Here it is--my virgin voyage in the blogosphere. All who get on board with me will discover plenty of food for thought, a good bit of cynicism, very practical theology, some political observations, and healthy challenges to the status quo. For starters: Has anyone failed to notice that the preservation of power (or the gaining of it) is the number one political goal in every election cycle and in institutional ecclesiastical structures? Politicians use issues as a smokescreen to hide their real agenda--occupying the seats of power. Even the rare principled public servant, once elected, will be forced to play the power preservation game by his/her party of affiliation. Voters vote for those they feel will best represent the issues they care about, but once the election is passed, the energies of the elected officials are put into power consolidation--not isues! As a civic duty (and to be able to speak as a participant in the process) I plan to vote. But I do not have any misgivings about the politicians being able to produce the societal transformation I hope to see. That only comes through the undefined and often unnoticed ranks of those who love their enemies, actively care about the disadvantaged, let mercy crowd out revenge in those secret places of their hearts they don't talk about at parties, and meekly serve others without any power agenda. This is the "narrow way" that few discover.