Pragmatist, Politician, or Both?

I'm torn about Rick Warren being selected by Obama to give the invocation at his inauguration. On the one hand, I wish Obama had picked someone who was supportive of homosexuals and a woman's right to choose. On the other hand, it shows Obama's willingness to pitch a really big tent. It displays pragmatism and--dare I say it?--Machiavellianism. Perhaps we progressives have managed to find a leader who is tough and realistic enough to lead.

At least, that's what I'm hoping. It would break my heart to find out that Obama is just another politician.

Institutional Racism

Police Get The Wrong House In Galveston, Allegedly Assault 12-Year-Old Girl

As Dymond headed toward the breaker, a blue van drove up and three men jumped out rushing toward her. One of them grabbed her saying, "You're a prostitute. You're coming with me."

Would the police have done that to a twelve-year-old white girl? I don't think so. She was African American. She was in shorts on the same block as alleged white prostitutes. Ergo, she must be a hooker.

Three weeks later, according to the lawsuit, police went to Dymond's school, where she was an honor student, and arrested her for assaulting a public servant. Griffin says the allegations stem from when Dymond fought back against the three men who were trying to take her from her home.

She fought back against three men, not wearing uniforms, who were trying to drag her into a van. Of course, the assault charge stinks of intimidation. By arresting her for prostitution, they handed her a lawsuit, so then they tried to fight back by arresting her for acting reasonably in self-defense.

Sometimes I despair for America, you know? But then I remember that we are also the country that elected Obama, and I feel better.