A few random things . . .

Barack Obama: closet Muslim or racist Christian?

It’s no secret that those on the right seem intent on demonizing Barack Obama. I was only slightly surprised at what appeared in my inbox this past week. It seems that the “racist Christian” angle on Obama has more traction these days (see some recent discussion of that here), but it seems that the “closet Muslim” emails continue to circulate. I received one last week from a relative, and my wife received the same email from a friend a couple of days later. I thought that particular one - considering how ridiculous it is - had already blown over, but it seems to be making a comeback. I guess if you’re in the business of fear mongering, you have to continue to fire all of your guns because there’s always someone out there who will buy into it and pass it on.

Just this morning I came across a message board post (a Christian board dominated by conservatives, not surprisingly) in which someone claimed to have “done their research” on Obama, and was apparently convinced he is in fact a Muslim. The research seemed to be largely based on quotes taken from his books (conveniently, without the benefit of context.) It’s really stunning.

Nevertheless, it seems clear to most reasonable people that Obama is neither secretly a Muslim nor a member of a racist church. Here’s a few things everyone else should check out. First of all, the factcheck article on these emails attempting to disparage Obama has a good analysis of both of these “issues.” Also, the snopes articles (Muslim/Racist) provide some of the same information. The head of the UCC has weighed in on the claims made about Obama’s church, which is relevant considered he’s actually someone connected in some way to the church (as opposed to, say, Sean Hannity.) And one of the best articles I’ve read on the Obama church issue is at The Christian Century, written by Jason Byassee. This is all just a lot of political nonsense stirred up to frighten people by those on the far right. The sad thing is that many people actually seem to be buying it.

Spears book

I saw this a while back and I’m still floored that it is true. I was reminded of it again recently when I heard someone bring it up.

Lynne Spears’ book about parenting has been delayed indefinitely, her publisher said Wednesday. Lindsey Nobles, a spokeswoman for Christian book publisher Thomas Nelson Inc., said Wednesday that the memoir by the mother of Britney Spears was put on hold last week. She declined to comment on whether the delay was connected to the revelation that Spears’ 16-year-old daughter, Jamie Lynn, is pregnant.

Yes, the mother of Britney and Jamie Lynn Spears has written a book on parenting. Considering that her 16-year-old is now pregnant, and the train wreck that is Britney’s life, what possible advice could this woman provide? More importantly, who is this book for? I have to assume one would suck as a parent at an exceptional level if you’re looking to Lynne Spears for parenting advice. Seriously, who at Thomas Nelson thought this was a good idea?

NFL

I watched some of the NFL playoffs this weekend. (Playoffs??) The final four is set, and it’s not quite what most expected. First of all, the wrong Manning will be playing this week. The two games I expected to be least likely to involve an upset were the Sunday games. I expected Dallas to, at worst, squeak by New York, and I didn’t think the Colts would have any problems with San Diego.

I stand corrected.

The Saturday games seemed more likely to produce upsets, although I still expected the home teams to win. I just thought they’d have tougher battles at home than the teams playing Sunday would. Jacksonville seemed to me to be one of two teams (along with Indianapolis) that had a shot at knocking off New England, and it seems like Green Bay lays an egg every now and then, and it seemed like a perfect time for them to do so.

I still am somewhat stunned that the Colts lost, and hate to see Dungy go out that way if, in fact, he walks away now, as some reports indicate is a strong possibility. But I am thrilled that the Cowboys lost (nothing against the players; I just can’t stand Jerry Jones.) I guess Tony Romo can go wherever he wants with Jessica Simpson now. And good for Eli Manning. He’s been hammered quite a bit in NY, and while he wasn’t necessarily the deciding factor in their playoff wins thus far, at least he’s not screwing it up, either.

I enjoyed the Packers/Seahawks game the most, because of all of the teams in the playoffs (playoffs??), Green Bay is the one I’d like to see win it all. I’ve always liked Favre and would love to see him get another one. And, like just about everyone else outside of Boston, I’d like to see the Patriots lose.

But regardless, this week I’ll have to go with the home teams yet again. Super Bowl = New England vs Green Bay.

Thanks for the memories

Speaking of the NFL, these two guys will be there next year. One was a given. There was no doubt Darren McFadden would be headed to the NFL after this season. (In fact, he seemed to already be gone by the time the Cotton Bowl started.) His family would likely have suggested some sort of psychiatric evaluation had he chosen to remain in school. His decision was no surprise.

Felix Jones’ decision was not a surprise either, although it was not as certain that he would leave. Many were hoping he might stick around one more year, but he’s certainly proven that he can get it done, too, and will be receiving a nice paycheck next year as well.

Clearly, they will be missed - you usually miss players who provide the overwhelming majority of your offense. But they’ve certainly provided a lot of good memories over the last three years. Just think of what they could have done with a coach…