Last fall a heinous crime was committed. A young father admitted to police that he had raped and murdered his 3 year old daughter and threw her body in the river. Local Chicago talk radio was ablaze with lynch mob mentality.
He doesn't deserve to live. String em up.
Strangely, his wife, mother, mother in law, and friends stood by this vile killer.
Now 8 months out (all this time he sat in jail) the truth is out. A power hungry district attorney railroaded and tortured a confession out of this poor guy. They have him on video tape. Chicago is famous for picking up random black kids off the street and torturing them into confession. This time it's a young white father with a white pretty wife and a pretty cute kid. Using the Julie rule of attention attractiveness (read below) I don't think we have heard the last of this.
All the talk about Gitmo and torture. Gitmo has nothing over Chicagoland.
There are some cops who need to go to jail now. Let them suffer patriot act justice in America. Guilty until proven innocent. Maybe we should drown witches and if they survive they are innocent. Yea, that's the ticket.
Saturday, June 18, 2005
Friday, June 17, 2005
There's hope for me
I just saw this, I wear a 7 3/4 mens hat size. They barely fit. I need all the holes in an adjustable baseball cap. I've been accused of having a big head. I've been called a fat head. AHHHH - compensation for all the ridicule.
Taking the Plunge
I don't have enough else to do. I'm not busy enough. I don't have enough people tugging on my time.
That's a joke (not funny).
But, I'm like Noah and have begun to build an ark. 10 years ago we were ready to move back to ND. We sold our house. Moving van coming in 3 days. Then I got a word in the night from God. (I know this will frustrate you who don't share what I know to be true. I don't love you less. I wish you did) Instant in obedience, we sold, put all our household goods in storage and lived with friends for months until we were able to move into the house we now have. All this in response to a word and a vision. This was a clear vision of what his purpose was where we were living right then. St Charles IL.
Right now, if I want to be part of a blow out the walls Pentecostal Church with a full flow of the gifts of the Spirit I have to drive 45-60 miles in any direction. There are some small struggling works in the area but each of them (average of 20-60 people) are stuck. It's very hard to break out and move up. They aren't making the impact God intends for this region. I have tried to be part of start up works and recognize that most are simply ego hobbies of men or women without a vision. I have no intention of being a Pastor, I have every intent of allowing God to select and put in place the Man of God he has already called before the foundation of the earth for this good work.
I have well meaning Godly friends who believe that God is done with the organized Church. They maintain House Churches are the answer. I'm not convinced. It doesn't line up with the vision. Most important, when I was given this open vision of what this would look like it was large venue. I have been in meetings and services like this. They are precious and wonderful beyond belief. The experience prepares us to experience heaven this side of the veil and creates a hunger for the pure presence of God. If house church can do this I'm ready to listen.
It's time for St Charles, Geneva, Batavia and surrounds to manifest the full counsel of God in spirit and truth with worshippers like King David. Why not here, why not us, why not now.
So, with the hope of support of like minded believers and leaders and with the effective efforts of people of vision I am taking this step. I have been here before. I have seen it work; but more often than I would like, I have seen it fail. If the model for this effort works, it will be one that spirit filled believers across America can use. This is worth doing. The stakes are high.
I'll keep you posted. If you don't understand it's OK. So on to Ark Building. Now where did I put those nails and that gopher wood?
That's a joke (not funny).
But, I'm like Noah and have begun to build an ark. 10 years ago we were ready to move back to ND. We sold our house. Moving van coming in 3 days. Then I got a word in the night from God. (I know this will frustrate you who don't share what I know to be true. I don't love you less. I wish you did) Instant in obedience, we sold, put all our household goods in storage and lived with friends for months until we were able to move into the house we now have. All this in response to a word and a vision. This was a clear vision of what his purpose was where we were living right then. St Charles IL.
Right now, if I want to be part of a blow out the walls Pentecostal Church with a full flow of the gifts of the Spirit I have to drive 45-60 miles in any direction. There are some small struggling works in the area but each of them (average of 20-60 people) are stuck. It's very hard to break out and move up. They aren't making the impact God intends for this region. I have tried to be part of start up works and recognize that most are simply ego hobbies of men or women without a vision. I have no intention of being a Pastor, I have every intent of allowing God to select and put in place the Man of God he has already called before the foundation of the earth for this good work.
I have well meaning Godly friends who believe that God is done with the organized Church. They maintain House Churches are the answer. I'm not convinced. It doesn't line up with the vision. Most important, when I was given this open vision of what this would look like it was large venue. I have been in meetings and services like this. They are precious and wonderful beyond belief. The experience prepares us to experience heaven this side of the veil and creates a hunger for the pure presence of God. If house church can do this I'm ready to listen.
It's time for St Charles, Geneva, Batavia and surrounds to manifest the full counsel of God in spirit and truth with worshippers like King David. Why not here, why not us, why not now.
So, with the hope of support of like minded believers and leaders and with the effective efforts of people of vision I am taking this step. I have been here before. I have seen it work; but more often than I would like, I have seen it fail. If the model for this effort works, it will be one that spirit filled believers across America can use. This is worth doing. The stakes are high.
I'll keep you posted. If you don't understand it's OK. So on to Ark Building. Now where did I put those nails and that gopher wood?
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Harry Stuff
I like Le Show. I like the Simpsons. Both have Harry Shearer as creative influence. Harry is a liberal. But he has always been as hard on Clinton and Dan Rather as he is on Bush. So, he's an equal opportunity liberal.
He comments in Huffington Land about what a "REAL" journalist is. I couldn't agree more. I have blogged several times in the past about these "more literate and knowledgeable than thou" jerks. I put up with them in School, I've put up with them my whole life. Guess what, they are all begging you to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. They are for the most part frauds. Certainly not all. But I confess the preponderance. Julies comment about pretty people getting press when they are lost or run away (Aruba and Runaway Bride) holds for journalists. What about obese ugly newscasters. Any market? I think not.
He comments in Huffington Land about what a "REAL" journalist is. I couldn't agree more. I have blogged several times in the past about these "more literate and knowledgeable than thou" jerks. I put up with them in School, I've put up with them my whole life. Guess what, they are all begging you to pay no attention to the man behind the curtain. They are for the most part frauds. Certainly not all. But I confess the preponderance. Julies comment about pretty people getting press when they are lost or run away (Aruba and Runaway Bride) holds for journalists. What about obese ugly newscasters. Any market? I think not.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
How to stop and reverse global warming in one fell swoop
Why does solving Global Warming seem so hard? People are the problem. Too many of us populate the globe. Like Smith says in "The Matrix", we're a virus. And if you read the USA article you know of course that President Bush is the problem.
So, Since we have all the weapons, we have all the power, lets obliterate 3/4 of the surplus population. Pick your poision. Disease, H-Bombs, doesn't matter.
Once all those producers of greenhouse gases are gone and consumers of fossil fuels are terminated we won't have this problem any more. Allow the abandoned areas like china and India to revert back to green.
In 75 years things should get better and people won't have to move to stay cool.
If you have read this far I hope you understand, this is satire. The truth is, the die is cast. The population isn't going to change. Oil is going to be burned. Global warming or whatever is going on is happening. Any effort from this time forward short of a global catastrophe which accomplishes the net result of the above satire is equivalent to each of us trying to empty the ocean a thimble at a time. Even if we all did that full time from now on it won't have any affect.
Should we conserve? Sure. Should we try? OK. But know this. NOTHING short of reducing the worlds consumption and output of methane and other greenhouse gasses by over half in a single blow will have any effect.
Replanting all the stripped forests would help. The USA has only 15% of the forested land it had 200 years ago. And, the rain forests of South America have been flattened to produce that essential commodity SOYBEANS. Much of it by American farmers.
Want to know what's really going to happen? Run the graph on out. Think expodentially.
So, my great great great Grandchildren will live north of the 50th parallel on the globe (Canada, Russia, Siberia, Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Greenland). Population will migrate north until temperate is found. And since there is little land mass south of the 50th paralell in the southern hemisphere, other than way south. Chile, Tierra Del Fuego and the Faulklands will experience a land boom.
The equatorial areas will be called New Anti-Antartica. Instead of being massive areas of uninhabitable territory because of cold, the center of the globe will be massive areas of uninhabitable territory because of heat and drought.
And the new open areas of Antartica will become summer homes for the rich who live in winter areas in the north. And Summer sailing regattas on the new Arctic sea will become ESPN's new sports coverage.
I won't live to see all this, and I'm probably wrong. But expodential thinking is so darn much fun.
So, Since we have all the weapons, we have all the power, lets obliterate 3/4 of the surplus population. Pick your poision. Disease, H-Bombs, doesn't matter.
Once all those producers of greenhouse gases are gone and consumers of fossil fuels are terminated we won't have this problem any more. Allow the abandoned areas like china and India to revert back to green.
In 75 years things should get better and people won't have to move to stay cool.
If you have read this far I hope you understand, this is satire. The truth is, the die is cast. The population isn't going to change. Oil is going to be burned. Global warming or whatever is going on is happening. Any effort from this time forward short of a global catastrophe which accomplishes the net result of the above satire is equivalent to each of us trying to empty the ocean a thimble at a time. Even if we all did that full time from now on it won't have any affect.
Should we conserve? Sure. Should we try? OK. But know this. NOTHING short of reducing the worlds consumption and output of methane and other greenhouse gasses by over half in a single blow will have any effect.
Replanting all the stripped forests would help. The USA has only 15% of the forested land it had 200 years ago. And, the rain forests of South America have been flattened to produce that essential commodity SOYBEANS. Much of it by American farmers.
Want to know what's really going to happen? Run the graph on out. Think expodentially.
- Some areas of the world are going to become uninhabitable.
- Energy is going to become expensive then cheap.
- See Las Vegas to understand St. Louis' future climate.
So, my great great great Grandchildren will live north of the 50th parallel on the globe (Canada, Russia, Siberia, Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Greenland). Population will migrate north until temperate is found. And since there is little land mass south of the 50th paralell in the southern hemisphere, other than way south. Chile, Tierra Del Fuego and the Faulklands will experience a land boom.
The equatorial areas will be called New Anti-Antartica. Instead of being massive areas of uninhabitable territory because of cold, the center of the globe will be massive areas of uninhabitable territory because of heat and drought.
And the new open areas of Antartica will become summer homes for the rich who live in winter areas in the north. And Summer sailing regattas on the new Arctic sea will become ESPN's new sports coverage.
I won't live to see all this, and I'm probably wrong. But expodential thinking is so darn much fun.
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
The Bandwagon is Leaving Town
Today’s Chicago Tribune started a Blogger Corner. Guess Who’s the Star? Adrianna Huffington. She has now risen from gadfly to analyst. Liberals are better at cooperating than we conservatives are. They are communal minded. Can’t we all just get along. They’re wrong of course, but…..
We conservatives are independent, self sufficient, and of our own mind. We love our own turf, out own territory, and don’t tread on me. That’s why we are conservative.
But, we will never be published in the blogger corner of a major metropolitan newspaper as conservatives until we decide to cooperate. Someone will have to lead the way. It’s not me. The Huffington model is valid and we should follow suit.
So, who? I don’t know. But, we have been warned. Time to get off our conservative duffs. Time to (choke) cooperate.
We conservatives are independent, self sufficient, and of our own mind. We love our own turf, out own territory, and don’t tread on me. That’s why we are conservative.
But, we will never be published in the blogger corner of a major metropolitan newspaper as conservatives until we decide to cooperate. Someone will have to lead the way. It’s not me. The Huffington model is valid and we should follow suit.
So, who? I don’t know. But, we have been warned. Time to get off our conservative duffs. Time to (choke) cooperate.
Monday, June 13, 2005
Chippie
I was watering the plants at our doorway. I looked down and there was a baby chipmunk. We have lots of chipmunks. When they become very surplus I reduce numbers. But I don't kill baby anythings. I'm terminally almost Albert Schweitzer like in my reverence for life.
I had just found it's mother that morning. Dead of something. The little guy was lost and squeaking for it's mom. So I brought it in, fed it ground up cornflakes and milk and almonds. He ate heartily.
This morning I took him back where he was found. I hope he makes it. I think he will. If he can eat OK and find a little water he'll be fine.
Of course no good deed goes unpunished. So in the fall when we are being overrun by Chipmunks I'll regret this. For instance:
Last fall we accidentally left our patio sliding glass door open, the chippies moved into the house. They were in the living room trying to figure out the TV remote when we came home. Their little tails went up in the air and they scurried back out. Ever since then when something is missing or broken we are now convinced the chippies did it.
I had just found it's mother that morning. Dead of something. The little guy was lost and squeaking for it's mom. So I brought it in, fed it ground up cornflakes and milk and almonds. He ate heartily.
This morning I took him back where he was found. I hope he makes it. I think he will. If he can eat OK and find a little water he'll be fine.
Of course no good deed goes unpunished. So in the fall when we are being overrun by Chipmunks I'll regret this. For instance:
Last fall we accidentally left our patio sliding glass door open, the chippies moved into the house. They were in the living room trying to figure out the TV remote when we came home. Their little tails went up in the air and they scurried back out. Ever since then when something is missing or broken we are now convinced the chippies did it.
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Fundamentalist Darwinism
I'm amused by the passion which Darwin enthusiasts are inflexible and blind to any other possible consideration. It's what makes the whole intelligent design issue so interesting. If you don't agree with me (they say) you are stupid, narrow, and ignorant.
Tell that to Paul Johnson, an eminent British scholar who writes in this week's Forbes Magazine an interesting thesis of the flaws in fundamentalist Darwinism. If this goes subscription the text is here too. This is not some right wing nut.
This is a man who for 50 years has been a paragon of analysis and examination of difficult issues.
Of particular interest to me was what the divine nature in man is all about. He postulates it's all wrapped up in WORDS. Other beings without the divine nature don't use words like man does. It is the capacity to communicate that is the divine nature.
Read his thesis and then tell me that the potential for intelligent design is rubbish.
Of course real Darwin Fundamentalists could just be stupid, ignorant and narrow minded. Turnabout is fair play.
Tell that to Paul Johnson, an eminent British scholar who writes in this week's Forbes Magazine an interesting thesis of the flaws in fundamentalist Darwinism. If this goes subscription the text is here too. This is not some right wing nut.
This is a man who for 50 years has been a paragon of analysis and examination of difficult issues.
Of particular interest to me was what the divine nature in man is all about. He postulates it's all wrapped up in WORDS. Other beings without the divine nature don't use words like man does. It is the capacity to communicate that is the divine nature.
Read his thesis and then tell me that the potential for intelligent design is rubbish.
Of course real Darwin Fundamentalists could just be stupid, ignorant and narrow minded. Turnabout is fair play.
Friday, June 10, 2005
Hi Yo Silver, He’s Baaaack
I am not a team player, never have been. I’m good at being in charge or being a lone ranger.
This last week my weakness in this area became apparent. I traveled with a few other men in the nursery business touring the nursery growers in the southeast states.
I’m worn out. I’m not good at 24/7 with others. It’s not them, it’s me.
And, I shared a motel room (separate beds). Yikes!
But I’m home again. I’ll be traveling a fair amount this summer. ALONE!
Much of the trip was in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It’s a beautiful place being polluted daily by condos, golf courses, and rocky top houses. Whatever yuppies are when they grow up are there.
Joni Mitchell sang, they take paradise, put up a parking lot.
