(Note: this is somewhat in response to a thread on facebook dealing with people referring to healthcare reform as "That nazi policy" and likening Obama to Hitler)
I do think that the US is a great country. One of our defining traits has been the ability to have liberty and diversity at the same time. Our worst moments as a country have been when we have been bitterly divided against each other to the point of no longer seeing what unites us (eg The Civil War). Our best moments have been when we acknowledge that while we may not agree, we are all in this together (eg 9/11). I am not so idealistic as to think that even in our most united moments absolutely everyone agrees about any given idea, policy, or endeavor. But it has been our ability to disagree but still work together that has put us ahead of any other country as a beacon of democracy. My current frustration has been the deepening and ongoing polarization of America. What started as red states vs. blue states has evolved to a point where there seems to be very little middle ground. Whether it is supreme court justice nominees, or plans to improve sectors of our society that really need it, or an effort to shore up an ailing economy- everything is presented in bulleted talking points and gross dichotomies. The population at large seems too lazy to think for themselves and so they let pundits and talking heads form their opinions. The media seems to use this tension to fuel its 24 hour news cycle. After all, it draws more viewers to show a town-hall brawl than to show people working side by side to accomplish something. Why we have allowed it to become about viewership and not about unbiased information is a whole ‘nother rant.
One of my greatest hopes with Obama as president was for some relief from that polarization, and frankly I have been disappointed- especially by the lack of effort put forth by both Democrats and Republicans to work across party lines. It seems like Democrats are playing a game of “tit for tat” payback after 8 years of Republican rule, and Republicans are playing at nursing their “I’m going to take my ball and go home” sore loser status. I want to say to all of them (and us) GROW UP! Put aside the petty partisan politics, and I might add the harmful vituperative rhetoric both sides are using, and GET TO WORK! Nothing is being accomplished and we are squandering both a glorious history and a shining future to stroke our egos. I am aware that I am asking that we stop doing politics as usual- and that may be asking too much. But it sure doesn’t seem like our current method is working.
As far as the Hitler analogies go- you can make those analogies with lots of leaders throughout history- some good and some bad. Most politicians gain favor, get elected or appointed and then use their power for good or ill. To equate anyone with Hitler or the Nazis is to say they are the worst of all people with an agenda of absolute evil. So, while I agree Obama has come into power riding a wave of popularity and has now set out to advance an agenda of egalitarianism- I don’t find the comparison to be equivocal and by using Hitler as the standard, you unnecessarily incite fear-mongering. It tends to shut down the conversation because it elicits so many strong emotions. And as I said earlier- I believe our greatest strength lies in talking, listening and working with each other despite our disagreements, rather than simply dividing into opposing sides and hurling insults at each other. And I remain thankful because we have the privilege to live in a place where we have the liberty to disagree frankly and openly while we still share a common foundation of freedom for all.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Friday, August 07, 2009
Sometimes you just have to say
I heard the news about director John Hughes sudden death yesterday- and I was suddenly transpoted back to watching a spate of movies that defined my micro-generation. I say micro-generation, because as generational theory goes, we are the first wave of the Gen X crowd, but being at the front part of that, we were still heavily under the boomer shadow, and at a loss for our identity. And cue John Hughes. As my cohort reached high school, he began to make films that represented our crew. Instead of watching the Big Chill crowd relive their glory years, we were finally given our own titles- the Breakfast Club, the Neo maxi zoom dweebs, the Duckies, the Brat Pack.
I won't go as far as to call John Hughes some incredible filmaker- some academy award winning postmodern genius- but he was true to life. And while reflecting what was going on in everyday American teenagers lives, or their high schools, or in their fantasies, he was also wickedly funny- both in a over the top Long-Duc-Dong way, and in a subtle, school secretary sniffing white-out kind of way. He also had a knack for exposing the increasing stratification and fracturalization that was going on in high schools everywhere. Whether he pointed out the injustices, like in Weird Science, or celebrated the things that could bridge those cliqueish chasms, like in Breakfast Club- he was acutely aware of how that social catergorization dynamic was the one thing all teenagers were experiencing. Unlike previous generations, where the football captain could also be the valedictorian, and think about a career in the military, while he rebuilds his mustang in the garage- Hughes understood the demands that were being placed on teens to declare an allegiance to one category and how everyone was labeled according to their group. You didn't cross the lines, however invisible and undefined they were. You were either a computer geek, a weirdo, a motorhead, a popular kid, a brain, a sporto, or a blood. (see Eddy McClurgs description to how popular Ferris is to Ed Rooney). And yet, he also gave us hope that we weren't bound forever in those roles.
Thus, he cast Molly Ringwald as the upperclass princess (Breakfast Club), the middle class suburban invisible kid (Sixteen candles) and the blue collar urban punk kid (Pretty in Pink). Anthony Michael Hall was a brainy geek (Breakfast club) a science geek (Weird Science) and an ultimately sucessful king of geeks (Sixteen Candles)- okay, so he's always a geek- oh well. But, he creates situations and scenes where the underlying teenage angst trumps the classifications, and as Suzanne Vega sings in one of the signature tracks on Pretty in Pink "I think that somehow, somewhere inside of us, we must be similar, if not the same". Which brings me to my last eulogy for Hughes- his understanding that music can also speak louder than dialogue. Also, that he would take relative unknown artists and use them to produce a soundtrack that was as reflective and evocative as the film itself.
Just remember if you don't stop and look around sometimes, life will pass you by. Thanks John.
