Pakistani opposition leader Benazir Bhutto was assasinated a few hours ago. Unfortunately, many people around the world will see this event as "par for the course" for that part of the world.
It takes special people to bring about major societal changes. Look at what Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela did for South Africa. Look at what Martin Luther King, Jr. did for the United States. Where do these people come from? If we knew, there would be no opposition to human cloning.
Rather than view the assasination of Benazir Bhutto as nothing unusual, we should hope and pray that someone arises from the ashes of Pakistan to bring about positive change in the country. Stability in the region benefits all of us.
How ironic that such an event happens two days after Christmas.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Cardinal Lorscheider
On December 23, 2007, Cardinal Aloisio Lorsheider, the Archbishop Emeritus of Aparecida, Brazil, met his eternal reward.
Cardinal Lorscheider's life was filled with pretty amazing events. When his fellow Franciscan, Leonardo Boff, was called to the Vatican red carpet for promoting liberation theology, Lorsheider accomanied him.
In 1978, Cardinal Lorscheider was the "Popemaker" in the first conclave. When the vote was deadlocked between conservative Cardinal Siri of Genoa and progressive Cardinal Benelli of Florence, Lorscheider actively promoted Cardinal Luciani of Venice as a compromise. Luciani went on to become Pope John Paul I. Because of his leadership, Lorsheider received several votes in both the 1978 conclaves. Pope John Paul I claimed to have voted for Lorsheider.
In 1994, Lorsheider was held hostage for several days by a group of government protesters. He negotiated a peaceful resolution.
Lorscheider was the spiritual leader of the most Catholic and one of the poorest countries in the world. May he rest in peace.
Cardinal Lorscheider's life was filled with pretty amazing events. When his fellow Franciscan, Leonardo Boff, was called to the Vatican red carpet for promoting liberation theology, Lorsheider accomanied him.
In 1978, Cardinal Lorscheider was the "Popemaker" in the first conclave. When the vote was deadlocked between conservative Cardinal Siri of Genoa and progressive Cardinal Benelli of Florence, Lorscheider actively promoted Cardinal Luciani of Venice as a compromise. Luciani went on to become Pope John Paul I. Because of his leadership, Lorsheider received several votes in both the 1978 conclaves. Pope John Paul I claimed to have voted for Lorsheider.
In 1994, Lorsheider was held hostage for several days by a group of government protesters. He negotiated a peaceful resolution.
Lorscheider was the spiritual leader of the most Catholic and one of the poorest countries in the world. May he rest in peace.
Friday, December 21, 2007
Eye in the Sky
We all know what the Catholic Church did to poor Galileo. How dare he have the audacity to claim the the earth might not be the center of the universe. Pope John Paul II publicly forgave Galileo and apologized for the Church's treatment of the poor guy. Well, better late than never.
Ironically, the Vatican has one of the most active astronomy labs in the world. Until now, the main lab, run by those crazy Jesuits, has been located in an old building on the grounds of Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. The lab will be moving to another location at Castel Gandolfo - in a large and revamped building that was previously used as a convent. It will still be run by the Jesuits.
The Vatican astronomy lab is considered one of the best in the world and has working relationships with numerous other labs, including one in Arizona.
Thanks, Galileo!
Ironically, the Vatican has one of the most active astronomy labs in the world. Until now, the main lab, run by those crazy Jesuits, has been located in an old building on the grounds of Castel Gandolfo, the summer residence of the Pope. The lab will be moving to another location at Castel Gandolfo - in a large and revamped building that was previously used as a convent. It will still be run by the Jesuits.
The Vatican astronomy lab is considered one of the best in the world and has working relationships with numerous other labs, including one in Arizona.
Thanks, Galileo!
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The Gun is Pointed At Your Head
By now, most of us have had at least some exposure to the candidates for U.S. President. As I have mentioned before, I am not really happy with the pool of candidates. Bishop John McCormack of Manchester, NH, has publicly stated that it is our moral obligation to vote. Bishop McCormack's statement is one of the best that I have seen coming from the hierarchy. He recognizes that the choices are very difficult. He does not state how to vote. However, he clearly indicates that we must vote - as difficult as the choices might be. His statement is an excellent and quick lesson in civics and morality. His statement, courtesy of Catholic News Service, is below.