I’ll blog on that issue later.
I wish I could have clicked my red slippers because there’s no place like home.
This last week my weakness in this area became apparent. I traveled with a few other men in the nursery business touring the nursery growers in the southeast states.
I’m worn out. I’m not good at 24/7 with others. It’s not them, it’s me.
And, I shared a motel room (separate beds). Yikes!
But I’m home again. I’ll be traveling a fair amount this summer. ALONE!
Much of the trip was in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. It’s a beautiful place being polluted daily by condos, golf courses, and rocky top houses. Whatever yuppies are when they grow up are there.
Joni Mitchell sang, they take paradise, put up a parking lot.
I’ll blog on that issue later.
I wish I could have clicked my red slippers because there’s no place like home.
Sunday, May 29, 2005
Away Game
I'll be out of town until the 12th of June. Business Trip. I realize that new people visit this site every day. I don't want you to Never come back again. When I am in town I post every day. Sometimes several times per day. So, please take a look at some of my favorite submissions and after you have taken a look at them come back after the 12th. And look at some suggestions for other worthy blogs.
Am I going to HELL?..
Hitler Loved Darwin
You Retire You Die
Should I Run For Office?
Are You Ignorant?
The Carved wooden Turtle
Attention Deficit
A Test for "Persons of Faith"
True Security is Jail
A Nation of Laws, That's Good NO??
Girls and Boys
My 8 Cow Wife
Why I do what I do
Wouldn't this be better??
Quit Going to Church or Start Your Own
On Friendship
Holy Cow or maybe YOU
TSA and Patriot Act YECCH
Praying and Lying
AGES of MAN
Turning 60
DAKOTA
Professional harassment
Smokeout
Death by a Thousand Pokes
North Dakota, You're Not Welcome Here!
My Predictions Written end of 2004 for 2005
Tsunami Perspective
And, I have other Blogs that are of a like mind and worthwhile reading every day. So, take a look at these bright people:
Julie Neidlinger of Hampden ND. She is an up and coming bright young lady with so many facets it's scary. Her blog is the first one I read every single day. I recommend it highly.
Trevor Romain is one of the most moving artists and writers I have ever read. If you love to reach deep within for who you really are read his blog.
John Armstrong writes for Pastor's mostly but writes on topics of interest to many. Pretty religious for you unchurched folk.
Eric Sigmund is a software writer from Austin Texas who is prolific and entertaining. He makes me laugh.
Four guys from the Dakotas have a well put together news and comment blog I read
For the pinko liberal long haired hippy types try Adrianna Huffington. Sometimes I even agree with her contributors. So much for being ultra right wing.
Mark Steyn is a columnist for newspapers on both sides of the pond. I like what he says and think it would be well to read his materials.
And if you have nothing else to read, try navigating my E-Book posted at Dakota Revision,
Or the start of 1000 creative ideas for the Dakotas (I'm only up to 25 so far, I'm ambitious)
Please check back after the 12th and I promise I will store up 20 interesting posts at least..
In the hopper right now that I am working on are:
Why WalMart is the Antichrist
Things I don't believe anymore
Abu Graiab Redux
North Dakota is a Terrible Place to live (or not)
Grateful Dead and Blogging parallels
Spending per Student and Other Stupid Statistics
Common Sense Educational Curricula You'll Never See Again
SEE YOU SOON!
Am I going to HELL?..
Hitler Loved Darwin
You Retire You Die
Should I Run For Office?
Are You Ignorant?
The Carved wooden Turtle
Attention Deficit
A Test for "Persons of Faith"
True Security is Jail
A Nation of Laws, That's Good NO??
Girls and Boys
My 8 Cow Wife
Why I do what I do
Wouldn't this be better??
Quit Going to Church or Start Your Own
On Friendship
Holy Cow or maybe YOU
TSA and Patriot Act YECCH
Praying and Lying
AGES of MAN
Turning 60
DAKOTA
Professional harassment
Smokeout
Death by a Thousand Pokes
North Dakota, You're Not Welcome Here!
My Predictions Written end of 2004 for 2005
Tsunami Perspective
And, I have other Blogs that are of a like mind and worthwhile reading every day. So, take a look at these bright people:
Julie Neidlinger of Hampden ND. She is an up and coming bright young lady with so many facets it's scary. Her blog is the first one I read every single day. I recommend it highly.
Trevor Romain is one of the most moving artists and writers I have ever read. If you love to reach deep within for who you really are read his blog.
John Armstrong writes for Pastor's mostly but writes on topics of interest to many. Pretty religious for you unchurched folk.
Eric Sigmund is a software writer from Austin Texas who is prolific and entertaining. He makes me laugh.
Four guys from the Dakotas have a well put together news and comment blog I read
For the pinko liberal long haired hippy types try Adrianna Huffington. Sometimes I even agree with her contributors. So much for being ultra right wing.
Mark Steyn is a columnist for newspapers on both sides of the pond. I like what he says and think it would be well to read his materials.
And if you have nothing else to read, try navigating my E-Book posted at Dakota Revision,
Or the start of 1000 creative ideas for the Dakotas (I'm only up to 25 so far, I'm ambitious)
Please check back after the 12th and I promise I will store up 20 interesting posts at least..
In the hopper right now that I am working on are:
Why WalMart is the Antichrist
Things I don't believe anymore
Abu Graiab Redux
North Dakota is a Terrible Place to live (or not)
Grateful Dead and Blogging parallels
Spending per Student and Other Stupid Statistics
Common Sense Educational Curricula You'll Never See Again
SEE YOU SOON!
Your're the Greatest
Memorial Day will not pass without comment about the passing of the soldiers of World War II. Brokow called them properly the greatest generation. They were great. They did amazing things.
But, every generation is great in it’s own way. We all have a purpose. We all have things we are on this earth to accomplish. Some generation’s contributions are less spectacular. Some are hard to understand. I’m not particularly interested in arguing about it.
Generations that see themselves as beyond usefulness are not. They have a reason to be here. Not to entertain us, but to reach the potential fullness of the generation that they are part of.
I recall Gen X a few years ago. They were discounted. Look around. They are changing the world as certainly as did the WWII generation.
I have great expectation of this current generation (those 15-25). They are about to change things again. For GOOD I believe.
Oh, you can point to losers in every generation. No counts who will be a net negative on society. If my liberal friends had their way we’d just put a bullet in their head and end it all. We had them in my generation. We’ll have them in every. But I am optimistic.
So whoever you are, whatever you are generationally, Be THAT.
Every Generation makes a difference for Good and for some BAD. Even the greatest generation. They weren’t all saints walking regularly on water. Ask your parents or grandparents. There were plenty of scoundrels and there was McCarthy or Roosevelt. Pick your choice. And today we have Iraq for good and bad. And those men and women who joined up and serve there, are worthy of honor as much as those who served in the last 230 years.
So as we memorialize the generations fallen, let’s remember to be proud of who you are, what you have done, and stand next to every generation before and those who follow and hold your head high. Real High!
Every Generations Counts – BE PROUD.
But, every generation is great in it’s own way. We all have a purpose. We all have things we are on this earth to accomplish. Some generation’s contributions are less spectacular. Some are hard to understand. I’m not particularly interested in arguing about it.
Generations that see themselves as beyond usefulness are not. They have a reason to be here. Not to entertain us, but to reach the potential fullness of the generation that they are part of.
I recall Gen X a few years ago. They were discounted. Look around. They are changing the world as certainly as did the WWII generation.
I have great expectation of this current generation (those 15-25). They are about to change things again. For GOOD I believe.
Oh, you can point to losers in every generation. No counts who will be a net negative on society. If my liberal friends had their way we’d just put a bullet in their head and end it all. We had them in my generation. We’ll have them in every. But I am optimistic.
So whoever you are, whatever you are generationally, Be THAT.
Every Generation makes a difference for Good and for some BAD. Even the greatest generation. They weren’t all saints walking regularly on water. Ask your parents or grandparents. There were plenty of scoundrels and there was McCarthy or Roosevelt. Pick your choice. And today we have Iraq for good and bad. And those men and women who joined up and serve there, are worthy of honor as much as those who served in the last 230 years.
So as we memorialize the generations fallen, let’s remember to be proud of who you are, what you have done, and stand next to every generation before and those who follow and hold your head high. Real High!
Every Generations Counts – BE PROUD.
Memorializing and building relationships
When Abraham Lincoln instituted Decoration Day (now Memorial Day) on the 30th of every May he did so not because the date meant anything in particular, but because the flowers would be in full bloom, available and plentiful along every road. Anyone with ingenuity could make a bouquet and honor their fallen. I don’t know if that’s the whole story but as a horticultural geek I want to believe it.
Growing up in ND I associate Lilac fragrances with Memorial Day. Living in Illinois our lilacs are long since past bloom (except for dwarf Korean which is not what I remember lilacs as). Right now the Weigela, Peonies, shrub roses, and other plants are in full regale. The iris’ are just passed. Native Flag iris’ are doing their thing. It’s green and beautiful.
A roadside plant I love is Queen Anne’s Lace. I just made a pretty bouquet of Peony with accents of lace. Nice.
So decorate away. The roadsides are alive with color and beauty if you can just see it.
Reflecting on this Memorial Day I think about those we have buried in the last few years. My human landscape of friends and relatives is changing. I guess that’s why I value those I have now.
I’m not trying to hold on to or recapture relationships of the past. I am trying to make sure that the ones I have now are real and worthwhile. There are people I communicate with emailing I wish I knew better. Intelligent thinking people whose center is well established. They won’t be pushed around. I like people like that. Not ashamed to be who they are, not trying to meet others expectations. Synthesizing their own opinions not from popular dogma but from deeply held convictions mixed with creative discontent toward the status quo. Those are relationships I look for, desire, and seek out.
And, I love it when people make me laugh not at others expense.
Growing up in ND I associate Lilac fragrances with Memorial Day. Living in Illinois our lilacs are long since past bloom (except for dwarf Korean which is not what I remember lilacs as). Right now the Weigela, Peonies, shrub roses, and other plants are in full regale. The iris’ are just passed. Native Flag iris’ are doing their thing. It’s green and beautiful.
A roadside plant I love is Queen Anne’s Lace. I just made a pretty bouquet of Peony with accents of lace. Nice.
So decorate away. The roadsides are alive with color and beauty if you can just see it.
Reflecting on this Memorial Day I think about those we have buried in the last few years. My human landscape of friends and relatives is changing. I guess that’s why I value those I have now.
I’m not trying to hold on to or recapture relationships of the past. I am trying to make sure that the ones I have now are real and worthwhile. There are people I communicate with emailing I wish I knew better. Intelligent thinking people whose center is well established. They won’t be pushed around. I like people like that. Not ashamed to be who they are, not trying to meet others expectations. Synthesizing their own opinions not from popular dogma but from deeply held convictions mixed with creative discontent toward the status quo. Those are relationships I look for, desire, and seek out.
And, I love it when people make me laugh not at others expense.
Saturday, May 28, 2005
I'm not a golfer, but.......
It's been a nice day, the start of a long weekend. A friend of mine invited me to be part of his foursome for a company golf outing. I shot terribly except for one really nice putt, one really nice drive that ended up on the green 3 feet off the pin. And, serious duffing otherwise. But I enjoyed myself.
I used to golf. When I was in college I golfed every single day the course was open. I even golfed the morning I got married. The day after I got married I didn't golf. In fact I only golfed a dozen times that first year and it drifted from there. Now I 'm down to 3 or 4. If I were better I might take a shot. My friends gave me a really nice set of clubs for a wedding present I used today. 39 years old. Older than most of the fellows I golfed with today.
What made it a little challenging is that I am suffering, (really suffering) from a prolonged bout of gout. This is my 4th episode. My big toe is swollen 2X the size of the other. I limp and it throbs. I don't eat beef in excess. I am just a tad over my weight limit. Well ok, about a third. And I misbehave some. So, perhaps this is the Lord telling me to slow down, lose weight and behave. Yes Lord Yes.
Then coming Home I gardened until Dark. That's what spring is all about.
I'm traveling starting Tuesday for 10 days on business. I don't think I'll be able to blog on the road. I'm NOT taking my laptop. I'll use someone else's or something.
Go to Church!
I used to golf. When I was in college I golfed every single day the course was open. I even golfed the morning I got married. The day after I got married I didn't golf. In fact I only golfed a dozen times that first year and it drifted from there. Now I 'm down to 3 or 4. If I were better I might take a shot. My friends gave me a really nice set of clubs for a wedding present I used today. 39 years old. Older than most of the fellows I golfed with today.
What made it a little challenging is that I am suffering, (really suffering) from a prolonged bout of gout. This is my 4th episode. My big toe is swollen 2X the size of the other. I limp and it throbs. I don't eat beef in excess. I am just a tad over my weight limit. Well ok, about a third. And I misbehave some. So, perhaps this is the Lord telling me to slow down, lose weight and behave. Yes Lord Yes.
Then coming Home I gardened until Dark. That's what spring is all about.
I'm traveling starting Tuesday for 10 days on business. I don't think I'll be able to blog on the road. I'm NOT taking my laptop. I'll use someone else's or something.
Go to Church!
Friday, May 27, 2005
Even if she's a Liberal - This is worth reading
I read this on Huffington Post. Next time you are feeling any modicum for understanding the Religion of Islam as practiced by Bin Laden and his kin the Saudis, remember this quiz. That's what the battle is all about.
This dead horse needs one more beating
I can't promise I will NEVER bring this up again. But for now, this will be my last word on the subject (until next time).
I am not a PhD
I am a Christian who believes the Bible from Genesis to Maps
I can think for myself and that frustrates other Christians as well as pagan friends of mine
I don't believe Darwin figured it out. I also don't believe the earth is 5783 years old. The Bible doesn't support that idea. But, the Bible certainly doesn't support Darwin.
I think unbridled acceptance of the religion of evolution as promulgated by Darwin and his disciples and theologians in our colleges has grave danger to the capacity to think clearly about who we are and what it all means.
I am not alone. Look at this article from today's tribune. It really demonstrates the quandary when brilliant people with lots of letters behind their name tenured from world famous secular educational institutions cast serious doubt on the whole theology of Darwin and evolution.
Like a commercial says, "I'm not asking you to change, I'm asking you to think about it and then you decide"
It's the thinking part that's so hard for most folks.
I am not a PhD
I am a Christian who believes the Bible from Genesis to Maps
I can think for myself and that frustrates other Christians as well as pagan friends of mine
I don't believe Darwin figured it out. I also don't believe the earth is 5783 years old. The Bible doesn't support that idea. But, the Bible certainly doesn't support Darwin.
I think unbridled acceptance of the religion of evolution as promulgated by Darwin and his disciples and theologians in our colleges has grave danger to the capacity to think clearly about who we are and what it all means.
I am not alone. Look at this article from today's tribune. It really demonstrates the quandary when brilliant people with lots of letters behind their name tenured from world famous secular educational institutions cast serious doubt on the whole theology of Darwin and evolution.
Like a commercial says, "I'm not asking you to change, I'm asking you to think about it and then you decide"
It's the thinking part that's so hard for most folks.
