The Essential Moral Qualifications for a Presidential Candidate

There are three elements to consider when judging the moral fitness of a person to be President of the United States

1. Social fitness: Does the person know the social conventions of society and generally lives according to them? If a person is socially awkward, he is likely to prove unfit as president.

2. Civic fitness: Does he obey the law? A person who has a history of breaking the law is hardly fit to become the chief agent of law enforcement in the country.

3. Religious fitness: I am not concerned with what his/her religion is, I am concerned with whether he actually observes the religion he ascribes to. If he is not publicly faithful to his own private commitments, how fit can he be?

Let’s try these three rules out on some recent presidents and see if they work:

President Reagan
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
He made a pretty successful president

President Johnson
1. No
2. No
3. Not sure about this one
He has two clear strikes and his presidency did not go well

President Carter
1. Maybe a little inept on this one
2. Yes
3. Yes
Does pretty well on this test, so I think he’s a morally fit man. However, moral fitness is only one element of overall fitness. Perhaps Carter lacked elsewhere

President Ford
1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes
He was definitely morally fit; precisely the reason who was put into the position to become president.

President Nixon
1. No. Very awkward in public.
2. No.
3. Not particularly
And we all know how that one turned out.


As we consider the current candidates, we should observe their skills and values in these areas. If we choose a president who is strong morally, he is more likely to have the ability to judge wisely when he is faced with unexpected challenges.

I'll Take the Shot!

I am a little surprised at the number of conservatives who are buying into conspiracy theories about the swine flu vaccine. I personally plan to get the swine flu shot. Here’s why:

The swine flu virus is potentially dangerous because it is a new strain of virus that humans have never contracted before. Because no one has ever had it until recently, no one has natural immunity to it. Think of the common cold. Each year the virus that causes the common cold mutates so that the medical profession has difficulty predicting its form and preparing a vaccine against it. How many Americans get a common cold each year? 10%? 25%? 50? This occurs because there is no vaccine to protect us and, since the virus causing the cold is new, no one is immune. If the swine flu, which is much more harmful to human health that the common cold, were to spread this year like the common cold does, the results could be devastating.

Currently, the number of swine flu cases globally stands at about 319,000. From these cases, about 3900 deaths have occurred. Some critics point out that this is a low rate of death; about 1.3%. However, think of the number of people who would die in the US if a serious outbreak were to occur. What if 1 million Americans got swine flu? At that rate there would be 13,000 deaths. What if the swine flu were to spead like the common cold and 40 million Americans contracted the flu? 520,000 people would die. Those numbers are frightening.

We also know that inoculation works. By introducing a weakened dose of a virus into the human body, the bodies’ immune system develops a defense against the virus so that when it faces the fully strengthened virus head-on, it can fight the virus off.

There are many diseases that have been all but conquered through this means. My young sons have gone through an extensive series of immunization shots to prevent diseases such as measles, polio, mumps, chicken pox, rubella, and dozens of others. The US government REQUIRES these shots for children in the US. Promotion of the common welfare such as this is a primary duty of government. I find it amazing that conservatives are among the most vocal against the swine flu vaccine saying that the government is trying to take over our lives when in fact, the government is fulfilling one of its primary duties by providing for the general welfare of its citizenry.

Some conservatives are also saying that the government is conspiring with drug companies to enrich the drug companies. The same Obama administration that has attempted to demonize drug companies as greedy is now conspiring to make them wealthy? That makes no sense.

Some argue that the vaccine itself may cause death. However, in 1976 the government feared an outbreak of swine flu and a great campaign to inoculate the population occurred. I know of no case that conclusively shows that anyone died from that vaccination campaign. And even if some did, 40 million Americans received the vaccine in 1976 and the death rate from that vaccine was nowhere near 1.3% (520,000 people).

In early November, I plan to see the Dr. for my quarterly diabetes checkup. I plan to roll up my sleeves and get a flu shot in one arm and a swine flu shot in the other. If a breakout occurs, hopefully I will be immune. If it does not occur, my arms will be sore for a couple of days. Since an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, I consider this to be a wise decision.