Despite hard choices, Catholics must vote, New Hampshire bishop saysMANCHESTER, N.H. (CNS) -- Catholics must not seek to avoid difficult decisions about political candidates by choosing not to vote, Bishop John B. McCormack of Manchester said in a new document on "Conscience and Your Vote." The bishop's diocese covers the entire state of New Hampshire, where the first primary in the 2008 presidential campaign is to take place Jan. 8. The Iowa caucuses are to take place five days earlier. "Some candidates advance proposals that fail to mirror the commitment of the church to the protection of all human life," he wrote. "In many cases, these same candidates advance other policies and proposals that can be supported in light of church teaching. "This frequent mixture of laudable and unacceptable positions causes great perplexity," Bishop McCormack said. But "in order to sustain a healthy democracy, all citizens have a moral obligation to vote," he added. "Deciding not to vote therefore is an unacceptable solution, even to this difficult situation." The bishop's five-page document is based largely on "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in November.
Despite hard choices, Catholics must vote, New Hampshire bishop saysMANCHESTER, N.H. (CNS) -- Catholics must not seek to avoid difficult decisions about political candidates by choosing not to vote, Bishop John B. McCormack of Manchester said in a new document on "Conscience and Your Vote." The bishop's diocese covers the entire state of New Hampshire, where the first primary in the 2008 presidential campaign is to take place Jan. 8. The Iowa caucuses are to take place five days earlier. "Some candidates advance proposals that fail to mirror the commitment of the church to the protection of all human life," he wrote. "In many cases, these same candidates advance other policies and proposals that can be supported in light of church teaching. "This frequent mixture of laudable and unacceptable positions causes great perplexity," Bishop McCormack said. But "in order to sustain a healthy democracy, all citizens have a moral obligation to vote," he added. "Deciding not to vote therefore is an unacceptable solution, even to this difficult situation." The bishop's five-page document is based largely on "Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship," approved by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops in November.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Death Penalty for the Death Penalty
On Monday, New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine signed into law a proposal that would replace the death penalty with life in prison without parole. This marked the first time in 40 years that a state has abolished the death penalty. See the AP story at:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gYppYSKRwPNEaUjbxFuUGpS_iouQD8TJV44O2
As expected, many people are lamenting the abolition of the death penalty. If somebody killed someone close to me, I would want that person to die a horrible death. My desire, however, would be based on passion and not on reason or ethics. Many killings are described as crimes of passion. Passion is an extemely volatile emotion and not one on which justice should be based.
Also, there is no reason for the death penalty. It is no more a deterrent than is life in prison without parole. People will argue that society should not pay to keep murderers in prison. Well then, we shouldn't pay for the prescriptions of old people - they are going to die soon.
Ah, but the old people in need of the medications are innocent. The murderers are not. This stream of logic (or lack thereof) brings me to ethics. The argument against abortion and euthanasia is that all life should be allowed to proceed until natural death. Abortion and the death penalty are not natural deaths. Ah, but those murderers are guilty!!!! Who are we to be the ultimate life arbiter? Don't pro-life people say that only God can play this role? Yes, we can determine whether or not someone committed a crime, but we cannot and should not determine whether or not someone is to live or die. Leave that role to God.
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gYppYSKRwPNEaUjbxFuUGpS_iouQD8TJV44O2
As expected, many people are lamenting the abolition of the death penalty. If somebody killed someone close to me, I would want that person to die a horrible death. My desire, however, would be based on passion and not on reason or ethics. Many killings are described as crimes of passion. Passion is an extemely volatile emotion and not one on which justice should be based.
Also, there is no reason for the death penalty. It is no more a deterrent than is life in prison without parole. People will argue that society should not pay to keep murderers in prison. Well then, we shouldn't pay for the prescriptions of old people - they are going to die soon.
Ah, but the old people in need of the medications are innocent. The murderers are not. This stream of logic (or lack thereof) brings me to ethics. The argument against abortion and euthanasia is that all life should be allowed to proceed until natural death. Abortion and the death penalty are not natural deaths. Ah, but those murderers are guilty!!!! Who are we to be the ultimate life arbiter? Don't pro-life people say that only God can play this role? Yes, we can determine whether or not someone committed a crime, but we cannot and should not determine whether or not someone is to live or die. Leave that role to God.
Sunday, December 16, 2007
They Aren't All Bad
Major league baseball has been rocked by the Mitchell Report indicating that numerous baseball players, including mega-stars, have used performance enhancing substances. This shouldn't be too surprising. Many professional athletes are very selfish and greedy. They have learned that their athletic gifts have resulted in a lifelstyle where they don't need to worry about the consequences of their actions on and off the field.
