An Analysis of Jesus in Contemporary Christian Music by J. Andrew Lockwood

This is a paper that a friend of mine by the name of Andrew Lockwood wrote. I have been contemplating this very thing for some time and I though that his analysis really rang true. I take no credit in writing or contributing to his incredible work and I do thank him for allowing me the opportunity to share this paper on my blog.

The Jesus of the airwaves has been a fairly dynamic character in the music industry for the past half century. From the origins of contemporary Christian music (CCM) industry in California during the late 1960s to the modern day, billion dollar music business that spans multiple genres, Jesus remains central to the themes and messages of much of the music. Despite all the CD sales and notoriety that the CCM industry has gained though, even Jesus might be a little puzzled at the artist’s messages and motivation for doing so. Needless to say, the CCM industry has revolutionized and impacted the way that modern day followers of Jesus minister, fellowship, and worship together.

Growing out of the Jesus Movement that started during the hippie era of the late 1960s and early 1970s, contemporary Christian music started as a counterculture to the hippie movement within various sects of Protestantism (Powell, 2002). Musicians would convert to Christianity and instead of changing their style of music, they would simply change the subject of their lyrics. According to one writer that interviewed Daniel Davison of the rap-metal band Luti-Kriss, “We weren’t really sure what to do. But we figured we should stop cussing so much in our songs. And….maybe we can write songs about God!” (Powell, 2002).

It was out of those origins that the industry of self-proclaimed ‘Jesus Freaks’ was born (Powell, 2002). More and more artists from the hippie movement simply changed the lyrics in their songs to reflect their new found salvation to give society a new look at the Jesus of the 20th century (Davis, 2007). A new Jesus entered society, most accurately described by writer Erik Davis as ‘communal, earthy, spontaneous, and anti-establishment’ (Davis, 2007). As the contemporary Christian music community grew in the 1970s, it stayed very loosely organized and centered around the Jesus Movement’s revivals through various churches in the western United States.

The first Christian rock label was launched in 1971 when pioneer Chuck Smith started Marantha! Music as an outlet for the bands that played at his church, Calvary Chapel, in Costa Mesa, California (Enroth, Erickson, & Breckenridge Peters, 1972). It was a stark contrast to the traditional music of the church and a change that was not endeared by all. In fact, Bob Jones University of South Carolina was one of the first to openly oppose the new ‘Christian rock’ music (Residence hall life, 2010). In fact, the ‘What Not to Bring’ list for the freshman of the university still includes items such as: rock, rap, jazz and country music, as well as religious music that borrows from these styles (Residence hall life, 2010).

As Smith launched the first Christian rock label, other followed suit as the contemporary Christian music continued to reflect the music of the day. In the 1980s, the music permeated other popular genres, including rap, urban gospel, contemporary country, and pop (Jones). Popular artists emerged as pioneers of Christian rock during the 80s, including Petra, Stryper, Bloodgood, and Undercover (Jones). The 1990s were perhaps the largest period of growth for the industry, so much so that the music labeled as ‘CCM’ totaled for $1 billion in sales during 2001 (Powell, 2002).

With a flowering business emerging from the ‘Jesus Music,’ others quickly began to take notice. Billboard Magazine started to keep track of CCM artists, deeming Carman the first ‘Contemporary Christian Artist of the Year’ in 1990 (Jones). Rolling Stone reviewed a sample of 30 Christian rock songs and said, “The Christian songs were no more insipid or derivative than 30 songs randomly selected from the Billboard Hot 100 in a given week.” (Powell, 2002). Time and Newsweek dedicated entire spreads to finding out the secret to the CCM industry’s rapid success, evident in a 2001 cover that read ‘Jesus Rocks! Christian Entertainment Makes a Joyful Noise’ (“Newsweek cover: Jesus”, 2001). The magnitude of the industry even grew beyond its own borders with artists like U2 and Creed that performed songs ‘spiritual in nature,’ but not associated with the contemporary Christian movement itself (Powell, 2002).

It was during the early 2000s that many started to question that message and intention of the music. Detractors and critics have been present in mass for much of the 50 year history of the CCM industry, but as the money driven business continues to gain a larger share of the American music industry, more and more people wonder about the purpose behind the lyrics and CD sales. At the heart of the matter lies the question: Is the music to be used for worship or entertainment? This question, addressed in Donald Ellsworth’s Christian Music in Contemporary Witness, provides insight into the struggle of the modern CCM listener.

