We Interupt This Blog For An Important Political Statement...

I hate politics...but I'll get to that in a minute. We’re finally in the new house. Everything has been moved and most of it put in place. With the exception of those things that don’t yet have a place…this house lacks the storage the other house had. We’ve already had to buy a cabinet in which to keep our food as we discovered the shallow kitchen cabinets are much more decorative than they are functional…and they’re not exceptionally decorative! I think we’re going to have to invest in a book case and a desk of some sort for the laptop. We’ll have to go see what we can find this week. Today we’re home.

I grew up in a family that was extremely active in politics. I hate politics. I hate what it does to those who are running for office and to those who support them. Yesterday was Election Day for mayors of 146 of the 153 municipalities in Nicaragua. The remaining seven municipalities’ elections are postponed until January due to widespread damage from last year’s hurricanes.

This has been a very heated race throughout the country but especially here in Managua. I think it best not to go in to the details of the political situation here but will say that there have been charges of strong arm tactics, voter fraud, and illegal voting practices, etc. We continue to hear sirens periodically in the streets below us heading in to Managua and the images and reporting that come across the television screen are meant to incite and polarize. Divide and conquer…an age old tactic that still works well.

There has been rioting, rock throwing, fighting and demonstrations with thousands marching in the streets in Managua the last two days. The police are not doing much other than trying to avoid getting hurt themselves. Emotions are obviously running high and in anticipation of such occurrences, the American Embassy here issued a warning for all Americans to stay off the streets and in their homes keeping a low profile the day before, the day of and the day after the election. That’s not been hard for us to do. We’re pooped from moving!

Speaking of elections, the recent U.S. election made front page news here. The alliances of Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela, Russia and Iran appear to be very pleased that Barack Obama is the new President. I can’t say that I am quite as optimistic. I’m reminded that we should be careful what we ask for as God just may let us have it. It’s going to be an interesting four years both here and there.

Mud-slinging, rock-throwing, name-calling, self-serving, lying words, false promises - common practices for many, if not most, of the people we put in the position of leadership who say what itching ears want to hear. Governments can’t save us…only God can save us. Why is it we believe men with lying tongues but choose not to believe the words of our Creator God? Could it be that our hearts aren’t any more pure than those whom we elect to office? I hate politics…it’s such a clear mirror.

Now...on to a lighter subject...our new home. As soon as Jim downloads the pictures, I'll post them so you can take a mini-tour.