I won't go as far as to call John Hughes some incredible filmaker- some academy award winning postmodern genius- but he was true to life. And while reflecting what was going on in everyday American teenagers lives, or their high schools, or in their fantasies, he was also wickedly funny- both in a over the top Long-Duc-Dong way, and in a subtle, school secretary sniffing white-out kind of way. He also had a knack for exposing the increasing stratification and fracturalization that was going on in high schools everywhere. Whether he pointed out the injustices, like in Weird Science, or celebrated the things that could bridge those cliqueish chasms, like in Breakfast Club- he was acutely aware of how that social catergorization dynamic was the one thing all teenagers were experiencing. Unlike previous generations, where the football captain could also be the valedictorian, and think about a career in the military, while he rebuilds his mustang in the garage- Hughes understood the demands that were being placed on teens to declare an allegiance to one category and how everyone was labeled according to their group. You didn't cross the lines, however invisible and undefined they were. You were either a computer geek, a weirdo, a motorhead, a popular kid, a brain, a sporto, or a blood. (see Eddy McClurgs description to how popular Ferris is to Ed Rooney). And yet, he also gave us hope that we weren't bound forever in those roles.
Thus, he cast Molly Ringwald as the upperclass princess (Breakfast Club), the middle class suburban invisible kid (Sixteen candles) and the blue collar urban punk kid (Pretty in Pink). Anthony Michael Hall was a brainy geek (Breakfast club) a science geek (Weird Science) and an ultimately sucessful king of geeks (Sixteen Candles)- okay, so he's always a geek- oh well. But, he creates situations and scenes where the underlying teenage angst trumps the classifications, and as Suzanne Vega sings in one of the signature tracks on Pretty in Pink "I think that somehow, somewhere inside of us, we must be similar, if not the same". Which brings me to my last eulogy for Hughes- his understanding that music can also speak louder than dialogue. Also, that he would take relative unknown artists and use them to produce a soundtrack that was as reflective and evocative as the film itself.
Just remember if you don't stop and look around sometimes, life will pass you by. Thanks John.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Happy Anniversary with Rhymes With Orange
It's been 16 years ago as of tomorrow that George and I took the plunge and pledged our lives together. So, I thought I'd share two tidbits in the funnies that made us laugh this week- one at my expense and one at his. He is still my best friend and understands my humor better than anyone- and loves me anyway! Here's to many more laughs and years together! (Credit to Rhymes With Orange cartoon strip by Hillary Price)
Friday, June 19, 2009
I am not among my tribe- encore presentation
Just sharing what I thought was an apt post from last summer, as, sigh, it still applies. Maybe I'll get a photo up that shows what I mean soon. Again, sigh. Enjoy!
It happens every summer. First is the excitement that summer is finally here. It's a part of my DNA- the internal alarm clock that says, "it's here! It's here! Summer is finally here!" For many many years, the clanging of that alarm meant one thing for me: Summer camp. A pilgrimage to the holy mountain, where like many a traveler on his way to Jerusalem, I sang the songs of ascent and inwardly squealed (and sometimes outwardly) with excitement over finally climbing the mount and entering my temple of summer. For a few years, it meant the precious few weeks of being a camper- and then for a few more years, the work, joy, exhaustion, exhilaration and fun of being on staff. And then, several years later the amazement of watching a year's worth of planning and paperwork turn itself into a cool camp experience while I served as director.
More than anything though, the one feeling I loved at camp was the feeling that this is where I belonged. I had no yearning for home or my own bed (maybe more sleep, but my bunk was just fine). I had rough times and hard times and yucky times, but even in those times, I felt like I was doing what I was made to do. It was a perfect fit if there could be such a thing. I deeply felt and understood the difference between a job and a calling.
But, now, as summertime crests and breaks into routines of pool time and family cookouts, I feel like the Jews of Psalm 137, who having been exiled to a foreign land, are asked to sing songs from home to entertain their captors. My loose paraphrase goes (with apologies to Don McLean) "By the waters of Babylon Community Pool, we laid out and wept for thee summer camp." I look around and feel like an alien in a strange land, having been banished and sent out to live among a new tribe. I have been exiled to the land of the Suburbanite tribe, with their strange costumes of capris, leather sandals, and highlighted hair, with rituals of swim meets and play-dates. There I sit in my native dress of jean shorts and t-shirts and closed-toe shoes and I feel disconnected. My fallback position isn't shopping at the mall, it's starting a fire in my back yard and roasting marshmallows while my kids catch fireflies. I find myself inviting over friends and making them participate in 'evening programs,' and I start to teach my son how to play guitar even as he starts to pack for his own precious week away at camp.
Somewhere in my innermost self is an awareness of the fact that camp time is slipping away. Even as I look at the weather radar and immediately check camp locations for impending thunderstorms, I know the summer is racing by, and while I am making the most of it, I am still missing camp. My good friend and camp director Leslie recently said of camp, "once it gets in your blood, its always with you." So true. I can't slice a watermelon without thinking of the kid who gets the corner/end piece. I can't pass up a good deal on water balloons at the dollar store. I watch all the summer movies with a thought to how it could be spoofed in a 10 minute skit. I make up my son's loft bed making sure I get all the sheets tucked in underneath so they don't hang down for points off....
So, as I lay out by the waters of Babylon-burbia and sing camp songs in my head, I will remember thee- my Zion of Summer Camp
-and I might just make a lanyard for my key chain.
