David Kuo has been walking with Jesus for more than 20 years, during which time he has served as special assistant to the president in George W. Bush’s White House, policy director for Sen. John Ashcroft, and speechwriter for a gaggle of conservatives (plus a few liberals here and there). He is the author of “Tempting Faith,” a book about God and politics, and is currently the Washington editor for Beliefnet.com. He is in love with his wife Kim and three other females named Laura, Rachel, and Olivia, conveniently also known as his daughters. He is a member of the Association of Professional Bass Fishermen.
J-Walking welcomes your emails. You can contact David Kuo at davidkuo@beliefnetstaff.com
posted November 4, 2006 at 5:06 pm
Mr. Kuo, Did you see this?http://www.firstthings.com/onthesquare/?p=518
posted November 4, 2006 at 5:45 pm
David, it sounds like your daughter is making an analogy about the troops in Iraq, and a very poignant one at that. They have been shamelessly used for political purposes, just like the victims of 911 were. The neocons in charge profess to care with their lips, but show their disregard in their actions. Truly, the troops are “last” and the politicians “first” at this point in the game. But Christ will return soon and show everyone their proper place.
posted November 4, 2006 at 7:44 pm
I don’t know what that poem symbolizes, but I can tell that a lot of soul went into it. You must be very proud.
posted November 5, 2006 at 11:18 pm
Post-modernism is a wonderful thing. Each will take from a piece of art something from his or her own history and cultural or religious bias. Not withstanding this, the poem does speak to the human condition. It speaks to how I have felt on occasion, it speaks to the sense of being regarded from a utilitarian perspective. It encourages us to not treat others as ‘human resources’, but as people, rich in history, unique, and worthy of respect. We soon will need to extend this respect to other species and the biosphere as a whole. Nothing is without value, and when we treat a rain forest as a valuable commercial resource but fail to see its greater value we fail in our duty to the integrity of our home and all the magnificent forms that contribute to its beauty. This may not be a popular opinion, it is however something which we need to come to grips with, lest future generations, such as they will be, curse us for our shortsightedness, our greed, and our foolishness.