[wolf78]

“We live in hard times, not end times,” Stewart said, as if he understands the gravity of the situation and others don’t. This remark, clearly directed at religious people who believe America is at a crossroads and that God’s help is required to save the country from a combination of secular and spiritual forces, demonstrated Stewart’s commitment to politics as usual.

Sorry, but if the author had watched the show, he'd know that this barb was more likely directed at Glenn Beck shilling gold and freeze-dryed Beef Stroganoff on TV.

The question of invoking end times is a relevant one when it comes to "sanity" in the political discourse: Because it gives you license to do practically anything. If the ends are winning Armageddon all means are justified. The argument is that politics should serve no teleological purpose (-> Matthew 22:21), government should just provide a legal framework so people can get along.

Also who else would religious people turn to during hard times, if not God? IMHO a secularist will imagine end times along the lines of Cameron's "Avatar" or Emmerich's "Day after Tomorrow" while a devout Christian will see hard times as a chance for spirtual growth.

I just think that the author approaches Stewart with a preconceived notion and interprets him accordingly, or - one might say - selectively. Yes, Stewart is left-of-center. But he should be criticized when he's biased, not when he's speaking the obvious truth: That these are hard times.

[griswold3]

Hard times require hard work. Did you see anyone at
Jon’s Rally offering to work harder for less? (Boxer’s?)
The truth is this country was lost when the Ten Commandments were removed from the public square. Society has nothing to tether itself to except man whims of the day. (And the whims are only limited by man’s imagination)
I appreciate Beck’s attempt to ‘Restore Honor’ but it’s much too late.
Moral relativitism rules! The ‘rule of law’ will never be restored. We operate on: Everyone’s doing it!

Friend’s ‘Gone Galt’ two years now, no one’s come to pick up the slack!