It happens every summer. First is the excitement that summer is finally here. It's a part of my DNA- the internal alarm clock that says, "it's here! It's here! Summer is finally here!" For many many years, the clanging of that alarm meant one thing for me: Summer camp. A pilgrimage to the holy mountain, where like many a traveler on his way to Jerusalem, I sang the songs of ascent and inwardly squealed (and sometimes outwardly) with excitement over finally climbing the mount and entering my temple of summer. For a few years, it meant the precious few weeks of being a camper- and then for a few more years, the work, joy, exhaustion, exhilaration and fun of being on staff. And then, several years later the amazement of watching a year's worth of planning and paperwork turn itself into a cool camp experience while I served as director.
More than anything though, the one feeling I loved at camp was the feeling that this is where I belonged. I had no yearning for home or my own bed (maybe more sleep, but my bunk was just fine). I had rough times and hard times and yucky times, but even in those times, I felt like I was doing what I was made to do. It was a perfect fit if there could be such a thing. I deeply felt and understood the difference between a job and a calling.
But, now, as summertime crests and breaks into routines of pool time and family cookouts, I feel like the Jews of Psalm 137, who having been exiled to a foreign land, are asked to sing songs from home to entertain their captors. My loose paraphrase goes (with apologies to Don McLean) "By the waters of Babylon Community Pool, we laid out and wept for thee summer camp." I look around and feel like an alien in a strange land, having been banished and sent out to live among a new tribe. I have been exiled to the land of the Suburbanite tribe, with their strange costumes of capris, leather sandals, and highlighted hair, with rituals of swim meets and play-dates. There I sit in my native dress of jean shorts and t-shirts and closed-toe shoes and I feel disconnected. My fallback position isn't shopping at the mall, it's starting a fire in my back yard and roasting marshmallows while my kids catch fireflies. I find myself inviting over friends and making them participate in 'evening programs,' and I start to teach my son how to play guitar even as he starts to pack for his own precious week away at camp.
Somewhere in my innermost self is an awareness of the fact that camp time is slipping away. Even as I look at the weather radar and immediately check camp locations for impending thunderstorms, I know the summer is racing by, and while I am making the most of it, I am still missing camp. My good friend and camp director Leslie recently said of camp, "once it gets in your blood, its always with you." So true. I can't slice a watermelon without thinking of the kid who gets the corner/end piece. I can't pass up a good deal on water balloons at the dollar store. I watch all the summer movies with a thought to how it could be spoofed in a 10 minute skit. I make up my son's loft bed making sure I get all the sheets tucked in underneath so they don't hang down for points off....
So, as I lay out by the waters of Babylon-burbia and sing camp songs in my head, I will remember thee- my Zion of Summer Camp
-and I might just make a lanyard for my key chain.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Burly Girls for Jesus
So, I've been thinking about gender identities lately. No telling what brought it on- could be I'm the only woman in my household, or that I have been doing lots of gardening and outside work with school, church and home- or that its Mother's Day weekend and according to common wisdom I should be picking out jewelry or that I just finished mowing the back yard. I was especially reflecting on how I am uncategorizable. I don't easily fit into a genre of "girl" or "woman" "wife" "mom" or especially "Proverbs 31 Lady."
I was also struck by how my general circles of female friends seem to fall on two ends of a spectrum. They are either the type who love God and know how to accessorize, or they distrust religion, but really get into the outdoors. It seems like the ones I know who are the most interested in the outdoor activities that I am into- they have this healthy skepticism of religion, especially the organized variety, and they are much more likely to incorporate a little buddhism or naturalist/deist type theology, or just generally don't jive with the standard Christian curriculum. Then I have friends who I connect with on the church thing- understand the setup, get into deep Bible study, can throw down on some worship, but they don't particularly do the whole "save the planet" thing and they aren't what I would call "outdoor enthusiasts". As I reflected on this, I again found myself out of category. Of course I realize these are my own creations- and they are broad (forgive the pun) brush strokes of females I know. Noone can be easily sorted if you know them well enough, but I do see trends and tendencies. So, I came up with a sort of contiuum to help me sort this out. On one end, we'll place the church-going but not so outdoorsy type- and their generic label will be "Girly girls". On the other end, let's put those who are the more crunchy granola/outdoor/non-religious type. These I title "Burly girls." Obviously most women will fall somewhere along the spectrum, but I of course, identify strongly with both ends- and I think that makes for some cognitive dissonance for me. I am thankful, though, that cultural norms and acceptance has made this much less of an issue than it was when I was younger or especially for previous generations. Noone really cares as much anymore if you show up to church in your Tevas- but there is still a vestige of "southern lady" imbedded in me to keep me in my sensible flats, and certainly out of white after Labor Day. And lastly, before I lay out my end-pole definitions, let me say that I love finding those who can straddle the poles with me and I gravitate to odd birds like myself- my Burly girls for Jesus.
I could keep going, but you get the idea. I'm not trying to slam either end, as I said before I identify with both. I can't help but make a few pokes at both ends either. And I really want to hear from those of you who know all the references on both lists- for that would make you a member of the BGFJ sisterhood. Rock on.
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
what is it about spring
It's spring again.
As if there weren't enough poems, sonnets, songs, psalms and reflections on the sides of tea boxes written about it.
But it does stir my feeble word bank-
It is a remarkable thing no matter how often it happens.
The green creeps slowly up the side of my backyard mountain
until it begins to look like a burly farmboy
who rose early and has only one strap of his overalls fastened
as the other dangles behind him
waiting to be employed-
The wisteria and honeysuckle leap from the ground to send explosions of color
like pastel fireworks in a sky of barren branches
the live embers land as daffodils and tulips on the ground.