Why I'm Rootin' for the Phillies

I can't say I have always been a Phillies fan since I've lived near or in Philly. When I first moved here, the team was simply awful. Then Larry Bowa became the manager and, though he is certainly and deservedly a hero to long-time Phillies fans, I thought he was an awful manager. Of course, now it is easy to be a fan because the team is a winner. But, I particularly like Charlie Manuel. He is a man of exemplary character. His handling of Brad Lidge, who last year was perfect in saves for the team, but this year has blown 11 games and had to be removed as the closer, illustrates his character. This quote from today's Philadelphia Inquirer, which reports on last night's penant-clinching game illustrates why:

"...Manuel...made a move that also revealed much about him and how he genuinely cares for his players.

There were two outs in the ninth inning of the Phillies' 10-3 win over Houston at Citizens Bank Park. The title was wrapped up when Manuel took that familiar, slow amble toward the mound and signaled for Brad Lidge.

As far as Manuel was concerned, he was already looking ahead to the postseason, and his beleaguered closer--or, for now, former closer--needed a confidence boost. As Lidge prepared for his warm-ups, the din from the crowd increased. And everything went the way Manuel figured it would. Juiced by the supporting crowd, Lidge threw one pitch to end the clincher.

"I wanted him to pitch in front of the crowd", Manuel said.

"I thought it would be good for him and the crowd. They responded kind of like the way I thought they would. First of all, I've said all along I didn't want to get away from Lidge. That I wasn't going to shoot him or anything. It was an ideal situation to put him in. My whole intention all along was to get his confidence back up because I know he''s got the talent and ability".

"You know," he added with a grin, "when he came in and threw warm-up pitches, he was throwing the ball harder than he had the last few days.""

Manuel is a man of character and it rubs off on his players. Sometimes we root for hometeams but wince at the attitude and actions of the players off the field (think Alan Iverson and Michael Vick here), but these Phillies are good guys. I'm rooting for them!

2002 Lincoln Blackwood: "Plastic that Looks Like Wood that Looks Like Plastic"

I have been in car sales since 2002. Here is the first in a serious of posts about noteworthy vehicles that I have sold. Enjoy!

When Lincoln first showed the Blackwood as a concept vehicle, the outer bed was actually finished in South African blackwood, a wood that has such a luxurious sheen that it looks like fake plastic. Lincoln decided that they could not actually afford to put this wood on the vehicle and keep to their target price-point, so they put actual plastic on the bed that looked like blackwood. So, as one reviewer put it, you had trim that was "plastic that looks like wood that looks like plastic". The truck, marketed only during the 2002 model year, was a compilation of marketing goofs. It had Ford's largest V-8, but it was down 50 HP to the same size V-8 from GM. The bed was stainless steel on the inner sides and had felt on the bed. It also had a power tonneau cover which could not be removed. In short, the bed was functionally useless. The truck was very well-appointed inside, much like the first generation Lincoln Navigator. However, there was no 4-wheel-drive option available on the truck. The truck stayed in production only about 9 months and was discontinued. Lincoln dealers definitely wanted a pick-up truck to sell, but nobody wanted the Lincoln Blackwood.

Today's Cars Are Safer Than Yesterday's

I often hear people say "Those old cars were made out of real metal and they were much safer than modern cars with their thin metal and plastic". Such thinking is quite incorrect. The modern car is much safer than those big hulking beasts of yesteryear. This video shows an offset front-end crash between a 2009 Chevrolet and a 1959 Chevrolet; both doing 40 MPH at time of impact. Watch and decide which car you'd rather be driving if you got in a wreck.

[update: Since this post was originally published, the video has been removed from Youtube. Josephus 10/27/09]

Judging Teddy

I have young sons, actually too young to speak to with any deep insight regarding a matter like death, but, I've thought, what would I say to my sons about Ted Kennedy? Understand that I disagree with him deeply on a political level and I think that, in his personal life, at least in his younger days, he was a very immoral man (as were his brothers). Here are some key prisms with which to think of Ted Kennedy.

He was, as a human being, one of God's image bearers. Flawed, yes, but an image bearer nonetheless. At one point in his life, he wanted to be president, indeed it seemed he was destined to be president. After he failed in his pursuit in 1980, he set him mind to being a great senator and, in that endeavor, he succeeded. He had a personal wit and magnetism that made him a natural born leader and endeared him to others on a personal basis--even to his political opponents. While his public speeches were often strident, in private he sought compromises and forged agreements between opposing sides. He was among the most liberal senators of his time in a time when liberalism was in decline, yet he was one of the most influential men of his generation. I think he demonstrated a personal touch that is the mark of a godly person. For my sons, this is a quality to be emulated.

