From My Perspective - - -

In a more innocent time, different types of Tops were designed with the sole purpose that they could and would spin better than some other manufacturer’s Tops. We have progressed to a point where in this day People do most of the spinning. It’s no longer the Toy but politicians, educators, religious leaders, sports representatives – they and sundry others have learned how to “spin” verbally to try and make a negative become a positive. Currently, there is the long-tenured Head Football Coach whose only defense against child abuse that occurred by one of his assistants was – “I should’ve done more…I did what I was supposed to do.” No! – he did not do what he was supposed to do! He was supposed to notify the police that a felony had been committed and a child had been sexually violated.

This is not dissimilar than when a large world-wide Church became aware of charges being made about and against pedophile priests. What should be done when a priest violates the laws of decency and morality? What should’ve been done wasn’t done. Instead, you remove the priest from Parish A and assign him to Parish B. Now – that should be the remedy and cure! Was it? No! The only remedy was to admit what had occurred and to remove the priest from any and all parish duties and activities. He should’ve been arrested and the crime of child abuse addressed legally. But – “Spin” and “Evade” seem to be the preferred route to be taken.

More recently, an American political leader who loves to talk is heard in conversation with a French political leader. What’s at issue? The One News Now report states: “French President Nicolas Sarkozy recently made negative comments to President Obama, saying ‘Netanyahu is a liar.’ Obama quipped back, ‘You're fed up with him, but I have to deal with him every day!’” When did this occur? “The two leaders exchanged barbs targeting Benjamin Netanyahu after a press conference at the G-20 summit, but they did not realize that reporters were still listening via translation headphones.” The report continues: But even though the blunder was witnessed by a number of reporters…the…administration will find ways to use the diplomatic embarrassment to its advantage. The White House spin machine will do whatever they have to do to reassure friends in the Jewish community that it's been blown out of proportion or whatever…But I (Gary Bauer) am also absolutely convinced that they will go to the people they're reaching out to in the Muslim community and say, 'I hope you saw those remarks by the president about what he thinks of Netanyahu.'"

Somehow – Somewhere – there needs to be a return to (a) accepting responsibility for one’s words and acts, and/or (b) a precise and prompt confrontation that addresses the negative or wrong that has taken place. There is an interesting place in the Bible where the main character manipulates events – in other words, “Spins” them – so the end result is most favorable to him and his reputation. The conclusion to the event is recorded in II Samuel 12. The story is well-known. David observes Bathsheba bathing and lusts after her. He sends for her and she becomes pregnant. Now – what should one do? David tries to “spin” the matter to his advantage – 1) bring her husband home from the battle; 2) set it up so it will appear that he is the father of the child – but he has failed to consider the loyalty of commitment of this soldier-husband. Her husband refuses to go into the comfort of his home while his comrades are still engaged in battle. David – in his frustration – arranges the battle lines so that this brave, courageous, and innocent man – is left exposed and will be killed in battle.

The confrontation with David comes in II Samuel 12:1-7. Nathan spoke a parable where a rich man took the ewe lamb of a poor man to feed an unexpected guest. The King became infuriated and wanted to know who that man was because he was deserving of death. The passage states: “David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan, As surely as the Lord lives, the man who did this deserves to die! Then Nathan said to David, You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says…” No wiggle-room here! No “spin” to manipulate the event. No – just – “You Are The Man!” Don’t try to “spin” who or what you are! Be open, transparent, honest before the Lord! Walk with Integrity before all men! Consider these things with me!