Once again I realize we won't forever be kept in the cold and dark
like my unused onion bulbs in the back of the refrigerator crisper
if we can make it another few weeks and soak in the drizzle and withstand the cool wind
then we will feel the warmth and the sun, and even start to complain about the humidity.
I can see the chance for renewal and rebirth, even if I can't find those wild asparagus patches-
and I am reminded that God still likes us.
As if there weren't enough poems, sonnets, songs, psalms and reflections on the sides of tea boxes written about it.
But it does stir my feeble word bank-
It is a remarkable thing no matter how often it happens.
The green creeps slowly up the side of my backyard mountain
until it begins to look like a burly farmboy
who rose early and has only one strap of his overalls fastened
as the other dangles behind him
waiting to be employed-
The wisteria and honeysuckle leap from the ground to send explosions of color
like pastel fireworks in a sky of barren branches
the live embers land as daffodils and tulips on the ground.
Once again I realize we won't forever be kept in the cold and dark
like my unused onion bulbs in the back of the refrigerator crisper
if we can make it another few weeks and soak in the drizzle and withstand the cool wind
then we will feel the warmth and the sun, and even start to complain about the humidity.
I can see the chance for renewal and rebirth, even if I can't find those wild asparagus patches-
and I am reminded that God still likes us.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
He's only MOSTLY dead
I saw a headline today "Certain health habits can raise your risk of mortality". Hmm. Really. How do you increase the chances that you will die? I mean, as best as I can do the math, the human race has a 100% mortality risk. We all die. It's the only certainty in life behind taxes and the Cubs losing. So, what is it that you can do to increase your mortality risk? Must be some new calculation. Upon checking the link, it was about how eating red meat raised the chances of people dying from cancer and heart attack. So, your heart attack chances and cancer chances have increased- but I would say your mortality risk is probably just about where it was when you started. You will die- when and how are a little more vague, but that you will is certain. One of my friends said she wanted to raise her IMmortality risk. I'm of the mind, that too is pretty yes or no- either you will or you won't- I guess you could argue for a differentiation of immortal life as a ghost, or a cursed pirate, or a zombie, or an angel, or a demon.....wow. That got depressing fast, didn't it? Well, maybe at least the title will make you laugh, as Hollywood obviously ignores the 100% dead rule. I guess I don't feel so bad since I haven't been mostly dead all day. In fact, I've been rather alive, and I like it that way! L'chaim!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Humanity-warning: cyncism ahead
So, I was thinking about some news bits of late- most especially the stem cell legislation by our new president. I was disappointed in that, because they have already figured out how to get skin cells to act like stem cells, so they can get all they need and the necessity of destroying embryos should have been made moot- but for the sake of alacrity and convenience, they want to continue to use embryonic cells, because the process for 'changing' skin cells to stem cells is evidentially more complicated than I know.
And that sort of sums up the American way to me right now- why sacrifice or work harder if you don't have to? Get all the perks and bonuses you can, and why do things differently than we have done in the past 20 years? And, I think connected to that is the concept of immediate gratification and immediate disposal. Our entire ethos and identity can be summed up in the word "consume". Take whatever you can get, pleasure yourself or amass resources for later and continued pleasure, and when you finish with something- simply dispose of it.
As I quoted in my piece from Mr. Mullins, when we see human life as a means to an end, we take all value from it. It is something to be used, consumed, and thrown away when we are finished with it. I guess my cynicism on this has been fed by numerous stories of late- such as the mother who kept her child in a closet for 7 years (story here) or the Texas institute for mentally handicapped folks whose staff set them up in human cockfights (story here) or in the case of the Octo-mom, who needed to have kids to fulfill her own needs (Nadya Suleman was "fixated" on wanting a "huge family" because she wanted "more affection from [her] mother."She volunteered that much of her motivation was about "me projecting my own wants and wishes onto my children."). How about the Austrian father who imprisoned his daughter and repeatedly raped her for 20 plus years? The atrocities of Abu Graib prison in Iraq (and the stories which will come from Guantanamo). The innumerable children enslaved across the world(including the ones in the US sold for drugs) in the sex trade? I could go on and on and on.
I realize there are bright stories of human triumph and caring, of heroics and justice that can counter every headline grabbing negative piece I can come up with. I know that people aren't intrinsically evil, hopelessly selfish and beyond redemption. What my current disappointment rests most in is that I had hoped we would begin to hear from our leadership some appeals to our better angels. One of the most disappointing moments after 9/11 was George Bush telling us to go and shop or the terrorists win. Be a mindless consumer, buy things and live life as normal, or those who oppose us win. With a new administration, two wars and a tough economic time, I really was hoping to hear of some appeals to sacrifice- to give for the common good- some serious butt-kicking and name taking amongst the bloated corporate bonus culture (especially the record breaking profitable Oil industry). I have heard Obama's rhetoric, and it puzzles me why he will not step up on economic and energy issues and push a hard line for reform and sacrifice- giving substance to the claims that Americans are about more than maintaining a cushy, rich, over the top lifestyle. Instead he continues to hold a hard line on those issues which cheapen our value- which say we have as much arrogance as anyone on the planet- and we can decide when life begins, and what is worth keeping and what is not- and for the sake of expediency and simple definition of oneself as everything the past administration was not, will let the ends justify the means- and use federal money to pay for it. And on the money side of things- well, let's stimulate (a very sex-filled term) the economy with bajillions of dollars so things can just keep going as normal- we can keep on our path of selfish pleasure seeking fun. I just want one congressman or senator (or even the president) to say, "Here's half my salary- given the current state of things- I can do without." I mean, seriously, since Obama's meals, housing, transportation, security and all office supplies are paid for, don't you think he could symbolically take a pay cut? Maybe even 10%? But why bring that much change to Washington- wasn't it OK the way it was?