Thursday, May 26, 2005
A Tribute to Marvel Rudebusch Lee on her 80th Birthday
I don’t know her as Aunt Marvel. She is my aunt. Wife of my mother’s brother Mancel. But I always just knew her as Marvel. Because, well, that’s what she is. Now she has finished 8 decades and is in her ninth. I don’t know all the details of her life as her children do, I do know it has a lot to do with Scandinavia.
A few brain cell snapshots:
I remember a Thanksgiving in Ortley SD (or Waubay) with her folks, the Rudebusches. Warm, Cozy, oil stove, love, peace, joy. It’s only a fragment but the sense of it is still tangible. She came from good people.
I loved going out to “Jim’s”. My cousin who I loved and still do. He is/was the oldest. The sand hills were magic. Perhaps not to those who farmed that tediously dry land. But to my cousins and me it was an adventure without peer. You could strike water with a shovel. The blowouts provided a thrill to an 8-year-old equivalent to any amusement park ride. Marvel and Mancel’s farm in the Crescent Sand hills South of Oakes ND was fun.
I remember her on Ranch 7. Chaos of kids, Sunday meals, equipment, silos, pigeons, and the duck slough. One time, ONCE, lutefisk dinner. In the “Old” house. Came in the house while the lutefisk was in full glory. The German half of my stomach craved the better tastes and smells of sauerkraut, blutwurst, and Limburger. I don’t remember how much I ate. I do remember it was less than my mom wanted me to. I really more enjoyed it more when we had pot roast, Government Cattle Mancel called it. It tasted a great deal like venison. Of course that would be impossible since they were out of season and…… OH.
There was so much to do outside in the FRESH air. We kids headed out no matter the temperature. We weren’t run out. We always were welcomed back in when it got too cold. Marvel kept peace in the cacophony without yelling. It’s her nature.
Her resiliency at the loss of Dick (her second son) is an example of dealing with loss in a way that honors the departed by keeping on with life. Having been with so many who mourn for the rest of their life at the loss of a child without ever recovering I admire Marvel for her example.
Marvel did a lot of things right with her children. I see those cousins of mine, her children, and I am astounded at the solid contributing significant people they have become. I take nothing away from their father. His blood runs in my veins. But she can stand proud of her offspring: PhD’s, Elders in Church, Managers of Business, Teachers, Mothers and wives; Competent self-supporting contributing members of the world’s population. Isn’t that all anyone could ask?
When her “Man” died a few years ago people watched. What next for Marvel? Now they Marvel. She lives independent, Red Hat and all, friends, church, contributing. I’ll bet there isn’t a day goes by she doesn’t miss him a little. I would hope that in my case. But she has made these years of value living them as we all hope we can at the time when we meet those calendar turnovers 80 times.
So lead on Marvel. YOU ARE ONE!
A few brain cell snapshots:
I remember a Thanksgiving in Ortley SD (or Waubay) with her folks, the Rudebusches. Warm, Cozy, oil stove, love, peace, joy. It’s only a fragment but the sense of it is still tangible. She came from good people.
I loved going out to “Jim’s”. My cousin who I loved and still do. He is/was the oldest. The sand hills were magic. Perhaps not to those who farmed that tediously dry land. But to my cousins and me it was an adventure without peer. You could strike water with a shovel. The blowouts provided a thrill to an 8-year-old equivalent to any amusement park ride. Marvel and Mancel’s farm in the Crescent Sand hills South of Oakes ND was fun.
I remember her on Ranch 7. Chaos of kids, Sunday meals, equipment, silos, pigeons, and the duck slough. One time, ONCE, lutefisk dinner. In the “Old” house. Came in the house while the lutefisk was in full glory. The German half of my stomach craved the better tastes and smells of sauerkraut, blutwurst, and Limburger. I don’t remember how much I ate. I do remember it was less than my mom wanted me to. I really more enjoyed it more when we had pot roast, Government Cattle Mancel called it. It tasted a great deal like venison. Of course that would be impossible since they were out of season and…… OH.
There was so much to do outside in the FRESH air. We kids headed out no matter the temperature. We weren’t run out. We always were welcomed back in when it got too cold. Marvel kept peace in the cacophony without yelling. It’s her nature.
Her resiliency at the loss of Dick (her second son) is an example of dealing with loss in a way that honors the departed by keeping on with life. Having been with so many who mourn for the rest of their life at the loss of a child without ever recovering I admire Marvel for her example.
Marvel did a lot of things right with her children. I see those cousins of mine, her children, and I am astounded at the solid contributing significant people they have become. I take nothing away from their father. His blood runs in my veins. But she can stand proud of her offspring: PhD’s, Elders in Church, Managers of Business, Teachers, Mothers and wives; Competent self-supporting contributing members of the world’s population. Isn’t that all anyone could ask?
When her “Man” died a few years ago people watched. What next for Marvel? Now they Marvel. She lives independent, Red Hat and all, friends, church, contributing. I’ll bet there isn’t a day goes by she doesn’t miss him a little. I would hope that in my case. But she has made these years of value living them as we all hope we can at the time when we meet those calendar turnovers 80 times.
So lead on Marvel. YOU ARE ONE!
Brain Damage - I always knew it
I sent out a parody link of some very funny stuff to several friends I like. It's just a little over the top. Just a little bit touchy. But really well done humor. CLEAN! Don't look for any dirty jokes here.
I got feedback. The spectrum ran from, That's terrible to That's hilarious.
I have been accused of having a warped sense of humor. I have never understood how others can't GET THE JOKE when it stands right there in front of them.
Then I discovered this article from the Tribune of yesterday. It says that people that don't get the joke are brain damaged.
Since that could be you dear reader, I won't point you to the link that propagated all this controversy. It won't amuse you.
I won't tell you that Julie, who I link to at the right hand of this blog (I'm not going to make this easy) actually made a comment in her blog on a Lark about this. She's quite a Chick on Tract.
So if you should decide to wade thru the roadblocks and seek out this parody and still don't get it, please phone our complaint line 1-800-IT'S-A-JOKE.
I got feedback. The spectrum ran from, That's terrible to That's hilarious.
I have been accused of having a warped sense of humor. I have never understood how others can't GET THE JOKE when it stands right there in front of them.
Then I discovered this article from the Tribune of yesterday. It says that people that don't get the joke are brain damaged.
Since that could be you dear reader, I won't point you to the link that propagated all this controversy. It won't amuse you.
I won't tell you that Julie, who I link to at the right hand of this blog (I'm not going to make this easy) actually made a comment in her blog on a Lark about this. She's quite a Chick on Tract.
So if you should decide to wade thru the roadblocks and seek out this parody and still don't get it, please phone our complaint line 1-800-IT'S-A-JOKE.
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
The Vision from Sunday Last
Barry Kolb is the pastor of the Church we attend on Sundays. He's a good man. He works in Angola Prison often. Once one of the toughest meanest prisons in the nation. Now nearly half the residents are Christians.
He just got back from Prison and shared a question an inmate pastor had asked him. Doc, are you secure in your salvation? Yep, said Doc. You're right because if you think about it for the devil to have to swim thru the Blood, break the seal of the Holy Ghost, and then pry open the hand of God to snatch you out that would be one saved devil.
I see things in pictures. Immediately I saw this strong vision of the security of the believer:
The Blood is flowing in torrents spiritually washing away our sin, such that to approach us, the Devil has to fight like he was at the foot of Niagara falls without a ladder. If he fights his way up the cliff (with the Blood flowing down) when he reaches the top he finds a walled castle fortress.. It is the very hand of God holding believers in his protection. No entrance, No secret passage. No anything. Even if thru persistence he should find able to worm his way in, he will find us engulfed by tongues of living fire, the fire of the Holy Ghost, burning as a seal upon our heart. This is an impenetrable fire for him. It's like the wall of fire that God placed around Zion in Zechariah 2:5.. We are Zion. He can never get there unless he was saved himself and that can never happen.
Lots of people have the false impression that at the tongues of fire at Pentecost were little flames on the tops of the 120's heads. No, the word says that tongues of living fire settled on each one of them. They were enveloped. Surrounded. Captivated. Protected. I have been in enough wild grass fires in Dakota to know what a tongue of fire looks like. It's fierce. That's the kind of fire we are surrounded with.
Some people believe that in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were not Naked until they sinned but were clothed by the same tongues of fire, the Glory of God. Not a burning fire, an enabling protecting fire.
And, in heaven, when we get to the other side, you won't be wearing clothes. You'll be clothed in the Glory of God, It will look like fire. It will be raceless, genderless, you'll know as you are known but you will be clothed in glory. We will appear as wearing white robes but they will be tongues of fire.
Once we are saved and filled with the fire of the Holy Ghost we have tongues of fire around us in this life. In fact, once we are saved it's very very hard to go to hell. It is possible, but you have to step out of the fire, you have to break the seal, you have to open the door and then you have to traverse the flood of the blood of Jesus. All the while the hounds of heaven will be chasing you down, putting up barriers, injecting difficulty, and hundreds of other things in your way to stop you. God will even take you out before he'll let you go too far. It's a fearful thing to walk in rebellion.
I haven't known many, maybe none, who were truly saved, born again, filled with the Holy Spirit who ever were able to claw their way to hell.
I have known of a few misled souls who destroyed their own lives but in the end were redeemed from the pit. I know it's controversial but I don't think David Koresh went to hell. I think Jim Jones did. But God Knows. I don't.
It's an important question, even if we don't feel like we are a Christian sometimes you will never be and you have never been more saved than you are right now, rignt now, right NOW!. The completeness of the security of the believer is a wonderful thing. I'm far from a "once saved always saved" Christian, but I am a believer that our security in salvation is a fact we can live in with confidence. I helps us get passed that issue and on to doing the "stuff".
So let's not get saved again next Sunday, that's settled, let's get on with what he has called each of us to do. It's different for you than me. I can't judge your call, You can't judge mine. I'm flawed and stupid and I sin sometimes. But I'm still in the fire, in His hand and under His blood, A very secure place.
He just got back from Prison and shared a question an inmate pastor had asked him. Doc, are you secure in your salvation? Yep, said Doc. You're right because if you think about it for the devil to have to swim thru the Blood, break the seal of the Holy Ghost, and then pry open the hand of God to snatch you out that would be one saved devil.
I see things in pictures. Immediately I saw this strong vision of the security of the believer:
The Blood is flowing in torrents spiritually washing away our sin, such that to approach us, the Devil has to fight like he was at the foot of Niagara falls without a ladder. If he fights his way up the cliff (with the Blood flowing down) when he reaches the top he finds a walled castle fortress.. It is the very hand of God holding believers in his protection. No entrance, No secret passage. No anything. Even if thru persistence he should find able to worm his way in, he will find us engulfed by tongues of living fire, the fire of the Holy Ghost, burning as a seal upon our heart. This is an impenetrable fire for him. It's like the wall of fire that God placed around Zion in Zechariah 2:5.. We are Zion. He can never get there unless he was saved himself and that can never happen.
Lots of people have the false impression that at the tongues of fire at Pentecost were little flames on the tops of the 120's heads. No, the word says that tongues of living fire settled on each one of them. They were enveloped. Surrounded. Captivated. Protected. I have been in enough wild grass fires in Dakota to know what a tongue of fire looks like. It's fierce. That's the kind of fire we are surrounded with.
Some people believe that in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve were not Naked until they sinned but were clothed by the same tongues of fire, the Glory of God. Not a burning fire, an enabling protecting fire.
And, in heaven, when we get to the other side, you won't be wearing clothes. You'll be clothed in the Glory of God, It will look like fire. It will be raceless, genderless, you'll know as you are known but you will be clothed in glory. We will appear as wearing white robes but they will be tongues of fire.
Once we are saved and filled with the fire of the Holy Ghost we have tongues of fire around us in this life. In fact, once we are saved it's very very hard to go to hell. It is possible, but you have to step out of the fire, you have to break the seal, you have to open the door and then you have to traverse the flood of the blood of Jesus. All the while the hounds of heaven will be chasing you down, putting up barriers, injecting difficulty, and hundreds of other things in your way to stop you. God will even take you out before he'll let you go too far. It's a fearful thing to walk in rebellion.
I haven't known many, maybe none, who were truly saved, born again, filled with the Holy Spirit who ever were able to claw their way to hell.
I have known of a few misled souls who destroyed their own lives but in the end were redeemed from the pit. I know it's controversial but I don't think David Koresh went to hell. I think Jim Jones did. But God Knows. I don't.
It's an important question, even if we don't feel like we are a Christian sometimes you will never be and you have never been more saved than you are right now, rignt now, right NOW!. The completeness of the security of the believer is a wonderful thing. I'm far from a "once saved always saved" Christian, but I am a believer that our security in salvation is a fact we can live in with confidence. I helps us get passed that issue and on to doing the "stuff".
So let's not get saved again next Sunday, that's settled, let's get on with what he has called each of us to do. It's different for you than me. I can't judge your call, You can't judge mine. I'm flawed and stupid and I sin sometimes. But I'm still in the fire, in His hand and under His blood, A very secure place.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Ageitess
I wanted to record the 3 hours of Fox and Friends to see the interview with Trevor Romaine. After I "Bounded" out of bed at the crack of 7:?? I coffeed up and then sat down to fast forward thru the show.
NOT THERE
Checking the set up I note that I am well prepared to record tonight's Fox news programs from 5-8PM.
DUMB
The old joke about old folks not being able to program their VCR is not as funny as it used to be. I can only hope that his web folks will put up a streaming video on his website.
It's amazing I can still tie my shoes.
NOT THERE
Checking the set up I note that I am well prepared to record tonight's Fox news programs from 5-8PM.
DUMB
The old joke about old folks not being able to program their VCR is not as funny as it used to be. I can only hope that his web folks will put up a streaming video on his website.
It's amazing I can still tie my shoes.
Monday, May 23, 2005
The Cultural Divide and the Whore Church
These Letters to the editor in Today's Chicago Tribune demonstrate how deep and wide is the cultural divide. They were all in response to a commentary addressed in This Blog. There is no crossing this divide with pure reason. It requires conversion. People will have to have their hearts changed to make this trip.
I have long wondered how the Whore Church in Revelations will come about. I see it clearly now. It's a secular religion with all the trappings of high church.
Religious beliefs
Rich Lapka
Published May 23, 2005
Chicago -- The commentary piece "Political pulpit; The Bible as weapon in the culture war," by John Shelby Spong (Perspective, May 15), was astounding to me.
I was amazed that a religious person, the retired Episcopal bishop of Newark, N.J., no less, could question the Bible as the "Word of God," would speak out against the use of the Bible and religion as a weapon by the religious right and argue eloquently for the separation of church and state.
As a "non-believer," this government tries to make me feel like a second-tier citizen.
Spong wrote, "These are nothing less than the steps people take on the road to transforming a democracy into a theocracy, which is to walk in the direction of the cruelest form of government that human beings have devised."
To hear those words of Spong gives me hope of a more tolerant religious community, and that our democracy and our patriotism will not be judged by our religious beliefs.
Spiritual ideas
Wanda Connell
Published May 23, 2005
Chicago -- The religious right speaks a lot of quackery concerning its interpretation of the Bible and values.
Thank heaven the Tribune is finally publishing voices unheard before concerning religious thought. John Shelby Spong, the retired Episcopal bishop, and his commentary gave me hope that there are still spiritual and intelligent people in Christianity instead of the warmongers and ideas that would destroy democracy. Thanks so much.
Required reading
Jim Walker
Published May 23, 2005
DeKalb -- The essay by John Shelby Spong should be required reading for all avowed Christians.
