To follow up a previous blog about my disappointment of an instance at the latest National Prayer Breakfast:
I would hope that conservative-leaning people are willing to do and say what is right (and to call out wrong, even in one's own camp), not simply what is politically advantageous. I would hope that liberal-leaning people are willing to support and pray for our President and all others in authority (even who are not liberal-leaning.) I would hope conservative-leaning people will pray for liberal-leaning people in authority (and not with imprecatory prayers.)  I would hope that politically-independent people (including me) would do the same as stated above.
It seems that either people are cheerleaders and damage-control agents, or on the opposite side of the spectrum, political hit men. My desire is for us to call out wrongs (in any Party or politician) and to give credit for what is good (by any Party or politician.)
I am very concerned that many Christians have unwittingly added to their Christianity some form of political-national-territorial-celebrity-if I win I’m right-god, and that wrong is suddenly acceptable, marginalized, and normalized.
It seems that some conservative-leaning friends could not make friends, and actually civilly converse, with liberal-leaning friends if their life depended on it (and vice versa.) That is unfortunate. What also is noteworthy is that some who lean the same way can't stay friends because one or the other is not allowed to disagree with anything about a candidate or policy.  Perhaps they were not friends to begin with. "A friend sticks closer than a brother." (Proverbs 18:24)
I always post what I mean, but sometimes I post something to see how people will react or not react. It seems to distinguish between friendships, false friendships, and acquaintances (I can bear the first and last).  Ironically, sometimes those who engage strongly in opposition are actually my better friends, so don’t let the vigorous exchanges mislead you.
For the record: I’m not a fan of Jon Stewart, and disagree with him on many things. I thought the sign was funny and poignant.
I want to be a friend, but also want to keep and gain friends who will support and pray for our President (not only attack him), but also who will not worship him and excuse everything he says and does.  Be a discerning, godly, and fair American, but be a follower of Christ first.
Let’s pray for our leaders, and also hold them accountable - not prey upon those who do so. 

My Reactions to Super Bowl 51:

1. Most of the world couldn’t care less. (This is not to diminish the event. I, for one, greatly enjoy professional football.)
2. The comeback was unexpected and unprecedented. The New England Patriots are the 2017 Champs. Congrats to them.
3. To give up is foolish. To be proud is as foolish.
4. Tom Brady is one of the best quarterbacks ever. (Yes, I have 12 reactions in honor of his number, and I’m not even a fan.)
5. One should never be rash in an initial judgment (Brady was a sixth round draft pick, behind six other quarterbacks chosen before him, and only started due to an injury to Drew Bledsoe in 2001.)
6. Not enough credit is ever given to an offensive line, which gives a good or great quarterback time to be successful.
7. It must be terrible to be an Atlanta Falcon player, coach, owner, or fan right now. You have my sincere condolences, and I wish you a great season next year.
8. Some responsibility for the Falcon collapse should lay at the feet of those who called pass plays when they were so far ahead (pass plays that stopped the clock, led to a fumble, and led to a sack to take them out of field goal range which would have iced the game.)
9. Some fans can be real jerks (from all teams; winning teams and losing teams.)
10. It seems that sports can be one of the main avenues of pride and of insensitivity toward those who do not win.  It is interesting that many can share their pride and insensitivity in the sports arena and the political arena at the same time.
11. It was a game and business, but not remotely the most important event in life. The game, the glory, and the goods gained are temporary.
12. I probably will not care who plays or wins next year either, but will not criticize those who do care. I will likely watch some of it and enjoy it for what it is: a game for kids, which is big money and fame for some adults (bigger kids.)

I did my duty and wrote much during the Presidential campaign and also gave post-election analysis. I hoped that all of the political rancor would cease after the election. It didn't. 
Therefore, I offer this analysis: Many are posting very demeaning communications regarding President Obama, which is most unfortunate (since he is still our President for a number of days, and then will be a former President, which should be honored by us all, regardless of our disagreement with his politics.) 
Also, Meryl Streep is entitled to her opinions regarding the President-elect (as we all are), though it seemed like the wrong forum to voice them (though her thoughts should not surprise anyone, nor should we expect such statements to go away in the future.) What was most unfortunate, from my perspective, was the tweet from Donald Trump, in which he wrote that Streep was "overrated." The following day, she received another award, which was interesting. I hoped that our President-to-be would have taken the high road and simply stated that she is an excellent actress and deserving of the awards (which she is), but that they disagreed politically. My hopes and prayers are that he will not worry about, nor react to, what people say, but seek to govern well (for which he was elected.) 
To my fellow brothers and sisters: Do not follow that example and seek to get even or one-up. Instead, return a curse with a blessing. As has been said by many (actual original source unknown): "America is great because America is good; and if America ever ceases to be good, America will cease to be great." It is time for us to cease from the proud and bombastic language, and time for us to learn how to communicate with grace.
To all who cannot live without the latest political bloodbath: I suggest you seek to appreciate what we all agree on, and with character and civility engage the political landscape, even in the entangled fray and fights. In my opinion: Your love for our country is never in question, even if it appears that you hate others of your nation. Perhaps a change in tone can change that appearance. Perhaps we, a constitutional-democratic-republic, can indeed be one nation, under God, indivisible.