And that sort of sums up the American way to me right now- why sacrifice or work harder if you don't have to? Get all the perks and bonuses you can, and why do things differently than we have done in the past 20 years? And, I think connected to that is the concept of immediate gratification and immediate disposal. Our entire ethos and identity can be summed up in the word "consume". Take whatever you can get, pleasure yourself or amass resources for later and continued pleasure, and when you finish with something- simply dispose of it.
As I quoted in my piece from Mr. Mullins, when we see human life as a means to an end, we take all value from it. It is something to be used, consumed, and thrown away when we are finished with it. I guess my cynicism on this has been fed by numerous stories of late- such as the mother who kept her child in a closet for 7 years (story here) or the Texas institute for mentally handicapped folks whose staff set them up in human cockfights (story here) or in the case of the Octo-mom, who needed to have kids to fulfill her own needs (Nadya Suleman was "fixated" on wanting a "huge family" because she wanted "more affection from [her] mother."She volunteered that much of her motivation was about "me projecting my own wants and wishes onto my children."). How about the Austrian father who imprisoned his daughter and repeatedly raped her for 20 plus years? The atrocities of Abu Graib prison in Iraq (and the stories which will come from Guantanamo). The innumerable children enslaved across the world(including the ones in the US sold for drugs) in the sex trade? I could go on and on and on.
I realize there are bright stories of human triumph and caring, of heroics and justice that can counter every headline grabbing negative piece I can come up with. I know that people aren't intrinsically evil, hopelessly selfish and beyond redemption. What my current disappointment rests most in is that I had hoped we would begin to hear from our leadership some appeals to our better angels. One of the most disappointing moments after 9/11 was George Bush telling us to go and shop or the terrorists win. Be a mindless consumer, buy things and live life as normal, or those who oppose us win. With a new administration, two wars and a tough economic time, I really was hoping to hear of some appeals to sacrifice- to give for the common good- some serious butt-kicking and name taking amongst the bloated corporate bonus culture (especially the record breaking profitable Oil industry). I have heard Obama's rhetoric, and it puzzles me why he will not step up on economic and energy issues and push a hard line for reform and sacrifice- giving substance to the claims that Americans are about more than maintaining a cushy, rich, over the top lifestyle. Instead he continues to hold a hard line on those issues which cheapen our value- which say we have as much arrogance as anyone on the planet- and we can decide when life begins, and what is worth keeping and what is not- and for the sake of expediency and simple definition of oneself as everything the past administration was not, will let the ends justify the means- and use federal money to pay for it. And on the money side of things- well, let's stimulate (a very sex-filled term) the economy with bajillions of dollars so things can just keep going as normal- we can keep on our path of selfish pleasure seeking fun. I just want one congressman or senator (or even the president) to say, "Here's half my salary- given the current state of things- I can do without." I mean, seriously, since Obama's meals, housing, transportation, security and all office supplies are paid for, don't you think he could symbolically take a pay cut? Maybe even 10%? But why bring that much change to Washington- wasn't it OK the way it was?
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
What does it mean to be human?
I have been reminded of this piece several times in the past few weeks (more on that later). Rich Mullins recited this as a quasi-robotic neo-electronic sounding intro to his song about the wisdom of God versus our arrogance of "higher education". It is a profound insight from 1989 that makes me continue to miss Rich Mullins.
“What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be human? I cannot help but suspect that at one time in the history of thinking that people believed that it meant that we were spiritual and that we could make choices and were capable of aspiring to higher ideals... like maybe loyalty or maybe faith... or maybe even love. But now we are told by people who think they know, that we vary from amoeba only in the complexity of our makeup and not in what we essentially are. They would have us think as Dysart said that we are forever bound up in certain genetic reigns - that we are merely products of the way things are and not free – not free to be the people who make them that way. They would have us see ourselves as products so that we could believe that we were something to be made -something to be used and then something to be disposed of. Used in their wars - used for their gains and then set aside when we get in their way. Well, who are they? They are the few who sit at the top of the heap - dung heap though it is – and who say it is better to reign in Hell than to serve in Heaven. Well, I do not know that we can have a Heaven here on earth, but I am sure we need not have a Hell either. What does it mean to be human? I cannot help but believe that it means we are spiritual - that we are responsible and that we are free - that we are responsible to be free.”
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Fun with geometry
So, I ran across this unique visual humorist (?) for lack of a better title- Jessica Hagy- many may already know her and have seen this, but as we approach Lent, and the Great Litany next week (reminds me way to much of the opening scene of Monty Python's Holy Grail with the monks whacking themselves on the head with boards) I thought a little 7 deadly sins humor was in order- enjoy! (here's the link if you want it). Also, her blogsite- thisisindexed
Monday, February 02, 2009
made me laugh
On Phineas and Ferb:
dad:"Did you hear they found a cure for antidisestablishmentarianism?"
mom:" Oh good, I can finally stop wearing this puce ribbon."
This is followed by the "Squirrels in my Pants" dance by Candace.