Thank you for printing it.
Erwin Lutzer a respected Leader I respect in our community of faith (not Pentecostal or radical but a solid Man of God) wrote this fine article in Sunday's Tribune.
Imposing left morality
By Erwin W. Lutzer
Senior pastor at the Moody Church, in Lincoln Park
Published May 22, 2005
In his article "Political pulpit--The Bible as weapon in the culture war," John Shelby Spong is critical of those Christians who are trying to influence government according to their convictions (Perspective, May 15).
Spong writes, "When leaders seek to intimidate the presumably independent courts, the first step toward totalitarian government has been taken," and then he reiterates the charge that conservative Christians "seek to impose their religious agenda on the whole body politic."
What Spong fails to point out is that the liberal left also seeks to impose its agenda on the rest of us. The three examples he gives--same-sex marriage, abortion and the Terri Schiavo case--all point to a conflict of opinions, and no matter which side one takes, somebody is imposing his morality on someone else.
If same-sex marriage became law, the definition of marriage would be changed for all of us.
It would affect adoption laws and certainly the entire school system. Already, a father here in Chicago asked me recently how he should handle a situation in which his 6-year-old daughter is expected to watch a film that defines a family as any combination of adults: two men, two women, etc. So who is seeking to impose his morality on whom?
Ominously, on Jan. 11, both the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate amended the Illinois Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation as a protected class. Two weeks later, Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed it into law.
This law makes no exemption for churches and other religious institutions. Sen. Carol Ronen, the sponsor of the bill, is on record saying that the new law applied to churches: "If that is their goal, to discriminate against gay people, this law won't allow them to do that. But I don't believe that's what the Catholic Church wants or stands for."
If same-sex marriages were legalized, we have every reason to believe that churches that fail to comply will have their tax-exempt status revoked. We can hear it already: "You have no right to deny us our constitutional rights to be married."
When that happens, we will witness a chilling intolerance for those who write or speak against such unions. No laws are neutral.
The mother who chooses abortion imposes her own morality on her preborn infant, whose life is wantonly snuffed out. And in the case of Schiavo, the will of her husband was imposed upon her (evidence to the contrary is at least questionable), and she was starved to death.
In other words, in all moral judgments, and in every law, someone's morality prevails.
In recent years, many judges have expanded the 1st Amendment phrase "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" as a reason to eliminate all expressions of religion in the so-called public square.
Forgotten is the second part of the sentence, which bars Congress from "prohibiting the free exercise thereof." It is indeed difficult to see how a prayer before a football game is an example of Congress establishing a religion, or why a principal would think that a student who brings his Bible to school is guilty of establishing religion.
Nevertheless, through the courts, we see an ever-increasing desire to stamp out religion from public life and to impose a secular agenda on "the whole body politic."
When we hear that a teacher is forbidden to read the Declaration of Independence in a classroom because it contains the word God, we can be assured that such a notion was foreign to the framers of the Constitution. Already many years ago, George Will perceptively wrote, "And it is by now a scandal beyond irony that thanks to the energetic litigation of `civil liberties' fanatics, pornographers enjoy expansive 1st Amendment protection while 1st graders in a nativity play are said to violate 1st Amendment values."
When I visited the People's Republic of China in 1984, our tour guide justified the government's policy on religion by arguing for a separation of church and state. She said that religion was free to operate in all of those areas that were not controlled by the state. When we probed more deeply, she said that religion was a private matter and that the people of China were free to be as religious as they wanted to be "within their own minds."
Today the Senate is deadlocked over the question of which judges should be approved; this of course is not a small matter. Conservative Christians wonder whether the approved judges will further limit religious expression, or whether they will take the Constitution seriously when it says that the free expression of religion should not be prohibited.
Freedom of religion necessitates freedom of speech beyond the narrow boundaries that some of our courts dictate.
Conservative Christians do not advocate a totalitarian government; if anything, they fear a totalitarian government from the left: When children, beginning in the 1st grade, are indoctrinated in a morality that is contrary to both natural law and their parents' convictions, is not this a step toward totalitarianism?
And when a whole class of people, such as preborn infants, is denied protection, and thus can be killed for convenience--is not this a precursor to totalitarianism?
After all, if one class of people can be denied a basic right to live, who is next, the elderly, the infirm? And if religion is deemed to be private, who is to say that the day might come when it is completely restricted to houses of worship, eventually to our homes, or even limited to our own minds?
Harvey Cox was right when he said that secularism is most deceptive when it pretends to be neutral.
He writes, "Secularism, on the other hand, is the name of an ideology, a new closed worldview which functions very much like a new religion. ... It must be especially checked where it pretends not to be a worldview but nonetheless seeks to impose its ideology through the organs of the state."
It is so easy to repeat the mantra that conservative Christians want to "impose their morality on others" without realizing that the liberals have been doing so for years, by judges whose opinions affect us all.
Conservative Christians do not pretend to be neutral.
We are opposed to abortion on demand; in keeping with the desire of most parents, we are opposed to pornography in our libraries, and we are opposed to same-sex marriage. We are also opposed to an arbitrary religious censorship in the schools, and we favor tolerance of religion rather than the abolition of religion in the public square.
We must thoughtfully debate these issues and at the same time seek for common ground that will help us respectfully live together despite our deeply held differences.
Decisions made today will have far-reaching consequences tomorrow.
END
LAST POINT
Which brings me to this. This battle those of us who are called to it is not about religion, politics or freedom. It's about life and death. I responded to a column by Jane Ahlin.
If you have the courage to face the truth this should stir you.
JANE AHLIN
I don't want you to do more than think about it and ask yourself the hard questions. Is this really where you want to go?
I have long wondered how the Whore Church in Revelations will come about. I see it clearly now. It's a secular religion with all the trappings of high church.
Religious beliefs
Rich Lapka
Published May 23, 2005
Chicago -- The commentary piece "Political pulpit; The Bible as weapon in the culture war," by John Shelby Spong (Perspective, May 15), was astounding to me.
I was amazed that a religious person, the retired Episcopal bishop of Newark, N.J., no less, could question the Bible as the "Word of God," would speak out against the use of the Bible and religion as a weapon by the religious right and argue eloquently for the separation of church and state.
As a "non-believer," this government tries to make me feel like a second-tier citizen.
Spong wrote, "These are nothing less than the steps people take on the road to transforming a democracy into a theocracy, which is to walk in the direction of the cruelest form of government that human beings have devised."
To hear those words of Spong gives me hope of a more tolerant religious community, and that our democracy and our patriotism will not be judged by our religious beliefs.
Spiritual ideas
Wanda Connell
Published May 23, 2005
Chicago -- The religious right speaks a lot of quackery concerning its interpretation of the Bible and values.
Thank heaven the Tribune is finally publishing voices unheard before concerning religious thought. John Shelby Spong, the retired Episcopal bishop, and his commentary gave me hope that there are still spiritual and intelligent people in Christianity instead of the warmongers and ideas that would destroy democracy. Thanks so much.
Required reading
Jim Walker
Published May 23, 2005
DeKalb -- The essay by John Shelby Spong should be required reading for all avowed Christians.
Thank you for printing it.
Erwin Lutzer a respected Leader I respect in our community of faith (not Pentecostal or radical but a solid Man of God) wrote this fine article in Sunday's Tribune.
Imposing left morality
By Erwin W. Lutzer
Senior pastor at the Moody Church, in Lincoln Park
Published May 22, 2005
In his article "Political pulpit--The Bible as weapon in the culture war," John Shelby Spong is critical of those Christians who are trying to influence government according to their convictions (Perspective, May 15).
Spong writes, "When leaders seek to intimidate the presumably independent courts, the first step toward totalitarian government has been taken," and then he reiterates the charge that conservative Christians "seek to impose their religious agenda on the whole body politic."
What Spong fails to point out is that the liberal left also seeks to impose its agenda on the rest of us. The three examples he gives--same-sex marriage, abortion and the Terri Schiavo case--all point to a conflict of opinions, and no matter which side one takes, somebody is imposing his morality on someone else.
If same-sex marriage became law, the definition of marriage would be changed for all of us.
It would affect adoption laws and certainly the entire school system. Already, a father here in Chicago asked me recently how he should handle a situation in which his 6-year-old daughter is expected to watch a film that defines a family as any combination of adults: two men, two women, etc. So who is seeking to impose his morality on whom?
Ominously, on Jan. 11, both the Illinois House of Representatives and Senate amended the Illinois Human Rights Act to include sexual orientation as a protected class. Two weeks later, Gov. Rod Blagojevich signed it into law.
This law makes no exemption for churches and other religious institutions. Sen. Carol Ronen, the sponsor of the bill, is on record saying that the new law applied to churches: "If that is their goal, to discriminate against gay people, this law won't allow them to do that. But I don't believe that's what the Catholic Church wants or stands for."
If same-sex marriages were legalized, we have every reason to believe that churches that fail to comply will have their tax-exempt status revoked. We can hear it already: "You have no right to deny us our constitutional rights to be married."
When that happens, we will witness a chilling intolerance for those who write or speak against such unions. No laws are neutral.
The mother who chooses abortion imposes her own morality on her preborn infant, whose life is wantonly snuffed out. And in the case of Schiavo, the will of her husband was imposed upon her (evidence to the contrary is at least questionable), and she was starved to death.
In other words, in all moral judgments, and in every law, someone's morality prevails.
In recent years, many judges have expanded the 1st Amendment phrase "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion" as a reason to eliminate all expressions of religion in the so-called public square.
Forgotten is the second part of the sentence, which bars Congress from "prohibiting the free exercise thereof." It is indeed difficult to see how a prayer before a football game is an example of Congress establishing a religion, or why a principal would think that a student who brings his Bible to school is guilty of establishing religion.
Nevertheless, through the courts, we see an ever-increasing desire to stamp out religion from public life and to impose a secular agenda on "the whole body politic."
When we hear that a teacher is forbidden to read the Declaration of Independence in a classroom because it contains the word God, we can be assured that such a notion was foreign to the framers of the Constitution. Already many years ago, George Will perceptively wrote, "And it is by now a scandal beyond irony that thanks to the energetic litigation of `civil liberties' fanatics, pornographers enjoy expansive 1st Amendment protection while 1st graders in a nativity play are said to violate 1st Amendment values."
When I visited the People's Republic of China in 1984, our tour guide justified the government's policy on religion by arguing for a separation of church and state. She said that religion was free to operate in all of those areas that were not controlled by the state. When we probed more deeply, she said that religion was a private matter and that the people of China were free to be as religious as they wanted to be "within their own minds."
Today the Senate is deadlocked over the question of which judges should be approved; this of course is not a small matter. Conservative Christians wonder whether the approved judges will further limit religious expression, or whether they will take the Constitution seriously when it says that the free expression of religion should not be prohibited.
Freedom of religion necessitates freedom of speech beyond the narrow boundaries that some of our courts dictate.
Conservative Christians do not advocate a totalitarian government; if anything, they fear a totalitarian government from the left: When children, beginning in the 1st grade, are indoctrinated in a morality that is contrary to both natural law and their parents' convictions, is not this a step toward totalitarianism?
And when a whole class of people, such as preborn infants, is denied protection, and thus can be killed for convenience--is not this a precursor to totalitarianism?
After all, if one class of people can be denied a basic right to live, who is next, the elderly, the infirm? And if religion is deemed to be private, who is to say that the day might come when it is completely restricted to houses of worship, eventually to our homes, or even limited to our own minds?
Harvey Cox was right when he said that secularism is most deceptive when it pretends to be neutral.
He writes, "Secularism, on the other hand, is the name of an ideology, a new closed worldview which functions very much like a new religion. ... It must be especially checked where it pretends not to be a worldview but nonetheless seeks to impose its ideology through the organs of the state."
It is so easy to repeat the mantra that conservative Christians want to "impose their morality on others" without realizing that the liberals have been doing so for years, by judges whose opinions affect us all.
Conservative Christians do not pretend to be neutral.
We are opposed to abortion on demand; in keeping with the desire of most parents, we are opposed to pornography in our libraries, and we are opposed to same-sex marriage. We are also opposed to an arbitrary religious censorship in the schools, and we favor tolerance of religion rather than the abolition of religion in the public square.
We must thoughtfully debate these issues and at the same time seek for common ground that will help us respectfully live together despite our deeply held differences.
Decisions made today will have far-reaching consequences tomorrow.
END
LAST POINT
Which brings me to this. This battle those of us who are called to it is not about religion, politics or freedom. It's about life and death. I responded to a column by Jane Ahlin.
If you have the courage to face the truth this should stir you.
JANE AHLIN
I don't want you to do more than think about it and ask yourself the hard questions. Is this really where you want to go?
Saturday, May 21, 2005
If you get a chance, watch
A man I have come to admire and who comes across as one of the kindest people on earth is Trevor Romaine. He has a blog which is excellent. If you haven't yet accessed it you need to.
I lifted this from his website. He's too humble to shill for himself. So I'll take on the task. He will be on Fox and Friends. Spread the word.
From his website:
Trevor is a friend of Fox Trevor will appear as a featured guest on the popular morning show "Fox & Friends" on May 24th. The interview will cover his experiences working with kids as well as his current and upcoming book and video projects. Check your local cable provider for channel and time.
I lifted this from his website. He's too humble to shill for himself. So I'll take on the task. He will be on Fox and Friends. Spread the word.
From his website:
Trevor is a friend of Fox Trevor will appear as a featured guest on the popular morning show "Fox & Friends" on May 24th. The interview will cover his experiences working with kids as well as his current and upcoming book and video projects. Check your local cable provider for channel and time.
Friday, May 20, 2005
Napoleon Dynamite
After reading repeated posts by Julie on a movie I had never heard of, Napoleon Dynamite and when she made her father sit down to watch it and since I am a few years shy of her dad's age I thought I would give it a shot. Rented it. Peggy and I.
I enjoyed it. I have to admit to a generation gap. I always try to identify with the characters in a movie, play or opera. That's their job. I was a nerd, geek, still am. Like being one. Keeps my edge.
If you are under 30, hated high school, felt picked on, left out, this movie is for you. On the other hand who didn't? I will recommend it to Adam, Michael and Megan.
My recommendation probably will meet with the Oh Yeahs. Peggy works in a large middle school, 6-7-8th graders. I asked her to take an informal survey. Find out how many kids even KNEW of this movie. She talked to about 30.
READY?
100% In fact she couldn't find ANY who hadn't seen, loved and most could do a credible Napoleon imitation. (not the dance which was the second best part next to the wedding song)
So, Miss Julie, arbiter of the cultural youth market, I bow. Was this ever in theaters? Or, did it go direct to DVD. Or was I out of town the week it ran.
On the other hand, generationally speaking, do you understand Office Space?
I enjoyed it. I have to admit to a generation gap. I always try to identify with the characters in a movie, play or opera. That's their job. I was a nerd, geek, still am. Like being one. Keeps my edge.
If you are under 30, hated high school, felt picked on, left out, this movie is for you. On the other hand who didn't? I will recommend it to Adam, Michael and Megan.
My recommendation probably will meet with the Oh Yeahs. Peggy works in a large middle school, 6-7-8th graders. I asked her to take an informal survey. Find out how many kids even KNEW of this movie. She talked to about 30.
READY?
