Slap in the face

From USA Today: "If President Obama fails to intervene to allow controversial evangelist Franklin Graham to lead a National Day of Prayer event Thursday inside the Pentagon, 'it will be a slap in the face of all Christians,' Graham said Tuesday."
What?! Why is he so worried about this? If we are slapped, shouldn't we just "turn the other cheek"? Should we be concerned as Christians to be respected by our national government? We already know they don't respect us. Indeed, much of what they do is antithetical to what we believe. How is acting offended over this slight going to help advance the Gospel?
Of course we should be involved as good citizens in the activities of our government the the extent we are allowed. And, of course we should pray for our nation, not just on one particular day, but continually. We don't need to be invited to some event at the Pentagon to pray effectively for our nation. In fact, I would argue that prayers at such an event may even be less effective because of all the political trimmings and trappings.
Why would President Obama even care whether he offends "mainstream evangelicals". It has been obvious in his campaign and following that he is courting votes from completely the other end of the spectrum.
By all means, pray for America. We have turned our backs on God and are completely deserving of His judgment. We need His mercy more than ever. But, we don't need some official event or the sanction of our government to pray. Just ask Daniel.