However, not all professional athletes fit the standard category. Professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets has given millions of dollars to programs in the Baltimore area that target at-risk youth. Professional football player Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons has a foundation that has enabled over 50 single mothers to own their own homes. After learning that his contract would not be renewed, professional baseball player Geoff Jenkins of the Milwaukee Brewers paid for a full-page ad in the Milwaukee paper thanking the fans for making it possible for him to enjoy many years playing for the Brewers.
So, we shouldn't make the mistake of assuming that all professional athletes are selfish cheaters. There are some very decent people in professional sports.
However, not all professional athletes fit the standard category. Professional basketball player Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets has given millions of dollars to programs in the Baltimore area that target at-risk youth. Professional football player Warrick Dunn of the Atlanta Falcons has a foundation that has enabled over 50 single mothers to own their own homes. After learning that his contract would not be renewed, professional baseball player Geoff Jenkins of the Milwaukee Brewers paid for a full-page ad in the Milwaukee paper thanking the fans for making it possible for him to enjoy many years playing for the Brewers.
So, we shouldn't make the mistake of assuming that all professional athletes are selfish cheaters. There are some very decent people in professional sports.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Does God Have a Sense of Humor?
A funny thing happened to me on the way to church. Actually, I am not kidding. Three of the funniest situations I have been in have happened in preparation for religious services, including two funerals.
Earlier in the week, our parish hosted a communal penance service that included the opportunity for individual confessions. I like to go to these services - they really tend to be quiet and prayerful. Anyway, when I arrived about twenty minutes early, our pastor was greeting people in the gathering space. When he saw me, he blurted out "Oh, look who is here. Now we will be here all night!" I think some of the people in the gathering space were waiting for me to express shock. However, I chuckled. Some people might have been offended by being the target of such a comment. However, the pastor and I have a pretty good relationship that involves kidding each other. The key to such humor is for the people involved to be on the same wavelength.
That event reminded me of another situation that took place many years ago during the wake (yes, and Irish wake) for the father of a college friend. Right in front of the open coffin, I ran into another college friend whom I hadn't seen for many years. This guy was pretty crazy in college. Much had changed in our respective lives. He first told me that he got married. Then he told me he had a daughter and was expecting another child. He then looked at me, sighed and said "Hell, I ought to crawl in there (the coffin) with Jack!"
The third event happened at the funeral for my grandmother (100% German, so no Irish wake). My grandmother pre-planned her funeral. For some reason, my grandmother always seemed to work with businesses that might not have always been on the "up and up". For example, the attorney that drafted her will was kicked out of the bar between writing her will and the time she died. The funeral home she chose was run by two Italian brothers. Yes, they seemed to have many connections. When we didn't know what to do with my grandmother's car, they took care of it without having to do anything with the state division of motor vehicles. Anyway, the funeral plans were fairly elaborate for a simple old widow. They included a limosine for the family. However, there was not enough room in the limosine for all of us to ride together from the church to the cemetary. Thus, I offered to ride with Vince in the hearse. As soon as I sat down in the passenger seat of the hearse and buckled up, I mentioned to Vince that it was my first time in a hearse. Vince looked at me and replied "And it won't be your last." I laughed all the way to the cemetary.
Not only does God have a sense of humor, but He shares it with us - even during difficult times.
Earlier in the week, our parish hosted a communal penance service that included the opportunity for individual confessions. I like to go to these services - they really tend to be quiet and prayerful. Anyway, when I arrived about twenty minutes early, our pastor was greeting people in the gathering space. When he saw me, he blurted out "Oh, look who is here. Now we will be here all night!" I think some of the people in the gathering space were waiting for me to express shock. However, I chuckled. Some people might have been offended by being the target of such a comment. However, the pastor and I have a pretty good relationship that involves kidding each other. The key to such humor is for the people involved to be on the same wavelength.
That event reminded me of another situation that took place many years ago during the wake (yes, and Irish wake) for the father of a college friend. Right in front of the open coffin, I ran into another college friend whom I hadn't seen for many years. This guy was pretty crazy in college. Much had changed in our respective lives. He first told me that he got married. Then he told me he had a daughter and was expecting another child. He then looked at me, sighed and said "Hell, I ought to crawl in there (the coffin) with Jack!"
