Inauguration, Bush, G-d, Iraq and the dentist

I went to see my dentist this morning. When I was younger it never bothered me to go see him, but now it does. I get the bills so I don't like it for that reason. I have had a couple of cavities so I am not thrilled about that. I am not real fond of large men sticking their hands in my mouth and even less pleased to learn that I managed to break a tooth.

In 2000 I voted for Gore. I was vehemently against Bush and very disturbed with his election. During the last four years I have had a sea change in my point-of-view. I cannot say that I am a huge fan of Dubya, but I feel good about many things. I appreciate his steadfastness and think that he is probably on track in his efforts to fight terror.

That doesn't mean that I think that he has done a perfect job, far from it. But I think that he has the balls and the willingness to take the political hits to make some changes and that is needed. I think that our plan in Iraq has been shaky and that there have been some missteps, but some of this is to be expected.

On the domestic front I am less enamored with Dubya but that doesn't mean that he is the final arbiter of what happens and what goes on in our lives. If we take active roles we have plenty of influence. We can affect change and make a positive difference in our own lives. As the silly line goes, "Think Globally and act locally."

My questions about G-d and religion generated some interesting responses, food to think about. Without G-d is there a need for religion. Can you be Jewish and not believe in G-d. And the ever present can you be moral without religion.

I have thoughts and answers on all of these and I am proud to say that I continue to challenge myself and consider why I believe what I believe. I don't like accepting things at face value.