There is a balm in Eilead---

As I set here this morning reflecting on Sen. Obama's victory the strains of an old hymn run thru my mind. "There is a balm in Eilead that makes the wounded whole" or words to that effect. Maybe someone here can help me with this. What I am inspired, or guided, to offer is the thought that now that the Democratic party has a nominee, it's time to address, in a positive manner, the process of bringing the party together. Let not the victor gloat nor the loser feel aggrieved. Let us now apply the salve of forgiveness.

Now is the time for reflection, to acknowledge the good and the bad of the campaign and begin the process of reconciliation. Perhaps this is where the IPC and CL community can have a postive impact, just at a time when it seems most needed.

I propose we issue a press release that calls upon the campaigns of both candidates to acknowledge the damage done, and to, apply the power of Christian forgiveness in an effort to achieve reconciliation of the issues of racism and sexism that have been raised, ask for forgiveness one of the other and use this crisis as an opportunity to fully address the issues, and resolve them as best we can, not only as a political party but as a nation as a whole.

Women and minorities have both been historically demeaned, demonized and marginalized. As our nation is now in the throws of a serious economic challenge we need the positive energy all Americans to meet the crisis. We need our nations businesses and its workers, of whatever status, to come together. All Americans must lift their eyes to the horizon, to re-build America's greatness.

By applying the power of forgiveness we can achieve a modicum of reconciliation, not only of our domestic policies but to restore, by example, America's lost international moral leadership.

Let us now call upon the leadership and members of the Democratic party to address and resolve by the power of forgiveness the issues that divide and come together in a spirit of unity. Let us forgive and reconcile. Admittedly a tough task but one that now more than ever where success must be achieved. We have, as a nation and a progressive Christian community, a golden opportunity. Let us seize the day and succeed.