Rick Warren & The Easter Bunny

Is it homophobic to stand firm in the Christian belief that marriage should be between one man and one woman? Gays have every right to be gay but should they have the legal right to marry? I just don't think so. But today, Pastor Rick Warren flip-flopped on the issue.

Is it homophobic to invite families in general to the Easter Egg Roll at the White House without specifically sending invitations to gay families? Gay families should certainly be allowed to attend but why should any particular group be singled out to be invited? That's what Obama did this year. Politics . . . I get it.

It truly saddens me the way society is being bullied by the gay community. I absolutely believe that people should be allowed to exercise free will. That's Biblical. God says we can. But we don't have to pretend that what is wrong is right. . .

Bobby Jindal

I was anxiously anticipating Bobby Jindal’s response to President Obama’s speech on Tuesday night. After only a few minutes I could no longer stomach it and had to change the channel. The look on Jindal's face, his tone of voice, the cadence of his speech – everything was so annoying I couldn’t even “hear” him. The content of his speech may have been 100% on point (I don't know) but if so, his delivery completely detracted from it.

I thought this man was supposed to be ready to “stomp with the big dogs”. If he is the best the Republican Party has to offer – this is a party in trouble for real! I'd like to suggest that we go back to the drawing board . . .

NY Post’s Chimp Cartoon

I was going to let this one go but it just keeps growing and growing so I guess it’s time for me to chime in. The chimp cartoon, hmmm. . .

I must admit that my initial reaction to it was “wow, so in 2009 we’re still monkeys?” Then I really took some time to think about it and concluded that it is possible that racism was not the theme. It occurred to me that even if Bush was still president the NY Post would have probably published the exact same cartoon. And what would have been the difference then? There would have been no cries of racism, no protests, and no apologies. Politicians are prime targets for ridicule and attack – and the president is no exception. On the contrary, as long as I can remember, the President always seems to be the first target.

So as I continued to think about the uproar over the cartoon I wondered, if we (Black folks) are trying to have it all. We have a Black man as President but we also want our President to now be exempt from cartoons, jokes and other forms of ridicule? Because he is Black, are all jokes about Barack Obama going to be forever scrutinized and run through the racism meter? Give me a break!

And now who once again is at the forefront of the controversy? Al Sharpton – the voice of Black America, the bigotry monitor. Even though the paper and cartoonist have both apologized, Sharpton says it’s not enough. For me, any issue that could have had some validity is made questionable simply by Sharpton’s involvement. (Please just go sit down somewhere and close your mouth!!)

The cartoon was indeed in poor taste – whether racially motivated or not. But as far as I’m concerned the only person deserving an apology is Charla Nash. She sustained horrible injuries and nearly died as a result of the chimp attack. Her life will never be the same. That is absolutely NOT a laughing matter.

Microphones and Cameras

Things are so different now than they were “back in the day”. Back in the day we didn’t hear about every single, solitary movement of politicians, celebrities and athletes. Today their actions are everywhere. Even if you don’t want to know what they are doing, you know what they are doing. Internet, TV, magazines -- it’s overkill for sure.

While we average citizens are ridiculously obsessed with hearing and seeing more and more about the daily activities of celebrities – what they are doing, when they are doing it and who they are doing it with – these celebrities often appear oblivious to the fact that “we” are watching. Of course I’ll never know for sure but I’d like to think that if I were a celebrity I would think twice before I ever said or did anything. I’d also be very judicious in my selection of “friends”.

So this week we’ve got a couple examples of celebrities forgetting about the cameras and the microphones. Michael Phelps caught on camera smoking marijuana and Etta James talking way too much before a microphone.

It’s been a while since I’ve put anyone on my “Go Sit Down Somewhere and Close Your Mouth List” but I’ve got to put Etta James on it. I must admit that when I saw Beyonnce singing her song at the inauguration, I thought it was strange (and perhaps disrespectful) because James is still among the living but James should have vented her frustration quite differently.

And you Michael? You’ve got one more chance, don’t blow it!

Inauguration Day Show Stoppers

These girls are just way too cute.

Our 44th President

We keep hearing it and I must say I feel the same way -- "I never thought I'd live to see the day." My kids asked me a few times over the years, "Do you think there will ever be a Black president?" My quick, canned answer remained, "Not in our lifetime." In spite of my lack of faith in the American people, today Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. Despite my own personal political views, this is a very emotional and exciting day.

Seeing Michelle Obama at center stage is especially thrilling. I think I've always paid particular attention to First Ladies. I loved Laura Bush and I am already feeling similar admiration for Mrs. Obama. I am certain that she will add her own style, class and dignity to the White House.

Yes, today is a day of celebration but it should also be a day of prayer. Today we party, tomorrow back to reality.

Inaugural Prayers

There’s been a lot of fuss over the Inaugural prayers and who is being asked to lead them. Obama has asked an openly homosexual bishop to offer a prayer at an inauguration event next week. My mother always told me that “you can’t please everybody” but Obama sure is trying. Asking the Bishop V. Gene Robinson to pray was to satisfy those opposed to the invitation he extended to Pastor Rick Warren. Oh brother!

Anyway, Robinson said that he will not use the Bible and "will be careful not to be especially Christian in my prayer."

So my question is this – when you are being careful to not be “especially Christian”, to whom are you praying? Is that kind of prayer just kind of thrown out there in hopes of being answered by any old god who happens to be available and listening? He can leave me off his prayer list. . .