aren’t you, mr. robertson? surely you realize this. i know you’re not stupid. you graduated from mccallie, after all. in fact, i am confident that you know exactly what you’re doing. and what you are doing, mr. robertson? you’ve launched something called a “prayer offensive” — an excellent branding move, i must admit. in an era of pre-emptive strikes and looming terrorism, what better way to present the joy of christ’s love than through the nomenclature of modern warfare, eh? only there’s no love here, is there? you’ve decided that the supreme court no longer moves in ways that match your politics — er — pardon me, your faith, so now you are calling for the members of your 700 club to pray for the retirement of three of our nation’s supreme court judges. why should they retire? well, like you so kindly pointed out in your call to arms — um — pardon me, worship:

“One justice is 83 years old, another has cancer, and another has a heart condition.”

astute observations, pat. well done. but let me point something out to you, sir. just a little thing. you’re campaign is an anathema to the teachings of the one you claim to serve. televangelists forget this all the time, and you’re no different, i know. but it is time for you to look at your little WWJD bracelet — you know, the one you probably had made in 14k gold — and then open the manual of your faith to a gospel written by a fellow named matthew. it is the first one in the series, in case you’ve forgotten. now, find chapter 6 and start reading somewhere around verse 5.

5. And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

6. But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.

what a concept, eh? prayer as a private act of devotion and contemplation. a mediative and personal act. the foundation of an individual connection with a higher power. quite amazing really, the strength of quiet faith. you might want to look into it…

on second thought, pat, you just keep right on with your offensive. you want to be seen. you want people to see your particular brand of politico-faith. to see your furrowed brow, you eyes squinting shut like a small child counting for hide and seek. oh, you’ve got faith in something, all right. or somebody.

and i hope you enjoy your reward. [further discussion on mefi]