100% In fact she couldn't find ANY who hadn't seen, loved and most could do a credible Napoleon imitation. (not the dance which was the second best part next to the wedding song)
So, Miss Julie, arbiter of the cultural youth market, I bow. Was this ever in theaters? Or, did it go direct to DVD. Or was I out of town the week it ran.
On the other hand, generationally speaking, do you understand Office Space?
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Confession Time
I hate to admit this. It seems unamerican. I have about 6 weblogs I read daily. And in a pinch 3 or 4 more I visit from time to time. That does not include the Fargo Forum Blog and The Wall Street Journal Blog.
I hereby confess. I like Adrianna Huffington's new blog. It was a brilliant play. Better than I first thought. It features clever writing from witty people who ask questions that can be asked and don't just hammer their left wing dogma alone.
We (those of us who think more center and right than they) could learn from them.
I need to give credit where credit is due.
I hereby confess. I like Adrianna Huffington's new blog. It was a brilliant play. Better than I first thought. It features clever writing from witty people who ask questions that can be asked and don't just hammer their left wing dogma alone.
We (those of us who think more center and right than they) could learn from them.
I need to give credit where credit is due.
Why Intelligent Design Matters – Hitler and Darwin
I grew up with Jane Ahlin. She writes for the Fargo Forum. She’s a smart woman. I respect her opinions. I differ with them much of the time. She wrote a column for the Forum on Intelligent Design and Faith. You should read it. At first blush it seems rational and logical.
But I will assert it is wrong in its basic assumption: What you believe is a matter of faith and matters only to you.
It matters to the human race.
I am a student of genetics and evolution, two degrees, BA in Botany and a BS in Horticulture. I am well familiar with all the arguments for and against evolution. I do not approach the arguments as methodology for God’s intents without the core question coming up soon. Plants and animals evolve. Of that there is no doubt. The humble willow is one of the fastest changing species on the planet. They adapt, interbreed, reorient and become new varieties at breakneck speed. All willows are hybrid.
Intelligent design isn’t about willows, The issue is MAN!
Were we created or are we a blood and bone willow tree in essence? The real question at the core is, does man have a divine nature breathed into him by God? Or are we simply the latest iteration of a constantly changing panoply which will become something else given enough time?
As a Bible student I divide the first two verses of Genesis into two times.
1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
AND
2. the earth was without form and void……..
I won’t get into a teaching about the time period represented between verses one and two represented by the AND. I can demonstrate from scripture that there was a significant time lapse there. Something happened at AND. The fossil record backs it up.
Then, after the AND, the creation story happens culminating in the ultimate creation MAN. Likeness of God, breathed into by God, fellowship with God. Divine nature imparted. And the fall.
It doesn’t matter if you determine in your heart that God uses adaptive change (evolution?) to create and modify plants and animals. I don’t believe that. I do believe that God created as he said he did in his book. After their kind. Read the Genesis account again.
Where the crunch comes is if you somehow believe that we are little more than hairless ascended apes without divinity in our being. If we are willing to accept that belief we are then willing to accept as OK the killing of invalids (Terri Schaivo), aborting of babies we don’t want, and genocide of races we consider less than human.
That’s where HITLER and DARWIN come in. I heard a lecture in the last year given by Richard Weichart. And I have read this essay in this regard written by an orthodox priest. If you are willing to evaluate all sides please read them.
What we believe matters. It is not an innocuous act of faith or lack of it. It is a matter of life or death. We are all getting older; we are all at risk of disease or accident that could put us at risk of being eliminated for Darwinian reasons. I mean it’s better for the species isn’t it. That’s what the Terminal Timmy article was all about.
I don’t put my faith in my back pocket to consider how God does what he does using whatever means he decides to use. He’s God after all. In the end, God will be proven right and every man a liar. Romans 3:4. That’s what the bible says. I guess I’ll believe him on this side of the veil. I’d hate to get to the other side and find out I was deceived.
But I will assert it is wrong in its basic assumption: What you believe is a matter of faith and matters only to you.
It matters to the human race.
I am a student of genetics and evolution, two degrees, BA in Botany and a BS in Horticulture. I am well familiar with all the arguments for and against evolution. I do not approach the arguments as methodology for God’s intents without the core question coming up soon. Plants and animals evolve. Of that there is no doubt. The humble willow is one of the fastest changing species on the planet. They adapt, interbreed, reorient and become new varieties at breakneck speed. All willows are hybrid.
Intelligent design isn’t about willows, The issue is MAN!
Were we created or are we a blood and bone willow tree in essence? The real question at the core is, does man have a divine nature breathed into him by God? Or are we simply the latest iteration of a constantly changing panoply which will become something else given enough time?
As a Bible student I divide the first two verses of Genesis into two times.
1. In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth
AND
2. the earth was without form and void……..
I won’t get into a teaching about the time period represented between verses one and two represented by the AND. I can demonstrate from scripture that there was a significant time lapse there. Something happened at AND. The fossil record backs it up.
Then, after the AND, the creation story happens culminating in the ultimate creation MAN. Likeness of God, breathed into by God, fellowship with God. Divine nature imparted. And the fall.
It doesn’t matter if you determine in your heart that God uses adaptive change (evolution?) to create and modify plants and animals. I don’t believe that. I do believe that God created as he said he did in his book. After their kind. Read the Genesis account again.
Where the crunch comes is if you somehow believe that we are little more than hairless ascended apes without divinity in our being. If we are willing to accept that belief we are then willing to accept as OK the killing of invalids (Terri Schaivo), aborting of babies we don’t want, and genocide of races we consider less than human.
That’s where HITLER and DARWIN come in. I heard a lecture in the last year given by Richard Weichart. And I have read this essay in this regard written by an orthodox priest. If you are willing to evaluate all sides please read them.
What we believe matters. It is not an innocuous act of faith or lack of it. It is a matter of life or death. We are all getting older; we are all at risk of disease or accident that could put us at risk of being eliminated for Darwinian reasons. I mean it’s better for the species isn’t it. That’s what the Terminal Timmy article was all about.
I don’t put my faith in my back pocket to consider how God does what he does using whatever means he decides to use. He’s God after all. In the end, God will be proven right and every man a liar. Romans 3:4. That’s what the bible says. I guess I’ll believe him on this side of the veil. I’d hate to get to the other side and find out I was deceived.
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
I know these Creeps
When I was in college at NDSU among the people I met were students and professors some of which thought they were above question. Some became politicians, some lawyers and many went into journalism. These were men and women which never took your question seriously except as it served their needs. These egos in flesh would not tolerate being questioned or countered. Now that I'm nearly 40 years beyond that time I keep running across them. Several are in the clergy. Lawyers and Politicians ranks are full of these know it alls.
Once when one of our sons was in for an eye exam, I questioned the doctor how he could determine that our boy was nearsighted without an exam that included "Read the Chart" (which he couldn't do because of his age). Instead of explaining that technology had made it possible to look at the back of the eye and make an accurate determination I was upbraided for even questioning him. I'm a doctor! We never went back.
When I get that from a pastor or other clergy I RUN! Jesus WELCOMED questions. So did Socrates.
So, when I saw this report of Journalists upbrading Scott McClellen of the White House yesterday my past flashed before my eyes. I know these people who look down on the rest of the world. Most retreat into ivory towers of journalism's Main Stream Media. Their demise can't come too soon. (not the media, the arrogant jerks that populate much of MSM)
RUN for your lives from these people. They are dangerous and totally unaccountable. It's their unaccountably that makes them dangerous and unworthy of your participation.
Once when one of our sons was in for an eye exam, I questioned the doctor how he could determine that our boy was nearsighted without an exam that included "Read the Chart" (which he couldn't do because of his age). Instead of explaining that technology had made it possible to look at the back of the eye and make an accurate determination I was upbraided for even questioning him. I'm a doctor! We never went back.
When I get that from a pastor or other clergy I RUN! Jesus WELCOMED questions. So did Socrates.
So, when I saw this report of Journalists upbrading Scott McClellen of the White House yesterday my past flashed before my eyes. I know these people who look down on the rest of the world. Most retreat into ivory towers of journalism's Main Stream Media. Their demise can't come too soon. (not the media, the arrogant jerks that populate much of MSM)
RUN for your lives from these people. They are dangerous and totally unaccountable. It's their unaccountably that makes them dangerous and unworthy of your participation.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
You Retire You Die
In the Wall Street Journal Marketplace Section May 5, a story of executives who in their 80’s are carving out a future. They are driven by the truth or fiction of the above statement.
So, in spite of the fact that younger men wish that these old dudes would just step out of the way I say, lead on. Life's paramount quality measure still means that:
1. You have a purpose (something to do) every day
2. You have something to hope for
3. You have a significant trusted person you can share it with.
That is all anyone can ask no matter their age.
- Kirk Kerkorian 87 is trying to buy control of General Motors
- Sumner Redstone 82 is firmly at the helm of Viacom
- Ralph Roberts 85 stepped down 3 years ago as Chairman of Comcast
- Hank Greenberg 80 just left AIG but plans to work 20 more years
- Warren Buffet 74 CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (Forbes 400 Richest)
- Rupert Murdock 74 of News Corp (Fox News)
So, in spite of the fact that younger men wish that these old dudes would just step out of the way I say, lead on. Life's paramount quality measure still means that:
1. You have a purpose (something to do) every day
2. You have something to hope for
3. You have a significant trusted person you can share it with.
That is all anyone can ask no matter their age.
Rent this Movie or forfeit a Pound of Flesh
What a piece of work is man! How noble in reason! how infinite in faculties! in form and moving, how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension, how like a god! the beauty of the world!
At least old Will was. Shakespeare that is.
I rented and recommend Merchant of Venice from our local video store. It’s the 2004 version with Al Pachino as Shylock the Jew. I never really understood it well until I saw it. I have seen and read the play in other forms. This really brings out the full richness of the work.
After watching it I read the play again in bed last night. It meant so much more to me than it ever had before. I saw things in it I never saw before.
Even if you’re NOT a Shakespeare buff, rent this one. You won’t be sorry.
At least old Will was. Shakespeare that is.
I rented and recommend Merchant of Venice from our local video store. It’s the 2004 version with Al Pachino as Shylock the Jew. I never really understood it well until I saw it. I have seen and read the play in other forms. This really brings out the full richness of the work.
- Shylock’s anger is about his daughter. I never really grasped the depth.
- Antonio and Basanio are not father son which I always thought.
- Basanio really loves Portia.
- Portia is very wise even in the way she deals with her husband.
- The passion is wonderful.
- Shylock’s speech on being a Jew is rattling and essential.
- Shylock’s comeuppance in the end is just and not just. Merciful and not so.
After watching it I read the play again in bed last night. It meant so much more to me than it ever had before. I saw things in it I never saw before.
Even if you’re NOT a Shakespeare buff, rent this one. You won’t be sorry.
Monday, May 16, 2005
I have it from an Anonymous Source...........
I have it on good authority from an anonymous source that the editors at Newsweek magazine are actually aliens from the planet Nibiru. I also understand from a highly placed source that they regularly eat little puppies, kittens and spotted owls as part of their daily diet. A person from inside has told us that reporters from Newsweek are all illiterate and that the magazine’s content is written by hundreds of monkeys who hammer away on old Alder typewriters until enough legible text is generated to publish the next week.
That’s the kind of reporting MSM pejoratively looks at the on line news world (Blogs) as doing. It gives me great joy to see them once again trapped by their own hubris (and bias). Responsibility for documenting sources hangs on all of us.
I don’t want them to go away. I want them to hold the rest of us accountable. That’s a two way street. So, as the liberal left always quotes the only Bible verse they know, (Newsweek), let those who are without sin cast the first stone.
That’s the kind of reporting MSM pejoratively looks at the on line news world (Blogs) as doing. It gives me great joy to see them once again trapped by their own hubris (and bias). Responsibility for documenting sources hangs on all of us.
I don’t want them to go away. I want them to hold the rest of us accountable. That’s a two way street. So, as the liberal left always quotes the only Bible verse they know, (Newsweek), let those who are without sin cast the first stone.
Sunday, May 15, 2005
Tsunami Money You Gave Swirling Down the Drain
When the Tsunmai hit in Asia last Christmas I made a prediction. The money people generously gave would be lost or stolen or never produced. I hate when I'm right.
In today's Sun Times of Chicago Mark Steyn has a brilliant article about Robert Bolton's confirmation to the impotent UN. It's worth the read. Below is a key excerpt.
Bolton would have no problem getting nominated as U.N. ambassador if he were more like Paul Martin. Who? Well, he's prime minister of Canada. And in January, after the tsunami hit, he flew into Sri Lanka to pledge millions and millions and millions in aid. Not like that heartless George W. Bush back at the ranch in Texas. Why, Prime Minister Martin walked along the ravaged coast of Kalumnai and was, reported Canada's CTV network, "visibly shaken." President Bush might well have been shaken, but he wasn't visible, and in the international compassion league, that's what counts. So Martin boldly committed Canada to giving $425 million to tsunami relief. "Mr. Paul Martin Has Set A Great Example For The Rest Of The World Leaders!" raved the LankaWeb news service. You know how much of that $425 million has been spent so far? Fifty thousand dollars -- Canadian. That's about 40 grand in U.S. dollars. The rest isn't tied up in Indonesian bureaucracy, it's back in Ottawa. But, unlike horrible "unilateralist" America, Canada enjoys a reputation as the perfect global citizen, renowned for its commitment to the U.N. and multilateralism. And on the beaches of Sri Lanka, that and a buck'll get you a strawberry daiquiri. Canada's contribution to tsunami relief is objectively useless and rhetorically fraudulent. This is the way the transnational jet-set works when the entire world is in complete agreement and acting in perfect harmony. Unlike more "controversial" issues like the mass slaughter in Sudan, no Security Council member is pro-tsunami. And yet even when the entire planet is on the same side, the 24/7 lavishly funded U.N. humanitarian infrastructure can't get its act together.
In today's Sun Times of Chicago Mark Steyn has a brilliant article about Robert Bolton's confirmation to the impotent UN. It's worth the read. Below is a key excerpt.
Bolton would have no problem getting nominated as U.N. ambassador if he were more like Paul Martin. Who? Well, he's prime minister of Canada. And in January, after the tsunami hit, he flew into Sri Lanka to pledge millions and millions and millions in aid. Not like that heartless George W. Bush back at the ranch in Texas. Why, Prime Minister Martin walked along the ravaged coast of Kalumnai and was, reported Canada's CTV network, "visibly shaken." President Bush might well have been shaken, but he wasn't visible, and in the international compassion league, that's what counts. So Martin boldly committed Canada to giving $425 million to tsunami relief. "Mr. Paul Martin Has Set A Great Example For The Rest Of The World Leaders!" raved the LankaWeb news service. You know how much of that $425 million has been spent so far? Fifty thousand dollars -- Canadian. That's about 40 grand in U.S. dollars. The rest isn't tied up in Indonesian bureaucracy, it's back in Ottawa. But, unlike horrible "unilateralist" America, Canada enjoys a reputation as the perfect global citizen, renowned for its commitment to the U.N. and multilateralism. And on the beaches of Sri Lanka, that and a buck'll get you a strawberry daiquiri. Canada's contribution to tsunami relief is objectively useless and rhetorically fraudulent. This is the way the transnational jet-set works when the entire world is in complete agreement and acting in perfect harmony. Unlike more "controversial" issues like the mass slaughter in Sudan, no Security Council member is pro-tsunami. And yet even when the entire planet is on the same side, the 24/7 lavishly funded U.N. humanitarian infrastructure can't get its act together.