Hee, hee.
dad:"Did you hear they found a cure for antidisestablishmentarianism?"
mom:" Oh good, I can finally stop wearing this puce ribbon."
This is followed by the "Squirrels in my Pants" dance by Candace.
Hee, hee.
Monday, January 19, 2009
I hope this doesn't mean he wants to join a cult
So we've all seen, laughed at, heckled and chuckled at the Snuggie- the blanket with sleeves (who evidently is getting some hard competition from the sleeved blanket- or Slanket!). It's not the idea so much- you know- stay warm under the blanket and still have hands free to knit, type, update your blog. As a concerned blanket thermodynamic equilibrium manager myself, I appreciate the idea of not allowing cold air into your cocoon while still being able to interact with the world. No, what moved this product from OK idea into every late night comedian's object of derision was the TV ads which showed people moving the snuggie from its rightful place on the couch to several unsuitable and inappropriate locations such as around the family marshmallow firepit, or in front of a cozy fire with two grown adults playing games, or the favorite: the family of four in matching snuggies at a football game standing and cheering in their ultra-dorky, matching, monastic somewhat cult-like snuggies- and looking happy while they're at it.
Well, advertising is a powerful medium, and my sons have been completely taken in by the snuggie- particularly Josh, who loves pillows, blankets and the whole concept of snuggling. He has been angling for a Snuggie- to which I replied I thought it would be a waste of good Christmas money, for he would have to buy such items on his own, as I would not be taken in. But again, I heard him watching the commercial tonight and lamenting that to buy the Snuggie, and pay shipping and handling would deplete his holiday savings- but maybe he would do it. Inspiration struck. I went into my closet, dug into an old box of clothes and came out with a very large terrycloth thick robe given to my mom on a conference retreat and embroidered with her initials on the sleeve (JBS). I came out and told Josh I had a Snuggie for him- had him stand up and proceeded to put it on him backwards- he was ecstatic! He was amazed! Where had I found that marvelous thing? I must be magic! He wasn't even put off when I explained it was just a robe turned backwards! He immediately settled in on the recliner and proceeded to use his Snuggie in proper lounging fashion. He was even more impressed when I pointed out it had pockets! He modeled it proudly for his big brother when Burke got home-and even remarked, "Now it comes in grey!" Lastly, we have appropriated the intials to stand for "Josh's Best Snuggie". So- for all who want a cheap solution to your snuggie dilemma, please find an old robe and wear it backwards. It won't stimulate the economy- but maybe it will keep you from thinking you can get away with wearing it in public!
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Everyone, get on the floor...
Time to walk the llamas! This is the second year Burke's cub scout group has gotten the 'honor' of leading a group of llamas in the Travelers Rest Christmas parade. Like the many other wonderful small town parades in the US for Christmas time- TR has a great 1 mile long route lined with every variety of humanity and involving all sorts of floats and convertible parade participants. Josh's den and the rest of the troop rode on the back of a large farm trailer decorated with a tent and a christmas tree. It was quite a show... here are some pics...
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Oh Ro-oo-bb
I have this way of hearing or seeing people and thinking they remind me of someone, and this morning while listening to NPR I had this revelation. They were doing an interview with Sec. of State Condolezza Rice and as she spoke I was suddenly hearing Laura Petrie's voice from the Dick Van Dyke show! They had the same inflection and tone, and while the content was assuredly different, they sounded much alike. And as I thought about it, I realized that with her 'Condi-flip' hair style- Sec. Rice actually looks like Mary Tyler Moore's character in the 60's (of course, minus some pigmentation). So, I googled some pictures so you can see for yourself and decide if I'm onto something or need to go sleep in my own twin bed tonight.
And I couldn't resist putting these in, although the resemblence isn't quite as strong- I still like the juxtaposition of strong educated woman with a goofy comedian behind her...
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Why is that such a bad thing?
So, another burr in my saddle lately has been this amazing tactic by the Republican party at the end of the campaign to label Obama a socialist. You remember, Joe the Plumber, spread the wealth, all that jazz? What was so bothersome to me about it was that this was said with the venom of labeling someone a godless pagan child sacrificer. The Republicans wanted to claim their place as the mouthpiece of God- as the standard bearers of the Christian Gospel- the protectors of all that is right and good and holy and that can't include Socialism. The reason it can't include Socialism is a two-fold error in my opinion.
First, all socialism is immediately and forever associated with godless socialism, or communism- most especially socialism as it was/is found in the USSR, China and despite the presence of some amazing and beautiful cathedrals, France. These countries had experiments with socialism that turned into communism and either forbid religion or make it out to be a social ill. Marx did say religion was the opiate of the masses, but the totalitarian governments of Mao and Stalin were the ones who made it criminal. I am horrified at the way these countries have treated people because of their faith. (And yet, most Christians in America must not have too much trouble with how their brethren in China are treated as long as we can continue to get cheap Chinese goods for a low price at Wal-mart et al. ) In some ways it has been a way to define ourselves against those countries- The US is democratic, Christian and believes in individual property. The others are socialist/communist with dictators and politburos and everything is owned communally. So, since our historical and world knowledge tends to be limited, we equate all socialist activities with the godless communist type. A definite misunderstanding of the basic definition of socialism.
Secondly, there is a fundamental misunderstanding of Christianity. Yep. you read that right. The party of the religious right is wrong in this regard. Now, its only wrong if you take a fairly literal reading of the scriptures. Literal. Not ambiguous. Take the scriptures at face value. Like this one:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 2:32 (followed by the object lesson of Ananias and Sapphira who were struck dead because they failed to fully participate in communal living).
or how about this one:
"the land must not be sold permanently because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants" Leviticus 25:23 in God's instructions to the Israelites about their promised land.
