Some time ago, I submitted a post in which I said the clergy should use some of their sermons tp relate our faith to situations here -     to. for example,  politics. I noticed that the response of clerics ranged from tepid to high Arctic. So let me try an example - using the very touchy issue of Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The core of the sermon would be the meaning and importance of forgiving.

The US debt compromise is a disaster for everybody but the very rich. Obama, if he ever had any principles (and I never thought he did), has abandoned them.

 Most of the American population is going to suffer severely - and for a long time. But corporate returns will probably remain solid - so it technically won't be a depression - just a lot of very poor and desperate people.

This was a question on CNN this morning. "What would Jesus cut if he were in charge of the US budget?" A minister argues that "budgets" are moral issues and as people of faith , it is our opportunity to do the moral thing. Look after the "least of these" and stop pandering to the wealthy.

What do you think? Should polititions exercise their moral stance rather than their political stance. Should they both be the same thing? 

I would love to hear everyone's thoughts about this! I live in Stephen Harper's riding so I'm fascinated by this concept.

Before the debate begins I will also say that if our system was actually representative, then I could vote for who I want and see a proportional amount of seats. In that case, strategic voting wouldn't be necessary.

What do you think?

 Did you check out the online campaign to engage youth from TruthFool Communications?

The link leads to a site called (Excrement - yep the bad word)HarperDid and I have to say, it's quite good. OK. it's definitely anti-Tory but I'm not a fan. Still, if it gets apathetic hipsters to even think about something other than their oversized glasses, and how they might be able to make change through democracy ... well, I'd be a happy camper.

Given the number of threads about the debate and therefore focussing on the leaders, I thought it might be interesting to hear what's happening in different parts of the country on the ground; in the local ridings.

I live in the riding of Welland in the Niagara Peninsula, consisting of the cities of Welland, Port Colborne and Thorold and the Township of Wainfleet and the southern part of the City of St. Catharines.

 Well I have recently met probably the most amazing person ever.  His name is Feroz and he is a Muslim.  He lives in my town.  He isn't just any Muslim though, he is one of the most learned Muslims...like...ever.  He has permission from all 7 of the major Sufi orders to teach their ways (he is one of only 2 people  in the past half century to achieve this), he has worked with the Prime Minister, done Akido training for CSIS, and has an incredible intellect.

An ad for me to Montreal readers.

On Tuesday, Jan. 28, I'll be part of a panel on CJAD radio in Montreal at 3 to 4 Montreal time.

It will be on major events of the past year.

I have been watching the God in America series on PBS.

It is absolutely jaw dropping and it makes me weep sometimes.

I am really questioning society's understanding and application of the concept of freedom and liberty.

As Christians ....what do these words mean to you?

For those of other faiths and those of no faith at all (please take the word faith in its intended context) ....may we have your opinions please?

This forum is a great place to discover and examine each other's understandings.

Recently, the Ottawa government announced a large donation (loan to be taxed back from all Canadians to go for civic improvement in Moncton.

By coincidence, at the same time the New Brunswick government offered a large donation (loan to be taxed back from NBers) bringing the total to 50,000,000.

In another amazing coincidence the city of Moncton voted another 30,000,000 to bring it to a total of 80,000,000.