Why?

I had another post planned but changed my mind at the last minute.

Why, oh why, do so many Christian blogs poke fun and/or say nasty things about politicians? I went through a long period right before elections where I would delete blog posts in my RSS feeds because they were just plain mean to the people running. I'm sorry, but even if you don't agree with a politician's views and beliefs, that doesn't give you any right to say mean things about them. I don't agree with President Obama all the time, but he's our President. Period.

While I'm on the topic, why do I have to vote a certain way because I'm a conservative Christian? Why do I have to be anti-Obama because he supports abortion and pro-Palin because she doesn't? Why do some people believe they have the right to dictate how other Christians should vote and look down upon Christians who vote a different way? All political parties have pros and cons; all parties contradict certain moral beliefs of mine. But why make people feel less Christian because they vote for a certain politician?

The Bible says that we are to respect our leaders, that our leaders were God appointed. I don't respond to blog posts that bash politicians because I know it will just cause disagreement and bad feelings to any involved, as well as start flame wars. But why can't Christians just focus on the positives? For whatever reason, God saw fit to allow President Obama to be in office.

First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth
(1 Timothy 2:1-4, NASB).

Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the king
(1 Peter 2:17, NASB).

Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God
(Romans 13:1, NASB).

We are to pray for ALL men, honor ALL men, love ALL men, be thankful for ALL men. We are all children of God and He wants to see all of us in heaven with Him.