To my friends: It is not helpful for you to comment or post memes that criticize the riots. I do not approve of riots (Peaceful protests? Yes. Riots? No.)  So, I certainly am not giving license to destruction of property and harm of persons.  It is also ironic if you criticize, yet did not criticize the actions and words of the candidate(s) which precipitated the riots.  What you may fail to recognize is:

1. Words have consequences – the incendiary rhetoric during the campaign must be recognized as part of the cause, and bear some of the blame.  Our nation had the two most disliked candidates for the Presidency in our history, and their unfavorable status has been very high.  It seems, from exit polling data, that many (if not most) actually voted against the other candidate (as opposed to positively for someone.) So, despite the popular vote drama (and I am a firm believer in the Electoral College), one was more distrusted than the other, and thus that other won the election. 
2. A history of either perceived or actual disrespect or misuse of people by a candidate (and it is my view that both are the case) is noticed by many voters who will not just “suck it up” or “get over it.”  To say that those who are upset at the election results are now feeling what you have the past eight years is not true, and fails to even attempt to understand the current pulse of many in our nation.  This should not be a “we versus them” or “win verses lose” mentality.  We need to go deeper than that.
3. To blame the actions of rioters on parents is simply unfair, if not juvenile itself.  First, you do not know their parents, and though parental guidance may be a factor, it may not be also. Second, it misses the point of the real causes of these riots, which causes (in part) I have stated in my first two points.  It seems inconsistent that those who were angry voters for change are the very ones who cannot, or will not, give any compassion for others who are angry. ​ We enjoy freedom of speech and should encourage it and do what we can to help protests become peaceful ones.
4. To state, in word or meme, that there were no such riots when Obama won (twice) is to also miss the point and to evidence a lack of understanding and sensitivity.  Obama did not employ the despicable rhetoric that we have had to endure during this campaign.  Both Bush elections were not met with riots either, and the first of his Presidential elections was won by the very slightest of margins (just check with Hang E. Chad)
5. It is a weak and unhelpful point to make that Trump won, so they should grow up.  It is my contention that many avid supporters of both major Party candidates were very vitriolic during the campaign, and though they did not literally set things on fire and stop traffic, then did indeed cause much destruction and stopped short of integrity and character. It is time for us all to use a better approach than trash talking and demeaning.  It is time to cease becoming what we heard and saw during the campaign.
6. You do not help the situation by adding fuel to the fire. It does not promote peace by ridiculing protesters.  It promotes peace to allow law enforcement to deal with it, and for us to deal with wholesome and healing words.  When you pile on the protesters frustrations, anger, and sadness, then you evidence a lack of care and understanding.  To belittle those who feel a deep sadness is sad and deeply troubling.
7. To comfort those hurting: a) Be empathetic and allow them to grieve, voice their frustrations, and state their fears. b) Listen well and listen long. Don't give platitudes, or pep speech, of a "suck it up" line. c) Do not act superior and, when the person is ready to receive it, let him/her know that we live in the greatest nation in the world (problems? yes. injustices? yes. But, still a wonderful place.) d) Let the person know that it is normal to be uncertain as to the future, but that we have had trying times before, and we made it through them. e) Encourage him/her that we are all in this together. f) Comfort him/her with the fact that we have mechanisms within our governmental structure that provide changes (such as major elections in just two years, and another one in four years.)  gee) These are some thoughts, but I think the main thing is to weep with those that weep, and be a genuine friend (especially to those with whom we may disagree with politically, etc.) 

 
America, bless God … and bless (love) your neighbor (anyone whom you can help.)  Let's have each other's back.

It is time to Make America Kind Again.