To add to this question, some experts feel that the message of the music is not exactly on target with the doctrines of the church or the scripture’s teachings. One expert noted, “Though lyrics in most contemporary Christian songs fall within the boundaries of orthodoxy, a small but growing percentage of Christian songs have lyrics that are either shallow, confusing, doctrinally errant, or even blatantly unbiblical” (Rhodes, 1989). Song lyrics have long been criticized for their lack of subtly – and lack of many other things as the ‘Happy-in-Jesus’ songs provide listeners with a shallow meaning. Many would argue that the Jesus of the campfire songs is neither scripturally correct or a sustainable message for believers. In arguing such a point, the character of Jesus within CCM song lyrics has then not changed for the past 50 years despite the musical overtones.

Andrew Lockwood receiving graduate honors

Revisiting the original matter of the use of the music, opinions are as varied as the genres of music on its purpose. For some, the expansion of CCM in society is the key to understanding its purpose. One author points out, “Christian music has gone farther than the church and can be found on radio, TV, in concert halls and at huge rallies and festivals” (Jones). Ellsworth notes that it is not the church’s responsibility to provide an escape from reality but to give answers to problems through ‘legitimate, biblical means,’ noting that the soft rock styles allow for communication of scripture (Ellsworth, 1979). A common, reoccurring theme in response to the question of CCM’s purpose is that of current societal problems.

Appealing with a ‘Christ against culture’ message, much of the industry’s music touches on current day issues in connection with a message of hope through Christ (Powell, 2002). Over the years, this message has changed significantly within the lyrics and musical delivery. During the 1980s, an attitude of ‘militant triumphalism’ was present, evidenced by three different songs by three different artists entitled “Armed and Dangerous” with a theme of killing one’s spiritual enemies (Powell, 2002). Critics of the lyrics saw Jesus in a ‘militant leadership’ role, one that could defeat sin at will. For many, the songs lacked in application to practical living and were in a medium between worship and odd entertainment. The 1990s showed a particular emphasis on social issues, ranging from abortion to prayer in schools (Powell, 2002). One expert noted that at least five CCM songs were written from the prospective of an unborn fetus, albeit with adult-like logic in that they wanted Jesus to save them before they were aborted (Powell, 2002).

With such a plethora of lyrical messages coming through the CCM industry, the issue of purpose is still a somewhat divisive issue to this day. Artists such as Jars of Clay, Sixpence None the Richer, and Indelible Grace draw from traditional church music and mirror common doctrines and scripture taught throughout most of America’s protestant churches. One expert notes that these artists among a few others make up “10% of current CCM that could be categorized as ‘theologically mature’ while another 10% can be written off as sensationalist trash marred by a kind of ignorant extremism” (Powell, 2002).

In today’s CCM, a huge emphasis is also placed on God’s omnipresence and sustainability. When speaking about the target audience, one songwriter/author noted, “People desperately need something or someone bigger than themselves and all that they face in order to cope. They want to feel like God is here and now, not some dusty relic from the dark ages that can’t possibly understand the issues of today. The new Christian music in our churches and on our airwaves reaches out to us on a level that we can understand and feel”(Jones). In essence, the Jesus demanded by CCM listeners is one of relevance and hope, a sustainer.

Sometimes, in an effort to convey a hope through Jesus, artists write lyrics that don’t exactly sync with biblical truth on the character of Jesus. Scriptural accuracy issues with divinity, means of salvation, and end-of-times are often hidden within the lyrics of an otherwise ‘positive Christian’ song (Rhodes, 1989). Newsweek even pointed out the fact that as the industry creeps closer to being considered mainstream, the music starts to omit the word ‘Jesus’ and ‘spends as much time blowing up buildings as saving souls’ (Newsweek cover: Jesus, 2001). In an effort to create music that will reach broader audiences, artists have toned down the religious aspects of their songs, including the references to the central character of their music, Jesus.

During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the comparisons between the pop culture music industry and the CCM industry continued to grow, so much so, that record labels recommended their artists as safe alternatives to the general market (Powell, 2002). This industry propaganda included posters that read, “If you like this artist, listen to this Christian artist.” As if the CCM industry could not stand on the merits of its own music, comparisons seemed warranted in order to increase music sales. “If you like artists Counting Crows and Sister Hazel, try 10th Avenue North,” said one source (Passarell, 2009). The same source also gave plenty of other comparisons, such as, “If you like Taylor Swift, try Francesca Battistelli” (Passarell, 2009). Campus’ Life magazine even offers a weekly column to suggest Christian artists over other alternative artists (Powell, 2002). The strategic marketing by the CCM industry intends to move listeners to their industry and exhort them to listen to exclusively Christian music (Powell, 2002). To do otherwise, would be considered ‘living in the world’ by the faithful listeners of CCM.

