Here's the Q:
Brian, I am a big fan of yours, and like you supported Obama in 2008. I reluctantly voted for him in 2012. I have followed your comments on President Obama over the years and am continually amazed at your seeming reluctance to criticize the President on his astounding commitment to the myth of American redemptive violence. In 08 Obama gave the clear impression he was going to move the country off of a war footing. After he was elected he wrestled with the continued use of force in Afghanistan, eventually deciding to double down on violence. Since then he has directed assassinations without due process. I think his record on this most important of issues is deplorable. Where is your voice on this?
Here's the R:
Thanks for your note. I've written about the myth of redemptive violence quite often on this blog, and I've mentioned drones a few times since President Obama came to office
http://brianmclaren.net/archives/blog/jim-wallis-gets-it-right.html
http://brianmclaren.net/archives/blog/more-on-evangelical-identity.html
http://brianmclaren.net/archives/blog/three-days-ago.html
http://brianmclaren.net/archives/blog/more-on-gaza-please-read-prayerf.html
But you're right: I haven't yet made it a primary focus and more needs to be said on the subject. I've been considering what to say first since receiving your email, and this essay from Jennifer Butler of Faith in Public Life came in. Quotable (emphasis mine):
Faith leaders, inspired by the uncompromising commands of the Almighty, will always call for more justice than will political leaders who navigate the cross-currents of special interest pressure, fundraising, compromise, expediency, and the reelection campaign that is always right around the corner. If we’re not asking for more than politicians are offering, we aren’t doing our jobs.
I'll include Jennifer's piece below in its entirety because it says what I was thinking better than I could have said it. This is a great time to link up with groups like FPL, Sojourners, NSP, and others that are mobilizing public opinion to "ask for more than politicians are offering."