I suppose when a new president/prime minister/leader comes into power, the people cling to hope. So, when any new leader is bashed, you are
essentially bashing the peoples' hope. Or, that's how they feel. The general public generally doesn't recognise the leaders' actions so much as
their promises for change. So they gain an iconic status, as is to be expected. The people want someone they can follow, albeit blindly. I have not
been an Obama supporter from the beginning; I was (and still am) waiting to see what he accomplishes as a president rather than 'jumping to gun'
with my opinion, so to speak.
As far as religion (specifically, Christianity) goes, I guess that's considered 'old news'. We have been through it; we aren't switching out
Jesus' every 4 years and judging his actions. We are all well aware of his actions. Also, I thought this was interesting:
Bashing Christ? I dont believe anyone bashes Christ...even back in my hardcore athiest days when I used to smugly laugh at all theists, I never bashed
Christ...exist or not, the guys life (the story of it) is a nice chap that raged against the machine. Whats not to like
It's true; you don't hear of a lot of people actually bashing Christ. He's not a hard guy to like. I don't necessarily believe in him, but I do
think that, for the most part, he was spreading a great message. Since Christ is respectable but the actions of the churches and religious leaders
generally are not, then it's difficult for any rational person to lash out and 'bash' Christ. As far as Obama goes; he represents his government
directly. People who look to him (whether they love him or hate him) and make an assessment based on his personality/charisma initially. This is all
we have to form an opinion on. If the leader is charismatic and has desirable qualities, then it is easy to praise him. Most people do not wait to
form a verdict upon his actions; they tuck their fears away behind the hope that this time it will be different because this is a man that they feel
they can trust (due to his appearance, demeanor, and countless other factors undoubtedly).
So, needless to say there is quite a difference between Christ and Obama; most obviously that Christ has been and gone and his actions are well known,
and people have already established their beliefs. People are still in the process of establishing their beliefs on Obama, since these are things
happening in the present time. Most have pre-emptively formed an opinion. Those people will likely be the ones to strike out, because they feel that
people are encroaching on their hope and optimism by doubting his abilities/potential, even if they have no evidence that he will fulfill his
promises, or that he will be a better leader. This is why this way of thinking tends to be blinding.
Always keep an open mind, and deny ignorance! In order to do this, you need to have collected sufficient evidence to make form a proper opinion.