reagan all but walked on water. They claim that he single handedly brought down communism, saved the economy and restored morality to the USA. Not only do Republicans speak of him as if he was a supernatural being, but when they took over Congress they couldn’t name enough things after him!! Everyone now sees all the roads, buildings and other things that now have Reagan’s name plastered on it. If that is not hero worshiping, myth building and yes – Messiah creating – I don’t know what is.
Finally, we all recall the Presidential campaigns for George W. Bush. Not only did he personally appear to believe that God wanted him to be President but, up to a couple years ago, most right wing churches and talking heads also pushed that narrative. Listen to any call in programs and you would have heard George W. Bush either compared to Jesus or described as His modern day successor. In fact, if it wasn’t for the idea that Bush was God’s chosen candidate – he never would have become President at all. Bush Messiah indeed!
For any Republican to criticize Obama as trying to be a Messiah with this sad history is the height of hypocrisy. Yet we must respond no matter how ridiculous the charges.
First of all, the Obama supporters I know, have heard or read, look to him to help rescue America from the politics of division and dishonesty. There is no significant or organized attempt to portray him as someone who will save the world or our soul. There is no attempt by the campaign or the Democratic Party to claim that he is a direct messenger from God and no one is elevating him anywhere near the heights that we have seen for Ronald Reagan and, up until recently, George W. Bush. Indeed, when you take a look at the Right, you see that presenting their politicians as “God’s Choice” is pretty darn close to S.O.P for the G.O.P.
Next, let’s look at Ronald Reagan. An untrained observer could easily be lead to believe that Reagan all but walked on water. They claim that he single handedly brought down communism, saved the economy and restored morality to the USA. Not only do Republicans speak of him as if he was a supernatural being, but when they took over Congress they couldn’t name enough things after him!! Everyone now sees all the roads, buildings and other things that now have Reagan’s name plastered on it. If that is not hero worshiping, myth building and yes – Messiah creating – I don’t know what is.
Finally, we all recall the Presidential campaigns for George W. Bush. Not only did he personally appear to believe that God wanted him to be President but, up to a couple years ago, most right wing churches and talking heads also pushed that narrative. Listen to any call in programs and you would have heard George W. Bush either compared to Jesus or described as His modern day successor. In fact, if it wasn’t for the idea that Bush was God’s chosen candidate – he never would have become President at all. Bush Messiah indeed!
For any Republican to criticize Obama as trying to be a Messiah with this sad history is the height of hypocrisy. Yet we must respond no matter how ridiculous the charges.
1 comment:
Good post!
And there's another reason for this trash: evangelicals will get annoyed at Obama for thinking he's God. Even though it's Limbaugh saying it, not Obama.
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