Though gifted in many ways, at a critical moment of life he squandered his opportunity and it could not be recovered. First, John was president, then Robert ran. Both were cut down by assasins. Ted was the heir apparent. He had it all. He had the wit, the looks, the charm, the necessary support to become president. In 1962, President Kennedy had challenged the nation to send a man to the moon. In 1969, the nation met the challenge with the Apollo 11 landing. This was a quintessential Kennedy moment and Ted Kennedy should have been there to reflect in the glory of what had been accomplished. This would have set him up as the inevitable Democratic nominee to challenge Nixon in 1972; a scenario that was Nixon's greatest fear. But where was Kennedy? Nowhere to be found. Just weeks before, he had driven the car in which Mary Jo Kopechne lost her life at Chappaquiddick. This episode forever dogged him and it cost him the nomination in 1980 when he finally decided to run for president.

Judge not that you be not judged. Kennedy may have been a murderer and there is no doubt that he was an adulterer. He may also have repented of these before God. I do not know. Only he knew what happened for certain at Chappaquick. As for adultery, late in life it appears that he married and was faithful to his wife. I have also read that he apologized to his first wife for the way he treated her. I have not killed anyone or committed adultery, but, by the standard Jesus set, all of us are guilty before God of these things. None of us stand justified before God on our own merits. I pray that Ted Kennedy trusted Christ and is experiencing his grace in its fullness now.

My wife is guest blogging in this post about her recent experience serving on a jury. Enjoy!
A few weeks ago I received a piece of mail whose arrival was announced by Jody…“You’ve been summoned for jury duty!” After much sighing and contemplating how I might get out of it, I sent my form back to the Philadelphia Court of Common Pleas. (I’ve only been summoned one other time but was excused that time since I was 8, almost 9, months pregnant.) The prayer sent up at the same time was “God, please PLEASE don’t let them pick me to be on a jury!! I have 2 little boys to take care of and if I get picked I’ll be sitting on a jury for my 4th wedding anniversary…and Jody has to leave town for 2 days for work. There’s no way I could be on a jury now!!!”

Tuesday morning, July 12, I was chosen as Juror #2 before 11am…was sent out for lunch and told to return in the afternoon…the trial would be starting. WHAT??!?! “God, this was not my plan! How am I ever going to do this??!?”

Fortunately the weather was nice that day so I sat outside to eat my lunch. After eating (that took all of 10 minutes), people watching, texting some messages, and answering a phone call, I found out that Jody had taken the boys for haircuts (Andrew cried the whole time he was in the chair), took them to the playground, and was, at that moment, enjoying a hearty lunch at McDonald’s. (Andrew can stuff a lot more food into his little mouth than you think he can!!) I missed those boys something terrible.

At the appointed hour, I returned to the assigned room in the courthouse. And found out they were STILL in the process of choosing jurors. (I learned quickly that there is “real time” and there is “court time”…and court time involved an awful lot of “hurry up and wait.) Eventually all jurors were selected and we assembled to hear opening statements.

Mr. Walker was on trial for his alleged involvement in an incident that occurred back in 2005. There were 2 counts against him – possession of an illegal substance with intent to sell and conspiracy. Both lawyers “waxed eloquent” and then we were sent home for the day.

Wednesday morning we reconvened. Witnesses and evidence were presented. We heard about the narcotics enforcement team that set up undercover surveillance on Bailey St. on a chilly October day. During the 45 minutes of surveillance, the officer who was the “eyes” of the operation watched Walker and another man interact with various people. They would talk, then Walker would get something from a black bag that was hidden in a hole and give it to the person in exchange for money. Officers stationed around the corner caught and arrested the first buyer and found a small packet of crack cocaine on him. At one point, Walker did not put the black bag back into the hiding hole. At that moment, the officer who had been watching all this, radioed to the rest of his team to come in for the “take down”…they would catch Walker red-handed. When Walker realized what was happening, he handed the black bag off to his partner, ran into a house, and slammed the door shut. Walker’s partner threw the bag onto the ground and started to walk away, only to be caught and arrested. The black bag was also taken by police. When officers pursuing Walker reached the door he’d gone through, they found it locked so they had to force entry. Once inside, they found a third man. Walker got away while they searched and questioned the third man. Surprisingly enough, inside the house they found pictures of Walker…and in one picture Walker was standing with a police officer. That officer was related to Walker and 2 weeks later talked Walker into going to the police station to try to straighten things out. Walker claimed innocence, he was not the one they’d been watching selling drugs for 45 minutes.

