Inaugrilescent

As I watched the inauguration of our new president I was struck by a couple of things: The absurdity of Aretha Franklin’s hat: The massive crowds: And the tremendous speaking skills (minus one flub) of our new president. There was one thing, however, that was more awkward than pregnant pause in the oath of office. The unnecessary injection of the invocation delivered by Rick Warren. (Note - I will not refer to him as Dr. because you can't possibly be educated and a homophobe, or a Reverand for that matter) Now, as an atheist I’m always going to be slightly objectionable to the inclusion of God in any modern ceremony, especially when in the realm of government and politics with written rules against the combination of church and state. I found Warren’s services to be inappropriate. We only have to look at the past eight years and to a man who thought God was speaking directly to him to see the obvious need to separate the two. I’m not saying that religion got us into this mess, I'm just saying that it certainly will not get us out of it.
What I found most compelling about Barack Obama’s speech yesterday was that at no point during the speech did he ask for or invoke God’s help. Although almost out of sheer tradition he requested God’s blessing at the end of the speech, during the speech he requested the help of all citizens, regardless of religion, even the non-believers. No leaders should attempt to directly replicate the good deeds of another, however, in the style of speeches delivered by Abraham Lincoln our new president asked for our help and our work ethic in troubled times. President Obama recognizes that it is going to be our determination and self sacrifice that will create success not a reliance on God liking the United States best.
So Mr. Warren, I say with all due respect, take your God and shove it. The time for mankind’s faith in itself has come and the Uncouragement plans to answer the call.