Gerard Baker, US Editor
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'He ventured forth': read the first chapter
Despite the great wonders he had worked, the peace he had poured on the troubled waters, and the signs he had performed in Babylon and Jerusalem, there were some, yea even among his own countrymen, who refused to believe that he was the Anointed One.
Even when he joined hands with the Great Preacher Joseph of Biden, called the Blowhard, a wise man of many, many words, who had served in the Senate of the People for more than five generations, his enemies still strove to undo him.
In the summer, he travelled with his new friend Joseph to the Mile High City to speak to his followers. Four score thousand came to hear the word and their hearts were filled with joy and their spirits were lifted by his voice.
But despite the multitudes, there were still some among the Pharisees who secretly despised him. The followers of Queen Hillary muttered among themselves that he had defiled them with his disrespect. The people began to look for another leader.
And lo, in the west there appeared a rival, John, the Son of Cain. Now McCain was a great warrior. He was rich in wisdom and great of age, being, it was said, 936 years old. He had suffered sorely many years before in a war against the Asians. Eight years earlier he had bravely challenged the Evil Pharaoh Bush, but had been castrated by Bush’s feared henchman, Rove. He was straight of talk and, mounted on his trusty steed, a maverick, he began to find followers.
Being advanced in years, McCain needed a mate, a loyal follower who would succeed him when the time came for him to return to the Lord.
He had first considered Joe the Lieber-Man, but he was not of the same tribe as himself, but of the tribe of the Donkey. The tribesmen of the Elephant forbade him to make common cause with this renegade and so McCain sent his men far and wide to find another mate.
And they found him a woman, Sarah, from the North Country. She had dwelled long among the nomads of Wasilla and the North Slope. She was fair of face but unknown throughout the whole land, except among the Moose and the Caribou, who had grown to fear her. At first the scribes scoffed at Sarah. They mocked the way she spake and the vast family she had borne – her children were more numerous than the grains of sand in the desert or the stars in the sky.
But the people followed her and saw that she was good. Great crowds went out to meet her when she travelled with John. The word began to spread among the men of Gallup and Ipsos and Zog-Bee that they, and not the Child, might be the Chosen Ones.
And the Lord saw all this and fell into a righteous wrath at the people’s blasphemy. Did I not lead you out of slavery? he cried. Have I not shown you that it is the Child who is to save you from your exile in the House of Bush?
And he resolved to send down a great plague among the people of the Promised Land so they would understand their error.
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I laughefth at this prose but I also am sadden about the "One" and his enumerated promises that He gaveth all he sayeth in the contest with Lord McCain? Surely, if the "One" was honest and speaketh from the heart he would fulfill all that we peons desire? Yea, even showing his birth certificate.
Lawrence Gray, Dayton, USA
Nice job, Gerald! Thanks for your witty and charming piece. The language alone was worth the listen. Amen.
Klaus Mann, Shepherdstown, West Virginia
Mr Baker you are a genius!
But, you owe us the "Letters to the Apostles" and don't forget The Revelations!!!
ayerim, London, United Kingdom
Satire aside, I have never been more comitted to pray for the president and his administration as I am and will for this president. I really don't know who he is, as many Americans would agree, don't know what he really believes about God, and how he will lead America. I will pray daily for him.
Linda, Cedar Park, TX, USA
Let's remember that Obama puts his pants on the same way we all do.
Robert G Graves, Columbus, USA
thank you Gerard Baker,
absolutely hilarious.
more chapters please!
Name withheld, London, UK
A witty and clever piece of satirical writing, pointing to the worldwide expectations being heaped on the shoulders of the new, sympathetic and pretty inexperienced President elect. Let's wish him good fortune but remember he is mortal!
AC Fairbairn, Edinburgh, UK
Well, compared to GW, he is pretty much the Messiah! Did you hear him in his first press conference? He was charming, witty, self-assured and in command. I will continue to be impressed by him, until I'm not - if you see what I mean.
Robinsons, London, UK
Every knee shall bow before the great Chosen One Obama. He has released a great nation from its original sin of SLAVERY. You may mock but it just proves either how conceited or ignorant you are. Obama has pledge to lead all and therefore he will be a great president.
vernon butcher, basingstoke, england
Anyone who is under the impression that this highly comical satire promotes McCain is quite delusional. Thank Humanity that Obama won.
An excellent work Sir!
Kazuki, Tokyo, Japan
Actually this sounds like the New York Times.! Did anyone notice that Maximum Leader Obama was the only one in the picture on Election night ? " For I am a jealous God, and my wrath is mighty ". No one will be allowed to be in the same place as He. Who is the Biden charactor ?
Desmond Taylor, Houston, USA TX
Oh, Thank you! First time I have laughed this week.
Christine, Cannondale, Connecticut, USA
Finally someone breaks this global rethoric on Obama the Divine, who will save the world only with his presence.
Thank you, Mr. Baker
elisa, rome, italy
Oh Gerald Gerald you make me laugh when I have been feeling so down and angry. I want the Son of Cain. He's my guy.
Fairfax, Chiang Mai, Thailand