So, here's a confession. I actually am paying a little bit more attention to politics these days. But it just feels wrong. Election years, particularly presidential election years, are usually so much fun for me. I love to get caught up in the excitement of who's going to be the face of our nation for the next four years. This year, it just makes me sad.

Right now, Obama is ahead in the polls. But this isn't too concerning, considering the margin is around the same as it was for Kerry over Bush in June of '04. His appeal is definitely hitting some roadblocks, and it's good to see. Al Gore endorsed him yesterday, and that's kind of a political kiss of death. Just ask Howard Dean.

But I think overall I just have kindof a fatalist attitude about the whole thing. The truth is that we don't have a good option. I will vote for John McCain because he's not Obama. I will vote for him because I believe that he is fairly strong on national security. But I will not be waking up early with eager anticipation to get to the booth. (Yes, sadly, that does characterize my past involvement in the political process.)

Not to get weird or anything, but I feel like Obama getting elected would fit pretty nicely with the signs of the times. I think things are coming to a head. There is so much I could say here about Iran, but I don't have time right now and very few of you would want to read it anyway. But I believe the stage is being set for the final battle between good and evil. Militant Islam is on the rise. Iran is led by a madman who refuses to be swayed from his pursuit of nuclear proliferation. He is intent on bringing about the return of the Muslim messiah. And he plans to do so with massive bloodshed, namely that of Americans and Israelis.

If you want to have your mind blown, pick up a copy of "Antichrist: Islam's Awaited Messiah," by Joel Richardson. It is an amazing comparison of Islamic and Christian prophecy. If you're like me, you won't be able to put it down. But in a nutshell, this 12th Imam that Muslims are looking for to return is a dead ringer for the Biblical antichrist. I believe that Islam is Satan's counterfeit for Christianity. And I think there will be an ultimate showdown between the two.

Obama wants to go over and make nice with the Iranian psychopath. He believes we just need to give peace a chance. But unless you can convince me that this diplomacy path will magically change Ahmadenijad's crazy little mind and he'll suddenly decide that his life's work isn't really necessary and become a flag-waving Democrat, then I'll have to believe that we are quickly approaching a climax in this historical conflict.

Our President is hinting around that he plans to do something about Iran before leaving office. It will be fascinating to see if he waits until after the election to do so. Because if Obama gets elected, I think the stakes get higher. If McCain sneaks in there, then I could see W passing the baton. But I guess we'll find out in the next few months.

So sorry to be so doom and gloom. Honestly, that's why I've been avoiding writing about this stuff. And besides that, my worldview has been so radically and permanently changed by the time I spent in India that I never again want to be so wrapped up in what's happening in Washington that I miss out on the things happening in the Kingdom.