How about from Mark 10:
"One thing you lack' he said 'Go, sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Jesus' instructions to the rich man, who couldn't do it.
or "therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" Galatians 6:10
and lastly
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." 1 Tim 6:17-18
Over and over again, I read the scriptures and find the instruction to be about letting go of belongings, money and stuff and instead to take care of others, to focus on God, to worship by having a lifestyle of sacrifice and sharing- not accumulating as much stuff as possible and guarding it by not having it taxed or 'spread' around to those who need it more than me. I find that God constantly reminds us that it's not our stuff in the first place, it's his- and we are given blessings so that we can then be his agents of blessing for others. It's my interpretation of course, but I can't help but think that those who claim to be both righteous Christians and completely anti-socialist haven't been reading their scriptures the same way I have. I'm not ready to change my party affiliation to socialist, nor do I think the US needs to become a socialist country. But like my previous post on inconsistency- don't say you're representing God's worldview and then speak something that is fairly antithetical to scripture- since when is protectionist greed the way of God? I am thankful we live in a country that allows me the right to say this- and someone else the right to completely disagree. But in the end, I think that to advocate 'spreading the wealth' from those who have too much to those in need- well to me that sounds like a really Christian thing to say, socialist or not.
First, all socialism is immediately and forever associated with godless socialism, or communism- most especially socialism as it was/is found in the USSR, China and despite the presence of some amazing and beautiful cathedrals, France. These countries had experiments with socialism that turned into communism and either forbid religion or make it out to be a social ill. Marx did say religion was the opiate of the masses, but the totalitarian governments of Mao and Stalin were the ones who made it criminal. I am horrified at the way these countries have treated people because of their faith. (And yet, most Christians in America must not have too much trouble with how their brethren in China are treated as long as we can continue to get cheap Chinese goods for a low price at Wal-mart et al. ) In some ways it has been a way to define ourselves against those countries- The US is democratic, Christian and believes in individual property. The others are socialist/communist with dictators and politburos and everything is owned communally. So, since our historical and world knowledge tends to be limited, we equate all socialist activities with the godless communist type. A definite misunderstanding of the basic definition of socialism.
Secondly, there is a fundamental misunderstanding of Christianity. Yep. you read that right. The party of the religious right is wrong in this regard. Now, its only wrong if you take a fairly literal reading of the scriptures. Literal. Not ambiguous. Take the scriptures at face value. Like this one:
"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had." Acts 2:32 (followed by the object lesson of Ananias and Sapphira who were struck dead because they failed to fully participate in communal living).
or how about this one:
"the land must not be sold permanently because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants" Leviticus 25:23 in God's instructions to the Israelites about their promised land.
How about from Mark 10:
"One thing you lack' he said 'Go, sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Jesus' instructions to the rich man, who couldn't do it.
or "therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers" Galatians 6:10
and lastly
"Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share." 1 Tim 6:17-18
Over and over again, I read the scriptures and find the instruction to be about letting go of belongings, money and stuff and instead to take care of others, to focus on God, to worship by having a lifestyle of sacrifice and sharing- not accumulating as much stuff as possible and guarding it by not having it taxed or 'spread' around to those who need it more than me. I find that God constantly reminds us that it's not our stuff in the first place, it's his- and we are given blessings so that we can then be his agents of blessing for others. It's my interpretation of course, but I can't help but think that those who claim to be both righteous Christians and completely anti-socialist haven't been reading their scriptures the same way I have. I'm not ready to change my party affiliation to socialist, nor do I think the US needs to become a socialist country. But like my previous post on inconsistency- don't say you're representing God's worldview and then speak something that is fairly antithetical to scripture- since when is protectionist greed the way of God? I am thankful we live in a country that allows me the right to say this- and someone else the right to completely disagree. But in the end, I think that to advocate 'spreading the wealth' from those who have too much to those in need- well to me that sounds like a really Christian thing to say, socialist or not.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Rhetorically speaking....
I had this strange memory pop up today. When I was a youth minister in Winston Salem, our rector of 31 years retired. He was a great pastor, a pretty hard line traditionalist and ran a tight staff that he demanded a reasonable amount from. He managed vestries and building projects and diocesan policies pretty well considering. But he was a bad preacher. Not horrible, certainly not heretical or anything- just sort of short and folksy tidbits about the gospel and life. After an 18 month interim, we installed a new rector- a young fellow, bold, bright, and a fabulous preacher and writer- he had a real gift for wordcraft. But he was a horrible pastor and a mediocre administrator. He spent a good deal of money on what most considered frivolous items, and didn't respond to people's honest concerns- somewhat aloof and elite. He lasted 18 months and then we were again in the search process.
This has always been a great illustration to me of how people, and especially institutions respond to what is wrong by replacing it with the opposite. It made me quite depressed to think that maybe this election was simply about replacing a folksy, poorly spoken 'decider' with a well spoken but out of touch elitist. But then I revisited one of the earliest speeches that Obama made- and regardless of what happens, I am convinced that this will go down as one of the top speeches in history- and I was reminded that what has been missing for so long is someone to lead- not administrate- someone to lay out a vision and capture our imaginations and get us working together and to remember all that is good and possible in the US- not to hunker us down in a fear bunker and limits our hope to simply surviving the current crisis. There is power in words, and if I have to endure political rhetoric, at least this is the type I'd rather listen to.