Contrary to their marketing efforts, some Christian artists have enjoyed success in the general music market, causing a rift to form between recording labels and popular acts. Amy Grant and Michael W. Smith were the first ‘cross-over’ starts to appeal on the pop charts in the 1990s, ushering in an era in which CCM labels were recognized as more than a niche market (Balmer, 1999).

One popular band, Switchfoot, made an unprecedented change when they moved from Chrisitan label Re:Think Records to Columbia Records, part of Sony BMG in 2003 (Kimball, 2007). The band cited the reason for the move was that that they claimed to be, “Christian by faith, not by genre (Kimball, 2007).” Another ‘rap-core’ band, P.O.D., enjoyed huge cross-over appeal with the mainstream music listeners, even performing with Ozzy Osbourne during his Ozzfest tour (Powell, 2002). With little support coming from the CCM industry, P.O.D. sold millions of albums laced with spiritual messages that dealt with societal problems (Powell, 2002). Gospel and R&B singers BeBe and CeCe Winans hinted of racism allegations within the CCM industry, openly questioning whether or not to move to the general market (Powell, 2002). Even industry mainstay Caedmon’s Call has had their share of frustrations with CCM, confessing that the lyrics in the hit song ‘This world has nothing for me’ had an ironic meaning, alluding to the fact that ‘this world’ meant the ‘world of CCM’ (Powell, 2002).

The theological differences can be just as varied when comparing the vast array of modern CCM artists. Some broadly categorize CCM as missing the mark, exemplified in three lectures given by John Makujina at the William R. Rice Lecture Series at Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary in 2005. Within his lectures he argued, “CCM’s Pelagianist aesthetic autonomy, its pop Jesus, are desecrations of God majestic, and its error needs to be re-categorized as theology miscarriage, even heresy, rather than just aesthetic immaturity” (Aniol, 2009). Makujina added in his closing remarks, “CCM’s theology of music should be ranked among the theological aberrations of modern evangelicalism and be confronted from a doctrinal standpoint” (Aniol, 2009).

Others argue that certain artists are ‘more mature’ in the theology of their lyrics. Christianity Today was even inclined to say that Calvin and Martin Luther would agree with the theology of popular CCM band Jars of Clay’s music (Balmer, 1999). In one Jars of Clay song, Love Song for a Savior, the group writes lyrics portraying Christ as a ‘relentless pursuer’ in agreement with the Apostle Paul’s writings that sinners earn salvation through God’s grace alone through faith (Balmer, 1999). Summing up the group’s guiding theology, Jars of Clay member Matt Odmark told Christianity Today, “I believe that I have nothing to do with my salvation [and that Jesus has everything to do with it]” (Balmer, 1999). This theology, present throughout the group’s lyrics, runs in stark contrast to the theology of older CCM songs, much like the 1965 Doobie Brothers hit, Jesus is Just Alright.

Like the band Switchfoot, some popular artists that proclaim to be Christians prefer to stay with a secular recording label rather than sign with a CCM label. The country music genre contain songs with lyrics about Jesus, such as Carrie Underwood’s Jesus Take the Wheel and Josh Turner’s Long Black Train, but are not generally considered to be contemporary Christian songs. Their portrait of Jesus is muddled in some cases, but in most song lyrics outside of the CCM realm he is held in high standard as a Savior.

Perhaps one of the most engaging arguments about CCM’s role in society regards the use of the music by the church. The works of some popular CCM artists and hymn writers are considered ‘too shallow’ to be sung as worship music in church. One worship leader noted, “Over the last three decades many congregations have divided over the issue of contemporary worship. Within mainline churches, the music of the contemporary worship movement is often dismissed as too touchy-feely or manipulative, too shallow, too patriarchal, or too theologically untenable” (Kadidlo, 2007). He continued though, offering another view of contemporary Christian worship music by saying, “On the whole, however, I believe that the mainline church’s long tradition of worship that is primarily head-oriented has limited members’ firsthand experience with the deep, heartfelt contemporary worship that thrives within the broader church” (Kadidlo, 2007).

