This week, many e-mails from across the country voiced their opinion of the candidacy of Barack Obama. Some wrote in support of Obama, while others wrote not-so-favorable commentaries on his bid for the presidency. What I was most impressed by was the number of those who support Obama who likened the man to Jesus Christ. Yes, believe it or not, I received more than one note that drew a comparison between the two.

Don’t get me wrong. I too see within Obama a tremendous ability for gab. He is smooth, polished and regal in his presentation. His ability to appeal to the masses by demonstrating sincerity for the distress of the average American is truly masterful. Bill Clinton could learn a lesson from the man.

But, to borrow a phrase from Bill O’Reilly, I believe it is time for some of his devoted followers to lay off the Kool-aid. Barack Obama is no messiah.

First, let me address a trivial matter that was offered by some who argued that Obama’s choice of friends was as inspired as Jesus’ choice of those who made up His closest circle of followers, the apostles.

You’ll recall I cited from his first book that he chose his friends carefully including “Marxist professors, instructional feminists and punk rock poets.” Now I completely understand the logic used by some to make the comparison that both men chose companions that weren’t always socially acceptable. But let’s be realistic — neither Jesus’ message nor mission was ever compromised or influenced by the company He kept. In fact, He raised the standard of moral integrity that was expected from those He befriended both socially and spiritually. Simply, He changed lives; lives didn’t change Him.

Now in comparison, Obama’s philosophy and political outlook have both been shaped, by his own admission, by members of the fringe groups he described as carefully chosen friends. Let’s consider the impact that members of these groups have had upon society and, more to the point, on Mr. Obama.

First, Marxism has produced many of the most horrible crimes ever witnessed toward humanity through the governments that it spawned, Nazism and Communism to name but two. Feminism, while providing deserved equality for women, has been abused to legitimize the senseless termination of millions of irresponsible pregnancies. And, punk rock poets have been responsible for penning the demise of societal norms that have brought our nation to a point of crisis; examples exist as the killing of cops and the disillusionment of today’s youth with authority in general.

If anyone would stop and take a cursory look at the political and social agenda of Mr. Obama, they would be blind to miss the imprint that each of the groups have left upon the man. Marxism explains his willingness to advocate class and racial warfare. Feminism explains his acceptance of pro-choice initiatives advocated by the Democratic Party platform. And finally, his ties to punk rock culture points to his advocacy of alternative lifestyle choices and his willingness to blame the American experience for failing many folks instead of viewing this same experience as an opportunity for these folks to participate and excel.

Again, he is but a product of his own choices. He chose to associate with these groups. He was and remains a canvas for those who hold the brushes of liberalism to paint.

Now to my original point, if some comparison can be drawn between Obama and Jesus’ choice of friends I believe it is this — great care must be exercised toward those a person holds near. More often than not, it is the so-called friends in a person’s life that prove to be the very agents of disaster.

Speaking entirely in naturalistic terms, it was one of Jesus’ closest friends that betrayed Him, Judas. This betrayer was someone who shared His very food, work and compassion. Someone Jesus trusted completely, ultimately sacrificed Him in the end.

Therefore, following the logic of Obama supporters, I can’t help but wonder which of Obama’s closest friends — the Marxists, the Feminists, or the punk rock poets — will ultimately be the catalyst of his political demise.

I suppose we shall see.

Larry Brooks is a staff writer for the Walker County Messenger. He can be reached by email at lbrooks@walkermessenger.com.