Be Ignorant - Be Famous
In today's Chicago Tribune Perspective section the front page is dedicated to the Bible as a political weapon. I will link it but you might have to subscribe (It's Free) to read it.
In the article the author who was an Episcopal Bishop says some of the dumbest things I have ever read. I am coming to the conclusion that people that attend seminary shouldn't be allowed to interpret the Bible. They never read it. At least this man never has. Otherwise he wouldn't be as ignorant in his allegations against the Word of God (which he doesn't think the Bible is).
My conclusion is he is trying to get on the lecture circuit in his retirement. The only way to do this is to say something reassuring to unbelievers lost in their sin and controversial to believers. If I stood up and said, "I believe the Bible is true and I trust it's counsel for my life" I will receive a collective yawn. I certainly won't get press on the front page of the Tribune's perspective section, a 10 minute interview on NPR and Today Show with Katie Couric.
He will gets lots of lectures among liberals. I hope he gets saved. You see, when I apply the 10 point test, he doesn't make it. He is NOT my brother in Christ.
In case you want him to come scratch your itching ears or if you just want to keep your distance I will identify him:
John Shelby Spong, the retired Episcopal bishop of Newark, N.J., is the author of the recently published "The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love" from HarperCollins and other books and essays on belief.
More Heresy can be found on his website.
www.johnshelbyspong.com
In the article the author who was an Episcopal Bishop says some of the dumbest things I have ever read. I am coming to the conclusion that people that attend seminary shouldn't be allowed to interpret the Bible. They never read it. At least this man never has. Otherwise he wouldn't be as ignorant in his allegations against the Word of God (which he doesn't think the Bible is).
My conclusion is he is trying to get on the lecture circuit in his retirement. The only way to do this is to say something reassuring to unbelievers lost in their sin and controversial to believers. If I stood up and said, "I believe the Bible is true and I trust it's counsel for my life" I will receive a collective yawn. I certainly won't get press on the front page of the Tribune's perspective section, a 10 minute interview on NPR and Today Show with Katie Couric.
He will gets lots of lectures among liberals. I hope he gets saved. You see, when I apply the 10 point test, he doesn't make it. He is NOT my brother in Christ.
In case you want him to come scratch your itching ears or if you just want to keep your distance I will identify him:
John Shelby Spong, the retired Episcopal bishop of Newark, N.J., is the author of the recently published "The Sins of Scripture: Exposing the Bible's Texts of Hate to Reveal the God of Love" from HarperCollins and other books and essays on belief.
More Heresy can be found on his website.
www.johnshelbyspong.com
Saturday, May 14, 2005
I Think I'll Run
I got this from a Pastor friend of Mine, Mike Johnson in Minnesota. I have had a few bumps in life, so I decided I would fit right in. On the other hand, any club that would have me for a member I would not want to join (WC Fields).
Can you imagine working for a company that has a little more than 500 employees and has the following statistics:
Can you guess which organization this is?
Give up yet?
It's the 535 members of the United States Congress.
Can you imagine working for a company that has a little more than 500 employees and has the following statistics:
- 29 have been accused of spousal abuse
- 7 have been arrested for fraud
- 19 have been accused of writing bad checks
- 117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
- 3 have done time for assault
- 71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
- 14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
- 8 have been arrested for shoplifting
- 21 are currently defendants in lawsuits
- 84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year
Can you guess which organization this is?
Give up yet?
It's the 535 members of the United States Congress.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Linkers and Thinkers
There are basically two kinds of Blogs, linkers and thinkers. Those who are primarily accumulations of links without much original content, and others.
I would like to believe people read my or any blog for creative content. I would like to but I am more and more convinced this is a little game of I poke you - you poke me. In this week's Forbes Magazine a column about the blogosphere mentioned this post. His complete analysis and a link to him makes the whole argument.
I wonder about LINKER type blogs 6 months old with way more links than thinks who have 20% of all the hits a much more original blog (mostly THINKER) written well that is nearly 3 years old. There's something wrong with this picture except for the fact that there is a blogger quid pro quo about which I know little and in which I choose not to participate.
Trevor Romain (Trevor's blog Read Below) is all original, all his own thinking and writing and it's spreading like wildfire because of it's quality. No gimmicks. No traffic builders. It that too much of a standard to reach for? I will strive to do better writing. The bar he has set is very high. Thanks for the challenge Trevor.
I will be true to myself and if you are my solo reader today I will be content. I think in the long run original thought with some documentation by link is more interesting than I-saw-this- linkism.
I would like to believe people read my or any blog for creative content. I would like to but I am more and more convinced this is a little game of I poke you - you poke me. In this week's Forbes Magazine a column about the blogosphere mentioned this post. His complete analysis and a link to him makes the whole argument.
I wonder about LINKER type blogs 6 months old with way more links than thinks who have 20% of all the hits a much more original blog (mostly THINKER) written well that is nearly 3 years old. There's something wrong with this picture except for the fact that there is a blogger quid pro quo about which I know little and in which I choose not to participate.
Trevor Romain (Trevor's blog Read Below) is all original, all his own thinking and writing and it's spreading like wildfire because of it's quality. No gimmicks. No traffic builders. It that too much of a standard to reach for? I will strive to do better writing. The bar he has set is very high. Thanks for the challenge Trevor.
I will be true to myself and if you are my solo reader today I will be content. I think in the long run original thought with some documentation by link is more interesting than I-saw-this- linkism.
Make it SO!
Captain Picard used this command to initiate action. The other day when a Cessna training plane strayed into DC airspace causing the keystone cop event that demonstrated our collective incompetence I kept asking myself,
Don’t they have a hailing frequency? I mean Captain Picard did. If he wanted to talk to any non-federation ship he would say, “open a channel on all hailing frequencies.” The problem it turns out is that the little plane (like my wife flies) wasn’t tuned to the right channel. 121.9 or something. If Picard could do this can’t the US Government blast an all possible little plane channels an emergency communication and hail that errant pilot without scrambling the Air Force or causing the white house staff to (Mostly) evacuate?? Am I missing something here? Could someone explain? Doesn’t anyone in government watch Star Trek Next Gen?
Another thing. In a post a couple days ago I postulated that the blog in whatever permutation it ends up will change everything. Newspapers are static non-dynamic unplugged blogs you can carry; magazines because of their narrower interest are interest specific static portable blogs. Talk radio had a big influence in the last century. Does anyone really believe this will continue exponentially? So, look at Star Trek again. Remember, “Personal Log, Star Date 4538-2”.
Will there be personal logs posted somewhere just like on Star Trek? Will it become a form of interpersonal relationship with people “Conversing face to face but not in real time”. Is that where it’s all headed? Or is it like in Logan’s Run where the “Machine” gins up someone who has entered the system looking for a relationship. Reading science fiction imaginings helps us understand where we could be heading.
I have seen every single Star Trek Next Gen. Some several times. Many are profound and a few are moving. And sadly are too many I think are just stupid. Star Trek comes out of my long-term love affair with Sci Fi. I confess much of what passes for Science Fiction today in literature and movies is banal. TV writers for the most part don’t get it. They don’t ask the questions that Star Trek or the Matrix did. Read some of the really old Science Fiction (Pre 1950) and you will see what I mean. Before it became profitable and commercial.
As I think about a book written in the early 50’s called “One Child Too Many”. A fictional story of a futuristic world where the population police will put you in jail for having too many children and contributing to the population problem. The saga had to do with the protagonist and his wife and child escaping capture. CHINA ANYONE?
Or consider the story, “The Machine Stops” written in 1909 where Lazy Boy Lardos live in a virtual machine controlled environment of space and relationships. The net goes down, they are stuck. So in desperation they emerge to the outside to discover the world is in fact a beautiful place. X-Box, Internet, TV, the World of Blog and therefore not having any actual personal relationships, how far are we from that today?
I won’t mention 1984, Animal Farm, War of the Worlds, Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 leagues under the Sea, The Martian Chronicles, and hundreds of others. They contain clues to what could be. They are not only cautionary but also helpful in understanding where we are. They contain specific “Prophetic” clues. Not Biblical but societal in prophetic terms.
I am teaching the Old Testament Prophecy of Zechariah right now. I am always amazed at how precise Biblical Prophecy is. Daniel, Zechariah and Revelations are The Drudge Report written thousands of years in advance of real time events; almost to the letter. We need to have ears to hear and eyes to see what the Spirit says.
Don’t they have a hailing frequency? I mean Captain Picard did. If he wanted to talk to any non-federation ship he would say, “open a channel on all hailing frequencies.” The problem it turns out is that the little plane (like my wife flies) wasn’t tuned to the right channel. 121.9 or something. If Picard could do this can’t the US Government blast an all possible little plane channels an emergency communication and hail that errant pilot without scrambling the Air Force or causing the white house staff to (Mostly) evacuate?? Am I missing something here? Could someone explain? Doesn’t anyone in government watch Star Trek Next Gen?
Another thing. In a post a couple days ago I postulated that the blog in whatever permutation it ends up will change everything. Newspapers are static non-dynamic unplugged blogs you can carry; magazines because of their narrower interest are interest specific static portable blogs. Talk radio had a big influence in the last century. Does anyone really believe this will continue exponentially? So, look at Star Trek again. Remember, “Personal Log, Star Date 4538-2”.
Will there be personal logs posted somewhere just like on Star Trek? Will it become a form of interpersonal relationship with people “Conversing face to face but not in real time”. Is that where it’s all headed? Or is it like in Logan’s Run where the “Machine” gins up someone who has entered the system looking for a relationship. Reading science fiction imaginings helps us understand where we could be heading.
I have seen every single Star Trek Next Gen. Some several times. Many are profound and a few are moving. And sadly are too many I think are just stupid. Star Trek comes out of my long-term love affair with Sci Fi. I confess much of what passes for Science Fiction today in literature and movies is banal. TV writers for the most part don’t get it. They don’t ask the questions that Star Trek or the Matrix did. Read some of the really old Science Fiction (Pre 1950) and you will see what I mean. Before it became profitable and commercial.
As I think about a book written in the early 50’s called “One Child Too Many”. A fictional story of a futuristic world where the population police will put you in jail for having too many children and contributing to the population problem. The saga had to do with the protagonist and his wife and child escaping capture. CHINA ANYONE?
Or consider the story, “The Machine Stops” written in 1909 where Lazy Boy Lardos live in a virtual machine controlled environment of space and relationships. The net goes down, they are stuck. So in desperation they emerge to the outside to discover the world is in fact a beautiful place. X-Box, Internet, TV, the World of Blog and therefore not having any actual personal relationships, how far are we from that today?
I won’t mention 1984, Animal Farm, War of the Worlds, Journey to the Center of the Earth, 20,000 leagues under the Sea, The Martian Chronicles, and hundreds of others. They contain clues to what could be. They are not only cautionary but also helpful in understanding where we are. They contain specific “Prophetic” clues. Not Biblical but societal in prophetic terms.
I am teaching the Old Testament Prophecy of Zechariah right now. I am always amazed at how precise Biblical Prophecy is. Daniel, Zechariah and Revelations are The Drudge Report written thousands of years in advance of real time events; almost to the letter. We need to have ears to hear and eyes to see what the Spirit says.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
BIRDSONG
Yesterday I was outside in the yard. I heard as THUMP. Looking around I saw a little bird of some kind (my ornithology skills are less than I hoped they would be). It had hit the front window of our living room window.
I must be getting more sensitive. In years past that would have been a simple clean up project. Dead Bird disposal brigade. I picked the little fellow up, I held him close to me for warmth (it’s cold here). I was about to give up when he gave a little shiver. For the next several minutes I held him and stroked his feathered head. He came around without mouth to beak resuscitation. I laid him in a boxwood plant in our front yard. He sat there for a few minutes, dusted himself off and flew away.
I’m a hunter. I like shooting grouse, doves, pheasants, geese, ducks and anything else legal and in season. I particularly like deer hunting. It serves a purpose and it’s part of the order of things. But a little innocent life like that little bird deserves my compassion and time. I’m glad I did. Maybe it’s a \/ testosterone thing of age. If it is, I’m OK with it.
I would like to believe that it had to do with my love for music and beauty. I have become convinced that birds sing in natural musical organization. I have heard enough pretty birdsongs to know that they have an instinctive ability to sing on key in an accessibly beautiful chromatic order.
There is a guy who has studied this. Why Birds Sing.
So maybe I saved or nursed an avian Beethoven. I will listen carefully this spring and see if I hear him in the orchestra.
UPDATE:
I just found his little carcass in the flower bed. Very sad. His recovery was short lived.
I must be getting more sensitive. In years past that would have been a simple clean up project. Dead Bird disposal brigade. I picked the little fellow up, I held him close to me for warmth (it’s cold here). I was about to give up when he gave a little shiver. For the next several minutes I held him and stroked his feathered head. He came around without mouth to beak resuscitation. I laid him in a boxwood plant in our front yard. He sat there for a few minutes, dusted himself off and flew away.
I’m a hunter. I like shooting grouse, doves, pheasants, geese, ducks and anything else legal and in season. I particularly like deer hunting. It serves a purpose and it’s part of the order of things. But a little innocent life like that little bird deserves my compassion and time. I’m glad I did. Maybe it’s a \/ testosterone thing of age. If it is, I’m OK with it.
I would like to believe that it had to do with my love for music and beauty. I have become convinced that birds sing in natural musical organization. I have heard enough pretty birdsongs to know that they have an instinctive ability to sing on key in an accessibly beautiful chromatic order.
There is a guy who has studied this. Why Birds Sing.
So maybe I saved or nursed an avian Beethoven. I will listen carefully this spring and see if I hear him in the orchestra.
UPDATE:
I just found his little carcass in the flower bed. Very sad. His recovery was short lived.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
A Wonderful Blog I Recommend
I want to give credit where due. Julie mentioned Trevor's Blog. I'm blown away.
If you want your heart touched and laugh at the same time read Trevor's blog. This is what the blogosphere does well. Above all the screaming, catty remarks and ironic observations (guilty as charged) are truly thoughtful emissions of humanity.
You Go Trevor. Thanks for being there.
If you want your heart touched and laugh at the same time read Trevor's blog. This is what the blogosphere does well. Above all the screaming, catty remarks and ironic observations (guilty as charged) are truly thoughtful emissions of humanity.
You Go Trevor. Thanks for being there.
Gutenberg LIVES
I believe that the world of the blog is changing everything. I didn't at first. I do now. Even very conservative people are now saying things you old pro's in blogging may have thought long ago.
1. The Gutenberg Press Brought the Word's truth to the Masses.
2. The blog and whatever permutations follow on behind which will be many is bring the masses truth to the masses.
Just as Gutenberg made it impossible for false religious leaders to lie about what the Bible said, the blog is making it impossible for News and Political leaders to lie about what is really happening. See Dan Rather.
This is a revolution. Pure and simple. Don't let the fact that you have been doing this for a while blind you, or that you don't see it yet. This is a big deal.
I must confess, I think Ariana Huffington (with whom I disagree on almost everything) has a good idea. Creating a virtual community of opinions accessible at a glance for review. Drudge Report of blogs of around a general mindset. Clever.