Another Christian rock star offered his point of view in an interview concerning the worship versus entertainment debate by saying, “I’m not trying to change what goes on in church. I think it would be a bad idea to make worship more entertaining. I just want to make entertainment more worshipful” (Powell, 2002). While artists and worship leaders may see CCM music in different lights, it has undoubtedly found its’ way into the worship program of many evangelical churches.

While Jesus remains at the center of the message in the booming industry of contemporary Christian music, more and more listeners ponder the question, “What would Jesus think about today’s industry based of his life figure?” It’s a legitimate question to ask about Jesus, whom biblical scriptures claim to be the divine son of God and man, who turned over the tables of the moneychangers and cleansed the temple in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 21:12-13). Is the contemporary Christian music industry really about the message of Jesus? The answers are as numerous as the endless lists of CCM genres.

The booming CCM business was built on the Jesus that was attractive to the musicians in the 1970s, one of independence and freedom. Jesus became the ‘devil slayer’ and gladiator of spiritual warfare in the 1980s and much of the music for the past two decades has reminded us of Jesus’ compassion and tender love. While all of these aspects of Jesus’ character can be found in biblical scripture, one has to wonder if the musical lyrics are about Jesus’ message or simply songs about Jesus that draw on certain aspects of his character in order to sell albums. Does the CCM industry supply listeners with a message about Jesus or do listeners demand a certain message about Jesus? It’s an interesting rhetorical question on the nature of Jesus within the contemporary Christian music industry.

Works Cited

Aniol, Scott. (2009). CCM’s theology of music should be ranked among the theological aberrations of modern evangelicalism…. Religious Affection Ministries, Retrieved from http://www.religiousaffections.org/articles/articles-on-music/ccms-theology-of-music-should-be-ranked-among-the-theological-aberrations-of-modern-evangelicalism/comment-page-1

Balmer, Randall. (1999, November 11). Hymns on MTV. Christianity Today, Retrieved fromhttp://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/1999/november15/9td032.html?start=5

Davis, Erik. (2007, July 31). I'd like to dedicate this next song to Jesus. Slate, Retrieved from http://www.slate.com/id/2171430/

Ellsworth, P. (1979). Christian music in contemporary witness. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker.

Enroth, R., Erickson, E., & Breckenridge Peters, C. (1972). The Jesus people: old-time religion in the age of aquarius. Grand Rapids, MI: Cambridge University Press.

Jones, Kim. (n.d.). The changing face of Christian music. Retrieved fromhttp://christianmusic.about.com/od/trivia/a/ccmhistory.htm

Kadidlo, Phil. (2007). Heading towards a heart of worship. Lutheran Partners, 23(3), Retrieved fromhttp://www2.elca.org/lutheranpartners/archives/070506_02.html

Kimball, Joshua. (2007, August 16). Switchfoot cuts ties with record label. Christian Post, Retrieved fromhttp://www.christianpost.com/article/20070816/switchfoot-cuts-ties-with-record-label/

Newsweek cover: Jesus rocks! Christian music makes a joyful noise. (2001, July 8). PRNewswire, Retrieved from http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/newsweek-cover-jesus-rocks-christian-entertainment-makes-a-joyful-noise-71253882.html

Passarell, Megan. (2009, April 8). Christian music offers alternatives for music lovers. The Stylus, Retrieved fromhttp://media.www.thestylus.net/media/storage/paper1380/news/2009/04/08/Lifestyles/Christian.Music.Offers.Alternative.Choices.For.Music.Lovers-3700506.shtml

Powell, Mark. (2002, December 18). Jesus climbs the charts: the business of contemporary Christian music. The Christian Century, 20-26.

Residence hall life. (2010). Informally published manuscript, Bob Jones University, Greenville, South Carolina. Retrieved from http://www.bju.edu/become-a-student/accepted-students/expectations/residence.php

Rhodes, Ron. (1989). Confusion in Christian music?.Christian Research Journal, 31.

A Compromise that just doesn't make any sense.

