How Far Will It Go?

During his campaign and now into his Presidency, Barack Obama has received what some might call an inordinate or even unseemly amount of praise and adulation. In fact, on February 23 of this year, there was a speech made in Toronto by Denver archbishop Charles Chaput. He warned against ” a spirit of adulation bordering on servility” towards the Obama administration. His speech made a number of positive comments about the President, calling him a ” gifted man” but reminding his audience that in America we elect “public servants” not ” messiahs”.

I think that the Denver Archbishop’s words can take on even more meaning when we examine some recent developments. For example try out this painting  from artist Michael D’ Antuono which will be unveiled on April 29 at New York City’s Union Square. Now even without comment this is a striking image sure to generate reaction.

The artist has even chosen a somewhat provocative title, ” The Truth” for his work. Now, hear some comments from the artist. He says that the painting “is a politically, religiously, and socially-charged statement on our nation’s current political climate and deep partisan divide that is sure to create a dialogue” . I will agree most assuredly with the latter part of that phrase. He goes on to invite emails from the public, answering the question, ” What’s your truth” ?

Michael D'Antuono