Blurred vision

"Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye."
Matthew 7: 3-5

Since 9/11 we've allegedly been on a quest to spread democracy, under the theory this will make the world safer (as opposed to making the world "safe for democracy"--that slogan went out of style a century ago...).

While trying to plant this form of governance in lands that have never known it, we haven't stopped to ask whether our current experience with the system would encourage or discourage a foreigner from wanting it transplanted to his own nation.

Government "of the people, by the people, for the people." That's the mantra drilled into our heads in public school civics. But do we measure up? Are the people really participating? Does the government serve, or demand service? Is it really true that "anyone can grow up to be President?" And do we really have a 'free press'... or is it instead the best press money can buy?

The misguided or careless actions of Christians are often the biggest stumbling block to others accepting the faith. As the U.S. spreads the "gospel of democracy," a little eye rinsing might be in order as well.