Daniel – take warning!

“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am in the midst of them.” – Matthew 18:20

Can a man stone a church and still be regarded as a Christian? If a man seemingly has no respect for God, can he be expected to have respect for his fellowmen and his community? Is it not reasonable to assume that if a person stones a church during worship, that he is stoning GOD, since HE is present among them? {{more}}

I pose these questions which I consider to be relevant at this time, since the name of Daniel Cummings has been put forward as a candidate for the NDP in the upcoming general elections. Does this very thought make the stones cry out? Is he electable? Let me focus the spotlight on him.

Vincentians have developed a very high degree of political consciousness over the last few years. Those who “come forward to serve” have to bring something to the table. What qualities do Vincentians expect in a good politician? Among these are honesty, patience, and love for people, intelligence, community mindedness, and basic Christian values.

Cummings, with his purposeful walk, not only portrays an air of Napoleonic aloofness, but his intelligence and capacity for hard work are a matter of public record. And so is his short fuse.

Those of us who have sat in meetings with him remember his radioactive outbursts and fits of anger, which rattled even the bravest of us. His now famous loss of control and seemingly lack of muscular coordination which he displayed during his presentations on the Cross Country Project, still remain conversation pieces.

With all this in mind, can an elected Daniel Cummings be expected to exhibit the fine art of civility while at a regional and international meeting? What if he does not get his way, will he overturn tables and rent his garments? Does the Hon. Arnhim Eustace have the strength of Sampson to contain the fury of a spiritual afflicted man? Verily, verily I say unto you Arnhim, the basic rule is to run from a Tsunami, not to embrace it!

The electorate will definitely distance itself from a church stoner, especially since he publicly boasted on television that he will do it again, if necessary. What then shall the nation do with Daniel Cummings? Stoning is definitely out of the question.

Let us pray for him. One day, yes, one day, Daniel Cummings will feel the satisfaction of making a joyful noise unto the Lord (without receiving showers of stones) and sing melodies of praise.

Lennox Gaymes