My 9 Election Aftermath Notes
Steve Battaglia - November 9, 2016
1) Congratulations to President-elect Trump and Vice-President-elect Pence, and to all those who won the various elections! 
2) If your candidate did not win, then I offer you my sincerest condolences and blessings. If your candidate won, I encourage you to sway away from the rancor of the campaigns, and rather, be considerate, gracious, and kind.  Treat the other as you would have liked to be treated if the tables were turned (Matthew 7:12.)
3) To my non-Christian friends: I apologize for what may be seen during this campaign and election as boastful and hateful Christians.  Believers in God struggle with the emotions of politics too, and in many cases do not handle that well, unfortunately.  It is my personal view that true followers of Jesus would never want to harm you in any way, but instead want you to be blessed as well. If you are pleased with the election outcome, then I congratulate you, but also encourage you to consider the claims of the King of the kings and Lord of the lords, Jesus Christ.  His kingdom is not temporary, but everlasting with joy and peace. His planned and performed sacrifice in death for our sins and His resurrection provide forgiveness and life everlasting for those who trust in Him.
4) To my fellow believers in Christ Jesus the Lord:  I would encourage you to be careful about voicing and posting things such as “God answered our prayers …” as if those who supported the other candidate did not also pray and seek God’s face (and I have many friends who fit that description), and also as if every other election in which your candidate didn’t win was a case where God didn’t answer your prayers.  I would caution you to not equate an election victory into rightness or righteousness; otherwise, you may have to also say that the legalization of marijuana is also right and righteous since it won in several states in this election, and that the sixteen years of Clinton and Obama were also answers to prayer.  Perhaps you have never looked at it this way before – and perhaps we should attempt to understand other’s views and opinions, even if we have to disagree (we can disagree agreeably with grace, civility, courtesy, and kindness.) 
5) As many know, I was not a supporter of either Party candidate, but knew that one or the other was going to win.  So, I watched the returns knowing that I would be disappointed whoever won.  Though I was not in favor of the one who did not win the Presidential election and was concerned about that possible administration, I still felt a deep compassion for those who were supportive of her.  As I watched the reports on television, and as the eventual outcome became more evident, I felt sadness for the people in the crowds who looked so despondent and tearful.  They need the Lord, as do people from all political leanings.  The results may be a blessing from God, but they may be a judgment from God.  Many have chosen to overlook obvious evil for the sake of the big picture, and in the opinion of many, have put their morals and values on hold in order to rescue their morals and values.  Please know that this is how many people view most Christian conservatives. 
6) My commendation goes to those who were gracious, while speaking out about evil in both candidates, and not giving in to the vitriolic partisan politics-as-usual.  It is my view that your integrity is intact (and likely that you also received your preferred election outcome as well, while still not giving up your integrity.)  You, and you alone, have truly been vindicated. Thank you for being graciously strong.
7) This election has also served to distinguish between true friends and false, and for this I am disappointed, saddened, and yet appreciative.  This process has revealed character and a lack thereof, grace and pride, peacemaking and belligerence.  We should learn from this, and strive to be people of sound character who are gracious and bent on peacemaking, even in the midst of a storm.  Anyone can be civil and nice when all is smooth sailing, but it takes sound character to be so when all is in turmoil and when people become angry, unreasonable, and rude with you.  May God help us for His glory and for the good of each other.  May we learn to be kind, and not simply to respond in kind.
8) It should be a shame for anyone to post arrogant and mean-spirited comments or pictures online about the other candidate and/or Party.  This should go without saying, but it seems that many are still evidencing their lack of character, integrity, compassion, and love for the sake of their politics.  Remember that there are many who need the Lord who may be greatly encouraged by someone who is gracious, as opposed to someone who proves their beliefs right that conservative Christians are unkind and proud jerks, and nothing like Jesus Whom they say they follow.  This is a prime time to let the fruit of the Spirit flow out of you and to shine for the Savior.  Politics is passing away, political Parties are passing away, candidates and politicians are passing away – but the kingdom of God is not.  America (as much as I appreciate and love her) is not our god, our comfort, or our resting place.  Our god is not a Party, our savior is not a politician, and our holy spirit is not the political process.  Know what kingdom you are actually in.  “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.”  (Psalm 115:3)
9) Finally, we are called on to honor our elected leaders and to pray for them (Romans 13; 1 Timothy 2; Titus 2; 1 Peter 2), and I encourage everyone (even those who greatly dislike those elected officials) to do so.  Pray for their safety, wisdom, and effectiveness.  Pray also for the current administration.  In doing so, we will prove to be godly temporary citizens.  Perhaps we as Americans may bless God.
Grace and peace to you, in the Name of Jesus Christ the Lord.