This has always been a great illustration to me of how people, and especially institutions respond to what is wrong by replacing it with the opposite. It made me quite depressed to think that maybe this election was simply about replacing a folksy, poorly spoken 'decider' with a well spoken but out of touch elitist. But then I revisited one of the earliest speeches that Obama made- and regardless of what happens, I am convinced that this will go down as one of the top speeches in history- and I was reminded that what has been missing for so long is someone to lead- not administrate- someone to lay out a vision and capture our imaginations and get us working together and to remember all that is good and possible in the US- not to hunker us down in a fear bunker and limits our hope to simply surviving the current crisis. There is power in words, and if I have to endure political rhetoric, at least this is the type I'd rather listen to.
Monday, October 27, 2008
That's what I'm talking about
I've been trying to reconcile some reading I've done on empires and the Christian church- especially as to how it relates to the USA and the American church- and how do you express those ideas without seeming unamerican or a far left socialist liberal? Here's a good attempt:
Oliver Thomas USAToday article.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Oliver Thomas USAToday article.
Check it out and let me know what you think.
Monday, October 06, 2008
and another thing
I'll just start by saying that since noone ever comments on my posts, I have no filters and no feeling of censoring what I write about- I'm either a)too wordy and nobody reads the whole thing b) too boring or c)way too out there for anyone to throw me a lifeline. I suspect it's A, but its hard to tell. Anyway, since noone comments, I must not be ticking too many people off, or knowing the blogosphere, I'm sure I'd hear about it- although that is making the haughty assumption that ANYone reads this but me! Whatever the case, I'm having fun and noone else seems to want to join the ride on my crazy train so off I go!
The last few days I've been struck by a few of those inconsistency issues. Inconsistency is my hobgoblin. I dislike it. It seems to get worse around election season, and no wonder, what with candidates trying so hard to be all things to at least 51% of the people (in the right states). First is my observation that SOME of those who disagree with the assertion that climate change is man-made also happen to ascribe to the literal timeline of creation (6,000 years give or take). Now, how is it that in one argument you can say that the world is only 6,000 years old and that the fossil record and so forth are up for debate, and in the other argument say that we can't blame global warming in human activity when it can be scientifically be proven the earth has been warm in eons past. Yes, its true that the world has been warmer in eons past- when all the midwest was one giant carribean ocean, and loads of dinosaurs ate the swampy grass matter (and each other) in this humid (but also equitorial) environment. This is pre-ice age, and is dated to be over 100,000 years ago and more so! Which is impossible if the world is only 6,000 years old. So, if you're going to be consistent, you will have to admit that the current temperature quotients are the highest they've ever been in the last 6,000 years. So, since man came into the picture, the globe has gotten warmer. You can't have it both ways!
My second incosistency has to do with the Episcopal church (national) which is doing it's damnest (and I think that's the perfect word here) to fulfill the UN's millenial Development Goals, and do social outreach and all sorts of good 'work' to help those oppressed by our systemic sinful governments and empires while at the same time is so very quiet about two huge uses of money that they are involved with. One is the ongoing lawsuits and legal wrangling to hold onto property and assets and things of this world- as dioceses and parishes remove themselves from the church- "You can't have it- it's MINE!" There is also no response to many calls for financial transperancy on this matter nor any divulgence of exactly how much money is being spent to pay legal and lawyer fees. Secondly, they have been mute in regards to the Wall Street meltdown and corporate greed that is threatening to take down the world financial markets. Why? I think its because they own Wall Street- literally- because Trinity Church, Wall Street owns their whole block and rents it out to those self-same corporations involved with this sub-prime mortgage credit crunch asset CEO bonus oil rich meltdown of a mess we're in. That church and the national church (also in NYC) gain amazing amounts of wealth from their own stocks, money markets, mutual funds and so forth. Trinity even has its own parish conference center in Connecticut. How much money do we need to simply sustain our pretty buildings? A lot I guess, to pay the lawyers. But meanwhile we dare to call the government of say, Germany, out on their reluctance to relinguish 3rd world debt? The last I read it, Jesus said to go and sell all you own and follow him. But I guess that's a little unclear in these uncertain times.
Cynically yours and longing for consistency- Smitty
Monday, September 29, 2008
OK maybe I'm not so crazy
Here's a link to an article about Wachovia turning into a subsidiary of Citigroup. Why? Because their bad risks and debt were too much. A global financial meltdown... a couple of weeks ago that was just crazy talk. Now- well- anyone know the best way to stash money in a mattress?
On a tangent to that- I am reminded of the proverb "The love of money is the root of all evil." Maybe the church and Christians need to remind themselves of what it means to be subjects of a heavenly kingdom, and that Capitalism, or even Democracy, are not synonymous with Christianity. I give big props to my friend Lindsay who said "Jesus was a community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a govenor." Hmm. Now I'm not just a prophet of doom, but a fledgling socialist to boot. And I'm just trying to be a faihful follower of Jesus.
Bring it on.
On a tangent to that- I am reminded of the proverb "The love of money is the root of all evil." Maybe the church and Christians need to remind themselves of what it means to be subjects of a heavenly kingdom, and that Capitalism, or even Democracy, are not synonymous with Christianity. I give big props to my friend Lindsay who said "Jesus was a community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a govenor." Hmm. Now I'm not just a prophet of doom, but a fledgling socialist to boot. And I'm just trying to be a faihful follower of Jesus.
Bring it on.
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