I came across a series of columns by Thomas Sowell posted last week. He discusses how politicians play to voters emotional responses to things like current gas prices, the U.S. economy or the housing market problems. Giving the appearance that these economic things are too complex to understand when in fact they are not.

Here is the quoted part 1 to the column Too “Complex”?

(click ‘more’ to finish reading the column and links to all 3 parts):

Too “Complex”?
Thomas Sowell
Tuesday, May 13, 2008

“Some people think that the reason the public misunderstands so many issues is that these issues are too “complex” for most voters. But is that really so?

With all the commotion in the media and in politics about the high price of gasoline, is there really some terribly complex explanation?

Is there anything complex about the fact that with two countries– India and China– having rapid economic growth, and with combined populations 8 times that of the United States, they are creating an increased demand for the world’s oil supply?

The problem is not that supply and demand is such a complex explanation. The problem is that supply and demand is not an emotionally satisfying explanation. For that, you need (more…)

Contrary to notorious alarmists like Al Gore and his ilk, junk science is just not cutting it in the global warming debate. To me this debate really has little to do with political partisanship as some people on both sides of the aisle believe the myth that according to Gore “the debate in the scientific community is over.” The debate is far from over in the scientific community Mr Gore. Just because those that agree with Gore speak louder and are never really questioned by the media does not mean the debate is over. In fact it is just the opposite. Of course like any of these issues some “scientists” have their agendas on both sides of the argument. However many scientists try to stay as far away from that and rely on the unbiased scientific evidence. Based on this, many of Gore’s claims are refuted easily.

Read this article from the Op-Ed section of this past Sunday’s Wall Street Journal by Richard S. Lindzen, the Alfred P. Sloan Professor of Atmospheric Science at MIT.

I take the position that we are very far away from knowing the full truth on this subject and to ignore the other side of the argument as Gore and many do is scientifically irresponsible. It seems many have this belief that we know almost all there is to know about how this planet that God created works. When the truth of the matter is we really only know a fraction of it.

Today Pat Robertson apologized for his statement Monday. The official press release included a brief apology and followed by a long explanation. After reading the statement, the final sentence seemed clearly sum up what he was trying to do:

“In any event, the incredible publicity surrounding my remarks has focused our government’s attention on a growing problem which has been largely ignored.”

There it is. This sums up his press release and his real intentions. Playing the political game of making an extreme statement to bring attention to the issues surrounding Chavez. The ol’ “All publicity is good publicity” ploy to promote an agenda.

Now I can understand trying to promote what he believes the government and public should be aware of. However, using such extreme an statement to gain attention is by no means acceptable as a Christian.

In addition, he commented on his TV show today that “I didn’t say assassination”, however he most certainly did! Come on Pat! Stop playing the tricks of politicians! Christians can be involved in politics and government, but shouldn’t conduct themselves like politicians.

Pat Robertson, the host of the “The 700 Club”, must have decided to turn off the “don’t say that on TV” filter in his brain yesterday when he made the outrageous request calling for the murder of the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez.

My open letter to Robertson:

Mr Robertson, Chavez has been shown to be at the very least a kook and a threat to many. Not too many will argue with you on that front. But calling for such extreme and frankly un-Biblical actions is just plain wrong. Did you ever think what you say in such an off-the-cuff manner would not have an affect or reaction? Especially in such a time where the news media is looking for any excuse to make Christians look bad. I think you knew exactly what you were doing and can come up with a list of speculation as to why you said it. In the end, from my perspective, there is no good reason why you made such demands.

Pat, I’m sure you believe that even Chavez can come to know Christ has Savior and Lord. As a Christian, is murdering Chavez a solution? Of course not.

I know we all say things we wish we could take back. I certainly hope that was the case here with you.

As an evangelical Christian, I do not agree with what Mr. Robertson said should happen to the Venezuelan president and would like to say his views do not represent evangelical Christians in America. Mr. Robertson should be reminded that Jesus came to save EVERY person from sin. Even President Chavez could turn from his evil ways.

Case in point, General Manuel Noriega. Remember him? The corrupt, drug running former president of Panama. Well he\’d5s in an American prison now. Despite the despicable, corrupt, and evil things he has done in his past, he has come to know Jesus as his Lord and Savior. It has been confirmed by many that Noriega is a changed man.
Even though the damage is done, I hope Pat will apologize and ask for forgiveness. I forgive him despite my opposition to his comments.

President Bush nominated Judge John G. Roberts Jr. for the Supreme Court tonight. Should be interesting to see what happens now. He was on the radar but not the “conventional wisdom” guess by the pundits. Other than what they briefly mentioned tonight after the announcement I don’t know enough about him to form an informed opinion. Of course this nomination is all we’ll hear about on the news for the next couple of months.

As Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor submitted her letter of retirement today, so begins a battle of worldviews we all saw coming. Though it was somewhat unexpected that Justice O’Connor would be the first to retire on the current court, it was expected that a retirement would come within the year.

Justice O’Connor was appointed by President Reagan in the early 1980’s, politically leaning to the right, but predominantly a centrist. The only reason I mention that is to make the point that the impending battle for confirming the next Supreme Court Justice has become more about politics than interpreting the law.

I am a conservative, evangelical Christian who, in my perfect world, would like to see a conservative leaning court that would uphold my worldview. That being said, I have a problem with all involved in the process focusing so heavily on what a Supreme Court nominees (or any judge for that matter) political views/personal views are on many subjects.

Of course in a perfect world, judges would never inject their personal/political views in the process of making an “unbiased” ruling. But we all know this world is far from perfect and far too many judges try to legislate from the bench rather than interpret the law and Constitution.

We are left with a impending battle of worldviews/morals/ethics. A battle of absolutes vs. everything is grey, right vs. wrong, humble vs. selfish. In the end it seems it will come down to a battle of life vs. murder.(I’m sure you can guess what I think about that.)

My prayer is that what ever side people are on, we can respect each other though we may disagree. I’m sure I’ll be writing more on this topic as the confirmation process begins.

This past weekend Billy Graham gave what may be his last crusade sermon in New York. Despite his frail state of health, God gave him the strength to give 3 short sermons with no need for help from his son Franklin. It is truely amazing to think how God has used him over so many decades to speak the Truth of His saving grace through Jesus Christ to millions throughout the world.

What is amazing to me is no matter who you are, what your background is, or what your political views are, he is highly respected amongst all. Why? Because he is a man of God that is a true humble servant of the Lord.

Few have talked about fact is that Mr. Graham is a Democrat. He recently confirmed that in a interview on the Today Show with the very liberal Katie Courac. Some may gasp and think how could an evangelical like Billy Graham be a Democrat? Read the interview I linked earlier. His discussion of his politics and politics connected with the evangelical church today is simple, concise and true. In the end it does not matter to me whether Mr. Graham considers himself a Democrat or Republican. He speaks the Truth in love and is a man of God that all Christians should respect.