Summarizing on a Saturday
I recognize the past week has been less than impressive in terms of original content. Here's an attempt at righting that wrong:
1. As I see it, the selection of Joe Biden as Barack Obama's running mate makes a lot of sense...in the short term. Biden personifies age and diplomacy more than Obama does, and his infamous tongue will serve well in swatting away John McCain's attacks, thereby letting Obama do what he does best in focusing on the positive. Long term, though, the Democrats are going to be stuck after eight years, as no one's going to elect Biden because of his age, and I don't think even Hillary will be in the picture by then (though I wouldn't count her out in this race - stranger things have happened).
2. If McCain chooses Mitt Romney, I think he's done. The two don't even like each other, and both bolster the "rich, white guy" stereotype that unfortunately marks the Republican party. Maybe this is why Romney is actually a VP possibility - it sends a message to the conservative base that McCain really is one of them - but that's not going to be too motivating to moderates and undecideds weary of the stereotype. Picking Romney doesn't seem very much of a maverick move for the Maverick, but I'm not sure who else in the Republican party would be. How about Ron Paul?
3. With the Olympics finishing up tomorrow, I have mixed feelings about these Games in China. My hope is that, through all the interaction with other countries and greater exposure to democracy, something would stir in China that, down the road, would bring real change to the lives of her citizens. My fear, however, is that any such seed will be rooted out, no thanks to the softened stance of mainstream American journalists (particularly NBC, who patronizingly broadcasted the Games) and the IOC's UN-like oversight of the whole spectacle in general. It will be interesting to see what comes of the investigation of China's little girls' gymnastics team, and what the world's response will be to the verdict (if indeed any is given).
4. I register for fall classes at Covenant this coming week, and then start the following Tuesday. I wish I had a little more of a breather between my summer course and the beginning of five new hours this semester, but I don't get to vote. If all goes well, I should finish a master's in theological studies in May of 2009 (that's this coming spring!) and a master's in educational ministries in May of 2010. Neither is that far away, but it still feels like miles to go before I sleep.
5. I really like my classes at Westminster, but boy howdy, is it ever easier doing this the second time around. Whereas the first year seemed so much like walking in the dark and trying to teach something along the way, this year would seem to be the one in which I really figure out what exactly I'm teaching and the best way to teach it. I've got a great schedule, some cool kids (some I've had and some I haven't), and I'm pretty pumped about taking bigger steps this year toward being a great teacher.
I've got pictures and smoke detectors to hang, a few books to finish, and some email to catch up on this weekend, so I'll wrap it up. If you're still around, thanks for reading.