Democrats go to Church

Is it just me, or does the stage for the Democratic National Convention look like church. Granted, it would be a megachurch.


In fact, one of the first things that I thought when I saw the pictures was, "Wow! That looks like Joel Olesteen's church." I mean, compare the pictures. Here's another shot of the Pepsi Center in Denver, where the convention will be held:


And here's an image from Olesteen's Lakewood Church in Houston, TX:


But you don't even have to compare it to America's largest church (by the way, the NBA's Denver Nuggets play in the Pepsi Center, while Lakewood Church used to be the home of the Houston Rockets). If you look at the DNC's stage, you can see where the choir and the pastor and associate pastors / ministers / deacons would sit. The steps are much more inviting than the '04 setup. The stage seems lower, and you can imagine people "coming to the alter," or, as will be the case this Thursday, running around with "Obama / [insert running mate] -'08" signs as confetti and balloons fall from the rafters.

I even see a spot for a baptismal pool, right under the white and red glowing "2008."

Now, is this just a coincidence, or is it intentional? Democrats will be taking the lead of their nominee this year and focusing more on faith. There will be a faith-centered event. Gospel legend Richard Smallwood will also be ministering on the day before the convention starts at a DNC event. Who knows, maybe they'll be a Tye Tribbett sighting. Can't you just imagine that - Barack, Michelle, Hillary, and Nancy Pelosi shouting to "I Still Have Joy"? It wouldn't be unpresidented. Donnie McClurkin performed at the 1992 Democratic Convention.

I want to make an appeal to everyone across the political spectrum. Listen, no matter what side of the aisle you shout on, let's pray that the nonsense in this election seasons stops. We need an end to the lies, smears, and racially-undertoned scare tactics that have plagued this campaign so far. The candidates, the media, and the electorate need to start acting like adults. Maybe a little church at the convention will help.

P.S.
The set up the Dems have is the hottness. Let's see what boring mess the RNC cooks up for their convention. And I promise to weave in an Allen Iverson reference this week.