Turning the Cheek and Loving Enemies

I recently watched a documentary on PBS (educational TV) about the lives of veterans who were severely disabled in Afghanistan or Iraq.

Several spoke with bitterness how the 9/11 tragedy inspired them to voluntarily enlist. One recalled how Bush stood on the rubble with a bull-horn, declaring that we will pursue the evil powers and smoke them out of their caves.

Right wing conservative Christian politicians (or perhaps it is more accurate to say Protestant) stress the importance of a political leader accepting Jesus as his personal savior.

I cannot help but wonder whatever happened to the part about "turning the other cheek", or loving and forgiving our enemies. Who is an enemy if not Osama bin Laden? Why do the words of Jesus not apply to such an enemy?

Had we "turned the other cheek" in the case of the 9/11 Trade Center attack, how would that have changed the past 5 years of history?

I cannot help but notice the hypocrisy in those who would confuse church and state.

How could someone who sincerely accepts Jesus as his leader be a Commander in Chief of the armed forces? People worry that Obama attended Rev. Wright's services. Well, what about a would-be commander in chief who takes a pacifist like Jesus for his pastor?

I do not think it is wise for religious or spiritual people to seek public office. And, I feel that an atheist or agnostic is capable of being a highly moral, ethical leader.

Marcus Aurelius was perhaps the only real life philosopher-king that Plato envisions in the republic. And Marcus Aurelius rejected the new and innovative religion of Christianity as his personal religion. Aurelius was the pupil of Epictetus. And Epictetus very likely led a more wholesome life than many television mega-church ministers.