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-december-7-2010/supercuts?xrs=share_copy

I invite you all to watch the above video that gives satire on one of our Government's recent blunders. For those that haven't been following along let me summarize what has happened. As I mention in my blog, 2010 Midterm and Governor Elections, the Republicans in this "lame duck" congress are blocking any Democratic initiative. This is mainly partisan politics at its best trying to prove something to somebody. On the table are the Bush tax cuts. They are due to expire. These tax cuts it allowed to expire are predicted to lessen our current financial debt by about 600 billion. The problem with this, is that Republicans believe in Trickle Down Economics. Basically, they believe that by giving tax breaks to corporations that the extra monetary value trickles down into the work force. The problem with that is, can you expect the rich to give more wealth to their workers if they have it. Then there is also the matter that some Republicans are the Corporations on personal lobbyists in Congress, and apparently the Supreme Court with their recent rulings. That ruling being to allow corporations to back candidates in elections. So while the Democrats want to allow the tax cuts to expire, the Republicans are holding out attempting to block all legislation until they get what they want.

Democrats however do want to extend the cuts for families making up to $250,000.00 per year. Now to be fair, Republicans are insisting that the government lower taxes and stop spending. This is agreeable is some circumstances. The government is engaging in out of control spending. The problem is that the Republicans are listing other sources, such as welfare, unemployment benefits and related items, as the reasons for uncontrolled spending. They overlook their own doing, such as an Unconstitutional war in Iraq, and a long drug out process in Afghanistan as our spending problems. Not to mention our occupancy is numerous other countries. Democrats on the other hand want to slash these tax cuts, except for the families mentioned above, and increase Unemployment benefits. A move considerable given our current unemployment rate.

And so there is a stalemate in Congress.

Republicans wanting the tax cuts extended and Democrats wanting benefits increased. Let me break down what both sides want. Republicans want, lower taxes and less Government spending. Democrats want higher taxes on the rich, to spend on benefits for the unemployed. A compromise was reached. Congress decided to extend the Bush Tax Cuts for everyone for 2 years, and to extend unemployment benefits for 13 months. Did you catch that? Extending the tax cuts for 2 years, extend unemployment benefits for 13 months. What happened? The entire argument for the Republicans was less taxes less Government spending, the Democrats, tax the rich, help the poor and what did we get? After the hold outs and deliberation we have gotten less taxes, and more spending. Not even less taxes, but mainly what our taxes are now. And unemployment benefits increased for 13 months.

SO lets think about this. If the tax cuts were allowed to expire and it was predicted that our national debt would DECREASE by about $600 Billion. What do you think our economy will do with the tax cuts lengthened and spending increased? Maybe congress should quit thinking about what their Political Party wants, and start giving their constituents what they need. I swear if I am ever voted in for political office the first thing I would do if elected would be to renounce my political party. Go "rogue". Tell everyone I am now in the Libertarian Party and invite others to do the same. In our Government we have out of control spending while the continuance of lower taxes. You can't have both. Either you increase taxes in certain areas to account for the spending or you decrease your spending. America is spending like a teenage girl with her first credit card. It's up to us, as "Parents", to discipline our "teenagers". Vote in a real revolution, vote both parties out. Vote in some Libertarians, some Green parties, vote in anyone you want besides the status quo and allow debate to begin.

2010 Midterm and Governor Elections

I guess the best way to begin this post is to describe my political ideology. I label myself as a Recovering Republican. Recovering as in a recovering alcoholic that only socially drinks now. I have maintained numerous standards or stances of the Republican Party such as fiscal conservatism and constitutional conservatism. However I do feel that Republican party has abandoned the latter and is recently trying to recover the former due the Tea Party movement. However to explain this to some of my readers I have abandoned Social Conservatism. Through his many "faults" as President, or "faults" that have yet to be studied rather, one thing for certain that President Carter was exact on was his views on the morality of our country and the role that government was supposed to play there. Because he was a born again Christian and refused to assert laws to limit a person's liberties based on a religion they may or may not follow, it cost him the election with Neo-Conservatives or the Christian right. Now I refuse to change parties simply on a few ideologies. I do not agree with big government, socialism, or gun control, things of that nature which is why I align myself more with the Libertarian faction of the political spectrum. The good thing about being close to the middle is the ability to look at the extremities. To attempt to take the good from things and leave the bad behind. That's what this blog is all about.

First why have I written this blog. Well ever since my wrestling team was phased out in college I had large unprecedented amounts of time on my hands. So I replaced what would have been grueling wrestling practices, to grueling training of the brain. I began debates, read articles, basically caught up on studies to become more than an average student. In doing so I joined a circle of friends, that would often have political, historical, religious, etc. discussions that would be so intense it would almost end in raw hatred of each other. We would level out and continue our discussions. This circle of people included different types of political ideologies from Republicans, Blue Dog Democrats, Libertarians, Socialists, and Progressives. It created interesting conversation. I usually would keep up with these debates on Facebook notes so this is a continuance of that transfered over to Blogger. So this time around when I was asked my thoughts on the mid-term elections, I simply replied to wait for my post. This is that post.