Ok, my right thinking friends, how bout it! Can we get over out independance and do better?
1. The Gutenberg Press Brought the Word's truth to the Masses.
2. The blog and whatever permutations follow on behind which will be many is bring the masses truth to the masses.
Just as Gutenberg made it impossible for false religious leaders to lie about what the Bible said, the blog is making it impossible for News and Political leaders to lie about what is really happening. See Dan Rather.
This is a revolution. Pure and simple. Don't let the fact that you have been doing this for a while blind you, or that you don't see it yet. This is a big deal.
I must confess, I think Ariana Huffington (with whom I disagree on almost everything) has a good idea. Creating a virtual community of opinions accessible at a glance for review. Drudge Report of blogs of around a general mindset. Clever.
Ok, my right thinking friends, how bout it! Can we get over out independance and do better?
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
I read it in a book, no radio
On National Liberal Public Radio over the weekend I heard a report on the Flossmoor public library in South Suburban Chicago. I have had a St Charles library card for 5 years. It's just like new. Unused.
I like to read but I don't find the local library all that inviting. Mostly made up of old retired folks (of which I am not) reading the newspapers.
But, hearing the story on NPR I came away with a clear impression that things are changing. I probably go to Barnes and Noble or Borders a half dozen times per month. What Flossmoor's librarian is trying to do is attract people like me and particularly younger folks to come give it a try. Free coffee. Bring your lunch, eat it in the library, rooms for study, free wireless internet, no interaction with any human to check out or return a book. These are all good things.
So, I know the purists among you all will swear this is apostasy of the worst kind. Guilty as charged. It means that we may have made progress.
All change is considered loss (at first) by most people. There is no improvement without change (not all change is improvement).
Now if we can just get concert halls to put in big comfy theater type seats that would be real progress.
I like to read but I don't find the local library all that inviting. Mostly made up of old retired folks (of which I am not) reading the newspapers.
But, hearing the story on NPR I came away with a clear impression that things are changing. I probably go to Barnes and Noble or Borders a half dozen times per month. What Flossmoor's librarian is trying to do is attract people like me and particularly younger folks to come give it a try. Free coffee. Bring your lunch, eat it in the library, rooms for study, free wireless internet, no interaction with any human to check out or return a book. These are all good things.
So, I know the purists among you all will swear this is apostasy of the worst kind. Guilty as charged. It means that we may have made progress.
All change is considered loss (at first) by most people. There is no improvement without change (not all change is improvement).
Now if we can just get concert halls to put in big comfy theater type seats that would be real progress.
Monday, May 09, 2005
Couch Spud Comic
10 years ago Kevin gave me this cartoon, Flowers for Trinitron. I dig it out from time to time in order to be reminded of the intellectual price I pay for being Potatoeia couchiana.
For many years he lived without TV to allow his artistic ventures to bloom. It worked.
My older son's family goes without TV for other reasons. There is no evidence of permanent brain damage so far.
In fact both seemed to do pretty well.
So, if you feel like you are missing something. I have 157 channels on my sat TV dish. I just checked. There's still nothing on.
I'll check later and keep you posted.
If you don't have TV or few channels it may be one of the reasons you are as creative as you are, J!
For many years he lived without TV to allow his artistic ventures to bloom. It worked.
My older son's family goes without TV for other reasons. There is no evidence of permanent brain damage so far.
In fact both seemed to do pretty well.
So, if you feel like you are missing something. I have 157 channels on my sat TV dish. I just checked. There's still nothing on.
I'll check later and keep you posted.
If you don't have TV or few channels it may be one of the reasons you are as creative as you are, J!
Class-less Art Project
I know I should be more understanding and openminded. This was ART. OK. I don't get it.
Maybe we should ask this 18 year old. He seems to have a handle on it.
What a mystery. Does truth have to be void of beauty? Maybe truth IS beauty.
It's good to think about these things. Makes watching Jerry Springer so much more enriching.
Maybe we should ask this 18 year old. He seems to have a handle on it.
What a mystery. Does truth have to be void of beauty? Maybe truth IS beauty.
It's good to think about these things. Makes watching Jerry Springer so much more enriching.
Sunday, May 08, 2005
The Carved Wooden Turtle
20 plus years ago our youngest, Kevin was part of a singing group that went into an old folks home in Fargo to sing a few Christmas Carols. I don’t know if it was a church or school group.
When he came home he showed me a small carved wooden turtle some elderly gentleman had given him in appreciation or something for the singing. I thought that odd. I wondered why? Who else might he have given it to who might have appreciated it more? Didn't he have any children? We moved it with us to Chicago when we moved. I see it in among the “stuff” from time to time.
Now that I am closer to his age (whatever that was) I am beginning to grasp what that act was all about. I don’t think if Kevin had gone back a year later the gentleman would have still been there. I doubt that he had other candidates for his stuff. This shot at immortality (being remembered) was giving away something he knew the attendants at the nursing home were going to throw away anyhow. He hoped he might be remembered positively by this act. It worked.
A few years ago after having been thru the burial and distribution of things left over from aunts and uncles on both sides of the family I have arrived at these conclusions:
So, be aware, if you express a positive opinion about anything which I might own, something I am now sort of over with, you will get it by parcel post if I have your address. I have a book collection numbering in the thousands. I have CDs and albums (vinyl) equal to that. I have collectables from all over the world. So, beware. I’m just like that man in Guatemala; I’ve got lots of stuff needing a new home. Watch your mailbox.
When he came home he showed me a small carved wooden turtle some elderly gentleman had given him in appreciation or something for the singing. I thought that odd. I wondered why? Who else might he have given it to who might have appreciated it more? Didn't he have any children? We moved it with us to Chicago when we moved. I see it in among the “stuff” from time to time.
Now that I am closer to his age (whatever that was) I am beginning to grasp what that act was all about. I don’t think if Kevin had gone back a year later the gentleman would have still been there. I doubt that he had other candidates for his stuff. This shot at immortality (being remembered) was giving away something he knew the attendants at the nursing home were going to throw away anyhow. He hoped he might be remembered positively by this act. It worked.
A few years ago after having been thru the burial and distribution of things left over from aunts and uncles on both sides of the family I have arrived at these conclusions:
- Everything I buy from this day forward will be given away, thrown away or sold at auction.
- Little of what I now own will mean much if anything to my offspring or their wives, they have enough of their own stuff.
- My brothers and sisters don’t want what I have accumulated in stuff.
- The final dumpster will only stacked higher and deeper the longer I keep things.
- If I want to do some good I must give it away now to someone, no matter who, who might value my “stuff” more than I do anymore.
So, be aware, if you express a positive opinion about anything which I might own, something I am now sort of over with, you will get it by parcel post if I have your address. I have a book collection numbering in the thousands. I have CDs and albums (vinyl) equal to that. I have collectables from all over the world. So, beware. I’m just like that man in Guatemala; I’ve got lots of stuff needing a new home. Watch your mailbox.
Saturday, May 07, 2005
V-E Day May 8, 1945
Tomorrow is Victory in Europe Day plus 60 years. I was 7 weeks old when victory was declared. I don’t remember it at all. I do remember the aftermath.
Growing up in small town America there were many opportunities to see the strong young men and women who had served in that brutal war. When I was 10 years old most of those veterans were an average age of 35; still young, erect and strong. On Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, and Homecoming we would have parades and the honor guard of veterans carrying the flag would walk by. Even at 10 yrs old I was impressed by the stature of these people.
I remember seeing Gold Star Mothers, those who had lost sons in battle. I didn’t understand it then. I barely do now. There were signs in windows in our town demonstrating the same thing. It was a holy thing.
These noble men and women are disappearing from the face of the earth. I wanted to once more say thank you to that Generation Brokaw called Greatest.
May those of us who now must carry that banner recognize and value the trail blazed before us and travel it with proper reverence. I will
Growing up in small town America there were many opportunities to see the strong young men and women who had served in that brutal war. When I was 10 years old most of those veterans were an average age of 35; still young, erect and strong. On Memorial Day, Flag Day, 4th of July, and Homecoming we would have parades and the honor guard of veterans carrying the flag would walk by. Even at 10 yrs old I was impressed by the stature of these people.
I remember seeing Gold Star Mothers, those who had lost sons in battle. I didn’t understand it then. I barely do now. There were signs in windows in our town demonstrating the same thing. It was a holy thing.
These noble men and women are disappearing from the face of the earth. I wanted to once more say thank you to that Generation Brokaw called Greatest.
May those of us who now must carry that banner recognize and value the trail blazed before us and travel it with proper reverence. I will
Clinton, I miss him, kinda
I saw XXX President Clinton on C-Span today. He was making a speech to a Jewish committee of some kind. I listened for 5 minutes or so. He was very good. I had forgotten how deep in knowledge and analysis of situations he could be. It was astounding.
I think George Bush is wonderful, a man of God, a strong ethical leader, a sure voice in an uncertain time. Lots of other things Clinton never was.
But, ol Bill was the best when it came to talking about issues on which I have little comprehension like Mid East Peace. He is a very smart man. When he talked to us as President, even though we knew he was lying much of the time, it was a pleasure to hear him do so. Like lovers in an illicit affair, nothing anyone says is truth but its very exciting stuff at the time.
I wonder if the cloning folks could do anything about getting a few speech making genes into our beloved leader. I’ll bet ol Bill wouldn’t miss em a bit.
I think George Bush is wonderful, a man of God, a strong ethical leader, a sure voice in an uncertain time. Lots of other things Clinton never was.
But, ol Bill was the best when it came to talking about issues on which I have little comprehension like Mid East Peace. He is a very smart man. When he talked to us as President, even though we knew he was lying much of the time, it was a pleasure to hear him do so. Like lovers in an illicit affair, nothing anyone says is truth but its very exciting stuff at the time.
I wonder if the cloning folks could do anything about getting a few speech making genes into our beloved leader. I’ll bet ol Bill wouldn’t miss em a bit.
Too Much PowerPoint Already you ADHD Heads
Teach me everything you know about trees Gene. Do it in 5 minutes. Alrighty then. I have 30 years in the business, a post graduate level of education in horticulture, and you want me to give you a 10 bullet points overview of everything I know. Curse you evil PowerPoint.
As if we didn’t have people with short enough attention spans promulgated by remote controls, microwave ovens, and now the internet, everyone thinks everything is easy like the home makeover shows. Give us a day and we’ll give you the world. 22-minute problem to full resolution TV sitcoms have created an expectation that anything can be mastered if we just had the right PowerPoint presentation. It’s not me you understand, it’s the poor PowerPoint presentation you prepared. We used to have Cliff notes to read great classics. Then they got too long.
I hear this all the time:
I know there are all kinds of quick and dirty cribs on the market to help you learn history, WordPerfect, math, exercise. You have seen these laminated sheets for sale in truck stops printed both sides that purport to give you all the information you will ever need. I confess I have bought them.
Video professor will make you a software engineer.
Then there were the quick learn a language books complete with vocab flash cards. I have several; Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, French and others. I lived in the hope that in the trip over to those countries I could master the language enough to “pass”. ADHD. If there were only a 5-minute PowerPoint to master Latin we would all be better for it? The illusion is we really believe this is possible. Its not!
So, my friends admit some of your ADHD’ness is laziness. Buy a book. Work. Study. Master it. For goodness sake try living without PowerPoint for a month. The shakes stop after two weeks.
I don’t know why this is so long, the ones who needed to read it stopped after the first line. Sighhhh
As if we didn’t have people with short enough attention spans promulgated by remote controls, microwave ovens, and now the internet, everyone thinks everything is easy like the home makeover shows. Give us a day and we’ll give you the world. 22-minute problem to full resolution TV sitcoms have created an expectation that anything can be mastered if we just had the right PowerPoint presentation. It’s not me you understand, it’s the poor PowerPoint presentation you prepared. We used to have Cliff notes to read great classics. Then they got too long.
I hear this all the time:
- I don’t have time to read like you do
- Just give me a quick overview
- Teach me how to __________________
- Could you give me one page that tells me all about it. BUY A BOOK!
I know there are all kinds of quick and dirty cribs on the market to help you learn history, WordPerfect, math, exercise. You have seen these laminated sheets for sale in truck stops printed both sides that purport to give you all the information you will ever need. I confess I have bought them.
Video professor will make you a software engineer.
Then there were the quick learn a language books complete with vocab flash cards. I have several; Japanese, Spanish, Portuguese, French and others. I lived in the hope that in the trip over to those countries I could master the language enough to “pass”. ADHD. If there were only a 5-minute PowerPoint to master Latin we would all be better for it? The illusion is we really believe this is possible. Its not!
So, my friends admit some of your ADHD’ness is laziness. Buy a book. Work. Study. Master it. For goodness sake try living without PowerPoint for a month. The shakes stop after two weeks.
I don’t know why this is so long, the ones who needed to read it stopped after the first line. Sighhhh
Blogging = The Pain of High School
1959 I became a freshman in EHS. Gangly, skinny, and a little nerdy.
This new world was Ruled by Seniors and Juniors who didn’t know or care that I existed. There were Jocks who roamed the halls with virile accomplishments. There were the tag along sycophants who were their “best friends”. There were the popular pretty girls. There were the Rock Star Guys, president of or leader in everything.
Much of the time in High School was about connections. If I knew him and he knew her then maybe she would know me. Jockeying for position was the game.
A few Juniors and Seniors befriended me. Very few. I was thankful for those who did. More like a charity case I guess. They had their clubs, cliques and groups most of which I was not allowed to be part of. There were teachers who tried to organize relationships into formal structures. This nearly always failed.
So the system developed into Freshmen and Sophomores laughing uproariously at Juniors and Seniors jokes to ingratiate themselves to these power brokers. Everyone wanted to be recognized and be part of the in crowd.
There were a few freshmen who were track stars, good looking, and who were adopted quickly by the Seniors. Most of us less athletic types who didn’t mesh well with the groupthink were seen as outsiders and shunned. It was political gamesmanship at it’s worst.
Heavens forbid if you had a view on something that you shared with an upperclassman that was outside the mainstream. You were considered narrow-minded or judgmental or not able to think for yourself (an accusation they often made against my brother John). We had to make a decision to either fit, go along to get along or be made an outcast. That has never been my style.
Some freshmen with good ideas and great ability chose rather to blend colorlessly into the wallpaper than to exercise their individuality and be put out of the High School social order.
Eventually I became a Senior. Self-absorbed I performed the task of ignoring the Freshmen coming up below me admirably. They were just as awkward an clueless as I had been. I would like to think that I was helpful and encouraging. I don’t know. I was to a few. Some of them remember me better than I remember them.
It is just about 6 months now since I entered Blogosphere High School. My experience has been nearly the same as 46 years ago. I click around 30 or 40 blogs from time to time and find little cliques and clubs most of whom I don’t want to be part of. I find a few which look like-minded. But you have to hold your mouth right to be accepted. I want to remember what this was like so later I can help upcoming freshmen. Nice to have a second chance to be nice.
The Blogosphere is just like High School. Isn’t that sad how far we haven’t come?
This new world was Ruled by Seniors and Juniors who didn’t know or care that I existed. There were Jocks who roamed the halls with virile accomplishments. There were the tag along sycophants who were their “best friends”. There were the popular pretty girls. There were the Rock Star Guys, president of or leader in everything.
