Now that the holidays are over, I can once again devote some leisure time to the pressing political issues that impact our nation.

Through the haze of shopping, gift wrapping, family time and unimaginable amounts of food and liquor, I did hear of Obama's descision to have Rick Warren deliver his invocation at the inauguration.

Rick Warren? The conservative pastor who has come out against both gay marriage and abortion rights?

Quick! Someone stem my bleeding, liberal heart!

I definitely went through the stages on this one; anger, denial and finally, acceptance. You see, as much as lefties like myself would like everyone to subscribe to our doctrine, it is a highly unrealistic view of our nation. One of the amazing things about living in a democracy is that our values and views may not be those of our neighbors, but, nonetheless are protected by our government.

With the current state of our nation, Obama cannot kick the door to the oval office down and instill his liberal agenda in our government. I have preached often that a vote for Obama would be a vote towards a unified country. Politics and religion are the strongest foces of polarization in this country. Therefore, giving the evangelical right a voice, albeit and hopefully a small one, is a step in the right direction.

Obama's pick for Rick Warren to deliver his invocation is an attempt at engaging the right in what will be an amazing and historic day. I may not like Rick Warren, and I may not be too pleased about Obama's choice in him. However, it is Obama's keen insight that I both love and believe in.

Barack, you're officially off the hook.