The officer who had been the “eyes” of the surveillance team was the main witness in the trial. Everything he said made sense, it seemed as though he’d done his job and had nothing to gain by falsely accusing Walker. Walker’s lawyer did all in her power to get us to think otherwise, to plant reasonable doubt in our minds. She showed us a young man who’d been in college and wanted to do his part in serving our country. His mom and aunt told how he was a law-abiding man who was mentoring others.

The thing that “did him in” though, was his own testimony. At the last minute he decided to take the stand himself. He told us that he’d been at the mall that day spending birthday money he’d received the day before. The friend who had supposedly driven him there was nowhere to be found. And up until this point, he hadn’t told anyone else that he’d been at the mall. He testified that, even though he had been living at the house he’d run through, it was an on and off living arrangement and that he didn’t know the man who lived there full time. When questioned about all the previous court dates that he’d missed, he told how he changed lawyers and no one told him what he needed to do…and that’d he gone out to Washington (state) for surgeries due to injuries from being shot.

Details in the story he was telling didn’t add up. And the law says that if you believe that a witness is lying about one thing, you can believe that he is lying about all things. A man who doesn’t know you very well certainly is not going to keep your picture displayed in his living room. If you are innocent, you are going to do everything to clear your name, not take off to the other side of the country and stop all communications with your lawyer and the courts.

As a jury, we had to decide who was telling the truth…the police or Walker. Some members of the jury did have issues that were unclear, some issues that put doubt in their minds. But after our discussions, we unanimously decided that Walker, indeed, was guilty of both charges.

The reading of the verdict was difficult. Walker’s mom was still in the courtroom. We knew that Walker had a wife and at least one child and that they would be affected by this as well. Walker did seem to have a lot of things going for him, but, unfortunately, made some bad decisions and got caught.

This experience had its comedic moments, too. One of the court officers was a very serious, “by-the-script” man. He gave the impression that if he were stopped part way through his dialogue, he’d have to start all over again. He always had a straight face. But till the end of our third day, we were able to get him to crack a few smiles.

And then there was Juror #6. Apparently he was a man with a mission…a mission to get sent home, that is! Jury day #1 and the morning of day #2 he had accomplished the following in the courtroom: raising his hand several times to indicate he needed to use the restroom, asking – out loud to the judge – if it was time for lunch yet, and asking – out loud again – if the evidence being presented to the officer on the witness stand was really crack cocaine. After lunch on day 2, Juror #6 was called out in front of the judge…and we never saw him again. After the trial concluded we found out that the clincher in his being sent home was when the prosecuting attorney saw Juror #6 wink at the defendant. Not a smart move on his part – he could have gotten into serious trouble for his actions.

What did I take away from this experience? First, knowledge that God will provide wonderful care for my boys when I am temporarily called away to do something else. Second, confirmation that staying home with my boys is the best thing. It’s not someone else’s job to raise them, it’s mine. I missed them terribly those 3 days. Third, another example of God’s supplying what I need when I need it. I was nervous about making a decision that would impact another human being’s life in a major way, but God supplied the wisdom needed to make that decision. Fourth, no man is an island. The decision Walker made 4 years ago to sell drugs is still affecting people today. His decision took officers away from their normal patrol duty so they could testify in court. His decision affected his mother in ways I hope to never know firsthand. His decision affected a group of 14 people, took them away from normal responsibilities to listen to testimony in court. His decision took me away from my home and my boys. And his decision means that now his wife and his children will be without a husband and father while he serves his sentence. Fifth, someone else to pray for. As I think of Walker and this incident, I am moved to pray for him, pray that God will somehow use this experience to bring Walker to a saving knowledge of Himself.