The quote used for the title of this blog, or something very much like it, is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. A close friend of mine used to paraphrase it with the saying, "Damn what they say, watch what they do, and you'll know who they are".

Yesterday, after the fourth or fifth email message I received portraying Obama as the antichrist, or telling me if I didn't forward the senders favorite bible passage to at least 10 friends I would be denying Christ and burn in hell, I posted the following on my facebook page:

"To all those people who feel the need to forward me fraudulent and unsubstantiated emails that advance whatever political or religious ideology they are into at the moment; get a life!"

It was followed by:

"DAILY THOUGHT: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES - NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS."

I'll admit, the second part was probably overkill. But the first is serious, at least for me. Politics and religion have destroyed at least as many friendships as sex and money. I really do not appreciate receiving a slide show, accompanied by Motzarts greatest hits, extolling the glory of God and taking up all of my computer memory. Nor do I appreciate those comparing current political leadership to Hitler, or Marx, and calling into question lineage and faith that wouldn't even be considered if it was directed at anyone but Obama, and more specifically anyone who wasn't Black. So don't send me that stuff. Truth be told, when you do, it brings about a reaction in me that is probably just the opposite of the one you are promoting.

You see, I have my own relationship with God, and my own political ideology. And I believe that most people who use words to try to get me to believe what they believe do so because they are insecure in their beliefs, and are looking to validate themselves more than convert me. I have one exception to that rule, one friend who I know is concerned with my salvation, even if he does forward me stupid emails. But most of the people who include me in their attempt to convert the unconverted, either religiously, or politically, don't even know me. So please knock it off. I can pretty much assure you that even if I was convertable, that fact by itself won't get you into heaven or win any elections.