Much of the time in High School was about connections. If I knew him and he knew her then maybe she would know me. Jockeying for position was the game.
A few Juniors and Seniors befriended me. Very few. I was thankful for those who did. More like a charity case I guess. They had their clubs, cliques and groups most of which I was not allowed to be part of. There were teachers who tried to organize relationships into formal structures. This nearly always failed.
So the system developed into Freshmen and Sophomores laughing uproariously at Juniors and Seniors jokes to ingratiate themselves to these power brokers. Everyone wanted to be recognized and be part of the in crowd.
There were a few freshmen who were track stars, good looking, and who were adopted quickly by the Seniors. Most of us less athletic types who didn’t mesh well with the groupthink were seen as outsiders and shunned. It was political gamesmanship at it’s worst.
Heavens forbid if you had a view on something that you shared with an upperclassman that was outside the mainstream. You were considered narrow-minded or judgmental or not able to think for yourself (an accusation they often made against my brother John). We had to make a decision to either fit, go along to get along or be made an outcast. That has never been my style.
Some freshmen with good ideas and great ability chose rather to blend colorlessly into the wallpaper than to exercise their individuality and be put out of the High School social order.
Eventually I became a Senior. Self-absorbed I performed the task of ignoring the Freshmen coming up below me admirably. They were just as awkward an clueless as I had been. I would like to think that I was helpful and encouraging. I don’t know. I was to a few. Some of them remember me better than I remember them.
It is just about 6 months now since I entered Blogosphere High School. My experience has been nearly the same as 46 years ago. I click around 30 or 40 blogs from time to time and find little cliques and clubs most of whom I don’t want to be part of. I find a few which look like-minded. But you have to hold your mouth right to be accepted. I want to remember what this was like so later I can help upcoming freshmen. Nice to have a second chance to be nice.
The Blogosphere is just like High School. Isn’t that sad how far we haven’t come?
Friday, May 06, 2005
I do believe, I do, I do maybe
I just read this review of The Revenge of the Sith. I want to believe it. I really do. My expectation on this is so low the bottom is up. Is it possible?? Is it? We'll see.
But, I’m a Person of Faith, Really, Honest, Cross my Heart, Swear to ????
I read a couple dead tree blogs every day. Wall Street Journal and Chicago Tribune. It takes a lot of pulpwood to feed my habit.
Today’s WSJ editorial page has a couple op-ed pieces about the religious right. I don'’t mind if a person wants to opine and says right off the bat, I’'m not a Christian, or I’'m an atheist. I can tolerate that. It’s pretend Christians I struggle with. You either is or you ain't.
I draw the line with phony baloney quasi Christians on NPR and talking head shows whose primary drone is, “"I'’m a person of faith and I don'’t agree"”. They will then trot out their thesis based purely on popular opinion. Their mantra is, "I go to church, I pray, I believe in God". I know lots of people who have all those qualifications who have nothing in common with the believers of conviction they criticize. They might be Muslim, Bahi, Hindu, Taoist or Buddhist. I don't consider them a brother or sister in Christ. A brother or sister in Christ knows who their father is and what his last will and testament says.
Barry Lind is the poster child, a “Minister” who’s primary service to the kingdom of God is seeing to it we don'’t have any of that sort of thing in any form anywhere. Not my spiritual kin.
So, Mr or Ms person of faith who disagrees so vehemently with the Christian Right in this country, Here’s a short quiz to see what the cultural divide really is all about..
Answer Yes or No to these questions:
Total the number you don’'t agree with completely and you will see why you might consider yourself a person of faith, but we don'’t. That is the true cultural divide. Sorry.
**I consider Devout Jews to be my Brothers and Sisters, I can't explain it but they are. I'm grafted in. They have just not yet come to faith in Jesus. They will.
Today’s WSJ editorial page has a couple op-ed pieces about the religious right. I don'’t mind if a person wants to opine and says right off the bat, I’'m not a Christian, or I’'m an atheist. I can tolerate that. It’s pretend Christians I struggle with. You either is or you ain't.
I draw the line with phony baloney quasi Christians on NPR and talking head shows whose primary drone is, “"I'’m a person of faith and I don'’t agree"”. They will then trot out their thesis based purely on popular opinion. Their mantra is, "I go to church, I pray, I believe in God". I know lots of people who have all those qualifications who have nothing in common with the believers of conviction they criticize. They might be Muslim, Bahi, Hindu, Taoist or Buddhist. I don't consider them a brother or sister in Christ. A brother or sister in Christ knows who their father is and what his last will and testament says.
Barry Lind is the poster child, a “Minister” who’s primary service to the kingdom of God is seeing to it we don'’t have any of that sort of thing in any form anywhere. Not my spiritual kin.
So, Mr or Ms person of faith who disagrees so vehemently with the Christian Right in this country, Here’s a short quiz to see what the cultural divide really is all about..
Answer Yes or No to these questions:
- I believe the Bible is the word of God and true from Genesis to Maps.
- I believe God is involved in the world and is passionate about it.
- I believe there is a literal heaven and eternal damnation.
- I believe Moses, Abraham, Joseph, Sampson, David, Daniel, and Noah are real people who lived and died on this planet.
- I believe evil is real and that there is a real Devil (Satan) who roams the earth.
- I believe life is sacred to God and cannot be taken without consequence.
- I believe miracles still happen in response to prayer and fasting.
- I believe God is a good God and wants only the best for his people.
- I believe Jesus was born, lived, died and rose from the dead and lives today
- I believe Jesus is truly God and the only way to redemption and salvation**.
Total the number you don’'t agree with completely and you will see why you might consider yourself a person of faith, but we don'’t. That is the true cultural divide. Sorry.
**I consider Devout Jews to be my Brothers and Sisters, I can't explain it but they are. I'm grafted in. They have just not yet come to faith in Jesus. They will.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
Long Long A'GORE
Growing up in rural ND as a teenager was a mixed blessing. In early High School I had a girlfriend. There's not much to report from that relationship except this one event. One sunny September afternoon I was walking her to the corner after school. She was upset, crying (15 yrs old). I being the center of everyone's universe in my eyes asked her what I had done to make her cry. She set me straight with these words, "What makes you think everything is about you". She was right and I never forgot it. I also didn't marry her. But thanks Jean wherever you are. I learned that day that sometimes people who are close to you have pain a part of which you don't play at all. It is egocentric to think you do, so get over your big bad self. It's not always about you.
This rush of memory (something those of us in our 7th decade do a lot) brought to you courtesy of Eric and his mention of a new compilation of Leslie Gore. You Don't Own Me is a great song and a good thing for young men to learn. I did.
Tip of the hat to Julie, see, I learned how to use the permalink. HA!
This rush of memory (something those of us in our 7th decade do a lot) brought to you courtesy of Eric and his mention of a new compilation of Leslie Gore. You Don't Own Me is a great song and a good thing for young men to learn. I did.
Tip of the hat to Julie, see, I learned how to use the permalink. HA!
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Miracles come from Expectancy
Many years ago I stopped to see an old college friend while I was working in Bismarck. She was operating a travel agency and I was organizing a Dale Carnegie Sales Training class. There's not much about the visit I recall except a poster on her wall which said "Anyone who doesn't believe in Miracles isn't being Realistic".
That saying impressed me. I have thought about it many times. It was a wind in my life's sail.
I do believe in miracles. I have seen many. Some come out of trust and faith in the potential for good from choices we make. Not everything we try works. Trust me, I've failed in some spectacular ways. I've been nearly bankrupt 3 times in my life. I have very wealthy (7 figures) twice. I'm just off the 3rd of 3.
So I should be more conservative, more cautious, not take a risk, right? I read this recently, "If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable you disconnect yourself from what you truly want and all that is left is a compromise".
So why this now? I don't know. I just know that I am too conservative sometimes. I have built some substantial businesses in my life. I have had a few crash and burn with disastrous results.
So I'm starting all over again, at my age. Oh, I'm OK, I'm not missing any meals (my waistline demonstrates that). I enjoy good things as much as ever.
I just have a new sense of optimism and expectancy I haven't had in a long time. I have no idea what it looks like. But there is a pony in that pile somewhere.
Wiser people than I have pronounced this truth of looking for good and shunning security for the sake of security. I was taken up short one time by a friend who said to me, "If you were as conservative and cautious as you are now 20 years ago, you would never have accomplished everything you have till now". He shocked and awed me. He was right. So, here are a few other thoughts. Maybe for you today.
Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.
James F. Byrnes (1879 - 1972)
Security is a kind of death.
Tennessee Williams (1911 - 1983)
There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity.
General Douglas MacArthur (1880 - 1964)
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature....
Helen Keller (1880 - 1968)
The one above is my favorite, written by a deaf, dumb and blind woman given up for nothingness of a state institution. Saved from it by an anointed woman of God. To offer hope and inspiration to those of us blessed to see, hear and speak. Press on! Expect a miracle!
That saying impressed me. I have thought about it many times. It was a wind in my life's sail.
I do believe in miracles. I have seen many. Some come out of trust and faith in the potential for good from choices we make. Not everything we try works. Trust me, I've failed in some spectacular ways. I've been nearly bankrupt 3 times in my life. I have very wealthy (7 figures) twice. I'm just off the 3rd of 3.
So I should be more conservative, more cautious, not take a risk, right? I read this recently, "If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable you disconnect yourself from what you truly want and all that is left is a compromise".
So why this now? I don't know. I just know that I am too conservative sometimes. I have built some substantial businesses in my life. I have had a few crash and burn with disastrous results.
So I'm starting all over again, at my age. Oh, I'm OK, I'm not missing any meals (my waistline demonstrates that). I enjoy good things as much as ever.
I just have a new sense of optimism and expectancy I haven't had in a long time. I have no idea what it looks like. But there is a pony in that pile somewhere.
Wiser people than I have pronounced this truth of looking for good and shunning security for the sake of security. I was taken up short one time by a friend who said to me, "If you were as conservative and cautious as you are now 20 years ago, you would never have accomplished everything you have till now". He shocked and awed me. He was right. So, here are a few other thoughts. Maybe for you today.
Too many people are thinking of security instead of opportunity. They seem more afraid of life than death.
James F. Byrnes (1879 - 1972)
Security is a kind of death.
Tennessee Williams (1911 - 1983)
There is no security on this earth, there is only opportunity.
General Douglas MacArthur (1880 - 1964)
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than exposure. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature....
Helen Keller (1880 - 1968)
The one above is my favorite, written by a deaf, dumb and blind woman given up for nothingness of a state institution. Saved from it by an anointed woman of God. To offer hope and inspiration to those of us blessed to see, hear and speak. Press on! Expect a miracle!
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
And you thought slavery was abolished
I’ll have to go to the final prequel to Star Wars. I am dreading it. I have come to the conclusion after the last two I suffered thru that if George Lucas would just come on the screen after we are all seated in the auditorium and say, “OK, I got you. You’ve paid your 8 bucks, you have your 11 dollars worth of popcorn and pop. Since it’s no better than what you were going to see, we just want to thank you for being a total idiot. Enjoy your popcorn and go home.” The screen would then go dark and that would be that. It would at least be honest.
I have to go you understand; Just as I had to see Matrix 2 and 3. I would have preferred they would have given me a pass on going; I would have mailed in my 8 bucks and skipped the popcorn. Now that I think of it, there are almost never sequels which even come close to the original. Rocky, Superman, Batman, Predator…..
That’s why I shudder to think that Adams wrote other books relating to Hitchhiker’s Guide. I smell a sequel. YUCK.
On the other hand there have been a very small handful of sequels that were as good as and in one case better; Spiderman and the Star Trek Next Gen movies.
So, like an obedient drone I’ll file into the theater in a couple weeks and whine like mad. Wait, I already did. I’m a prisoner of hope; I keep hoping I’ll be surprised. What are the chances? Maybe I’ll win a million in the lotto. Bout the same I’ll wager.
I have to go you understand; Just as I had to see Matrix 2 and 3. I would have preferred they would have given me a pass on going; I would have mailed in my 8 bucks and skipped the popcorn. Now that I think of it, there are almost never sequels which even come close to the original. Rocky, Superman, Batman, Predator…..
That’s why I shudder to think that Adams wrote other books relating to Hitchhiker’s Guide. I smell a sequel. YUCK.
On the other hand there have been a very small handful of sequels that were as good as and in one case better; Spiderman and the Star Trek Next Gen movies.
So, like an obedient drone I’ll file into the theater in a couple weeks and whine like mad. Wait, I already did. I’m a prisoner of hope; I keep hoping I’ll be surprised. What are the chances? Maybe I’ll win a million in the lotto. Bout the same I’ll wager.
We’re a Nation of Laws - and that's good?
I’ve heard this mantra enough lately to come to the conclusion that it’s doublespeak (1984). For instance, during the Terri Shaivo incident we heard constantly that “we’re a nation of laws”. This uttered by spineless politicians who knew the right things to do. Even my beloved Rush Limbaugh is in lockstep with this drumbeat.
In Hitchhikers Guide there were the fat ugly Vogons; bureaucratic drones that took their lunch breaks and did all their work according to a set of rules, laws and regulations that made everything gray. The irony was not lost on me. We are becoming Vogons. Not only in government but in business too.
I remember when AT&T was under the impression that it made laws in the late 70’s. If you tampered with or sent digital information over a voice line it was “against the law”. It was a culture shock when telecom was deregulated. When I told an AT&T employee that there was no law behind their rules it tipped her over. Companies always become more and more bureaucratic until they implode or are taken over by a more flexible creative competitor. It’s part of the life cycle.
It’s also part of the life cycle of nations. Germany and Russia were more and more nations of laws (particularly about Jews and political opponents) until they imploded. I worry about the USA.
I am not a liberal by any means. I do question everything I see or read. So sometimes what I hear my conservative brethren saying I question just as vigorously. Does that make me a libertarian? I don’t think labels work here. I think, I question. Is it still legal to do this? Will I go to jail?
Which brings me to the point: If as US politicos are famous for saying, “we are a nation of laws” my question is; Who’s Laws? The talk shows are full of self-righteous folks saying, “keep your nose clean, behave, and you don’t have to worry about the law”. I have done enough in-court time to tell you that it isn’t that simple. Not until you see the laws tyranny do you understand it’s potential for danger to you and yours.
Since 9-11 2001 we now have cameras everywhere, TSA, bank transactions over $1000 tracked, Patriot Act, Government of the, by the and for the Corporations (ie new bankruptcy bill), and a thousand other growing intrusions into your life’s road until you can barely keep from falling off this government imposed straight and narrow. In fact oppression comes when you do fall off and they have something to hold over your head. (Ve haf vays of making you talk)
Who’s making these laws we are a nation of? Un-elected Judges, bureaucrats, obscure lines in laws passed in omnibus spending bills, and rouge lobbyists with deep corporate pockets buying for sale politicians.
That’s who. Not you, Not me. It’s out of control.
This is not innocuous. In Toronto Canada they have allowed Sharia courts to pass judgment on Muslims. Can we be far behind? We need Muslim controlled oil don't we. How could we deny them this in the good old USA.
Iran is a nation of laws too. Take a look at this Justice being handed out.
Do we simply want to be a nation of laws abandoning all sense of reason and redress? I think we need to rethink this whole thing. Not lawlessness. Maybe laws bigger than a nation. Think about it. How about revisiting the bill of rights?
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