I would like to start with a quote. "Nobody ever went broke voting on the stupidity of the American voter". I believe such rings true in our recent election. Not that I am for or against one part or another. I believe our votes should lie in the best candidate possible, candidates for freedom that are bound to protect our Constitutional rights are usually who I spring for, but in this instance we have seen this not. In Georgia specifically, the vote was cast, the count in, and the citizens have elected a crook, Nathan Deal, as Governor. I cannot vouch or contemplate as to why this is as to say that this is blow back from the presidential election. I also believe that tying into that matter that this is one of the few elections in history where the core motivation of the American voter was propagated by a media outlet a.k.a. Fox News.

We have heard it before, "the President is a Muslim, a socialist, a communist, racist, not an American citizen" but the question is why? Why are these thoughts so forefront on a President of the United States and why were these accusations given before his elections and even before his first 100 days in office? For those of you wondering at this point, I did not vote for Obama. I wrote in my vote. Back to the point. Why weren't these accusations so prevalent on George Bush as he inserted us into an Unconstitutional War or signed the Patriot Act into law? Well first I am going to play the race card. I am going to play this because I hear it so often. I cannot explain nor am I exaggerating when I say that I have heard people call the President a "nigger" on numerous occasions. Is this evidence of a blow back? I think in essence it is. Counties across the states have voted Republican whether or not the candidate was any good or not. In some cases the Democrat running was a superb politician and more of a Dixiecrat but because he carried the same party as the "BLACK" Democrat he was voted against. Case in point, Georgia. Roy Barnes, although a former Governor voted out of office over certain issues was up for Governor again this elections. he lost to Nathan Deal. The Republicans under Perdue have effectively run Georgia into the ground the past 8 years and sank education to an all time low. However, the GOP effectively propagated Barnes as being of the same party as Obama, the Socialists, with his Socialist medical coverage. (even though the plan that made it's way through is exactly the same concept as Mitt Romney's) Tennessee was not a safe haven either as the majority of the state legislature went Republican in the 2008 elections for no apparent reason. The Democrats in that state are about as liberal as I am Martian. I believe this is blow back. All behind the driving force of the Tea Party.

Although I love the idea of a Tea Party, a new party, something different, I know its origins. This was originally the brain child of Ron Paul's Revolution. But it went astray, the original members got out of dodge and the movement was hijacked. Propagated by Fox news and the likes of Beck the party began advocating change. This change wasn't for good of anything besides of being anti-Obama. Republicans now afraid to lost their jobs, equally became anti-Obama. Republicans are vying for their party and not for the good of the country. If it's Democrat, they will block it. Seems less like a Representative and more like the toddler that didn't get the right Christmas present.

This movement has been hijacked by different levels of the GOP and given a face. Sarah Palin, and Glenn Beck. One journalism major that couldn't hold her seat as Governor and comedian with no higher education. These two advocated candidates that had formal training in witchcraft, professional candidates, and crooks all in the name of Fiscal Conservatism. This was the face of blow back. With Sarah Palin's folksy talks to the constituents and Glenn Beck's retarded (yes Sarah Palin, retarded) version of history, these Tea Party members advocated their change that would "better serve America".

Rolling into the elections, as Fox News predicted historic proportions, we saw the Democrats maintain Senate control, though lose some seats, and lose the House. Hardly a revolution, even though it didn't stop them from promoting one. Our Republican Congressmen are blocking any legislation, merely on the principal that it is Obama's and not theirs. Propagated this idea of Socialism and spreading absolute FEAR among Americans causing voter hysteria to get what they want. There is no reason of this under than party loyalties.

As the American voter is spurred on by Fear and Racism with each new election we reflect. We vote in people to represent us in America. This isn't a parliamentary system where people vote in what's best for the country. Although ideal, that is not what's taken place. Our politicians are voting for what's best for them and their party. In America, our representatives are supposed to support in the best favor of the constituents that voted them in. Not for their parties. With media outlets such as Fox News' Idiotic Personal (Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, O'Reily, Sarah Palin, and gang) propagating this fear, I do not see how America can get back on track and proper.