The third event happened at the funeral for my grandmother (100% German, so no Irish wake). My grandmother pre-planned her funeral. For some reason, my grandmother always seemed to work with businesses that might not have always been on the "up and up". For example, the attorney that drafted her will was kicked out of the bar between writing her will and the time she died. The funeral home she chose was run by two Italian brothers. Yes, they seemed to have many connections. When we didn't know what to do with my grandmother's car, they took care of it without having to do anything with the state division of motor vehicles. Anyway, the funeral plans were fairly elaborate for a simple old widow. They included a limosine for the family. However, there was not enough room in the limosine for all of us to ride together from the church to the cemetary. Thus, I offered to ride with Vince in the hearse. As soon as I sat down in the passenger seat of the hearse and buckled up, I mentioned to Vince that it was my first time in a hearse. Vince looked at me and replied "And it won't be your last." I laughed all the way to the cemetary.
Not only does God have a sense of humor, but He shares it with us - even during difficult times.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Blue Hawaii
Today marks the 66th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.
My wife and I had the opportunity to vacation in Hawaii a few years ago. We had a very good travel agent that figured out a way to have us visit two islands for less then it would have cost to stay on one island.
On our first day in Hawaii, we went on a tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. It was very moving and eerie. When you see how the hills and the harbor are laid out, it is clear that the majority of ships in the harbor at the time of the attack were sitting ducks. Any torpedo dropped into the harbor had a very high probability of hitting a ship.
Two things stuck me when visitng the USS Arizona Memorial. First, the ship is still leaking oil. That is amazing after all of these years. Second, there is a list of all of the sailors entombed in the sunken Arizona. One could see that some of the names on the wall were recently added. These were USS Arizona crewmen that survived the attack. They expressed a desire to be buried with their fellow USS Arizona crewmen upon death. The Navy has honored the requests.
My wife and I enjoyed the trip to Hawaii, but we would not go back. The trip is too far. If someone is going to spend that much time in a plane, it makes more sense to us to go to Europe. However, everyone should try to visit Hawaii once. If you do, a trip to Pearl Harbor is a must.
My wife and I had the opportunity to vacation in Hawaii a few years ago. We had a very good travel agent that figured out a way to have us visit two islands for less then it would have cost to stay on one island.
On our first day in Hawaii, we went on a tour of Pearl Harbor and the USS Arizona Memorial. It was very moving and eerie. When you see how the hills and the harbor are laid out, it is clear that the majority of ships in the harbor at the time of the attack were sitting ducks. Any torpedo dropped into the harbor had a very high probability of hitting a ship.
Two things stuck me when visitng the USS Arizona Memorial. First, the ship is still leaking oil. That is amazing after all of these years. Second, there is a list of all of the sailors entombed in the sunken Arizona. One could see that some of the names on the wall were recently added. These were USS Arizona crewmen that survived the attack. They expressed a desire to be buried with their fellow USS Arizona crewmen upon death. The Navy has honored the requests.
My wife and I enjoyed the trip to Hawaii, but we would not go back. The trip is too far. If someone is going to spend that much time in a plane, it makes more sense to us to go to Europe. However, everyone should try to visit Hawaii once. If you do, a trip to Pearl Harbor is a must.
Winter Wonderland
Well, I finally figured out how to upload photographs. The photographs above are about an hour old. What you see is my driveway after about 3 inches of overnight show. We have gotten about 12 inches in the last 5 days.
I took our dog out for a walk at about 6:30 am. At that time, there was a smooth blanket of snow on our driveway. When we arrived back at the house about 30 minutes later, we noticed signs of activity in that blanket of snow. In upper photo, you can see that my wife left for work and that our newspaper (in the blue bag) arrived. You can also see what looks like footprints in the foreground. The lower photo shows what types of prints these are. If you have never seen them before, these are the hoof prints of at least two deer.
Many people in warmer climates wonder why crazy folks live in areas that are cold and snowy. The photographs above represent my answer. I live in a residential area with neighbors on both sides of the house. Across the street is a huge park that is owned by the city. While much of the park has shelters, basketball courts, baseball diamonds and parking lots, the portion of the park near us is on wetlands. Nothing can be built on it - it is basically a nature preserve. Many deer make their home in the park and sometimes venture outside of the park confines, especially during winter months. It isn't exactly the wolf lying down with the lamb, but it is still a wonderful experience.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Two Wrongs Don't Make a Right
According to recent reports (http://www.catholicnews.com/data/briefs/cns/20071205.htm#head1), Cardinal Roger Mahoney, Archbishop of Los Angeles, was physically assaulted this summer by a man that was upset with the priest sexual assault crisis.
While, I do not condone violence or vigilante "justice", I am amazed that this has not happened earlier and more often. As long as Church leaders skirt responsibility for not adequately addressing concerns related to the few priests that are serial rapists, many people will continue to be very upset. All it takes is one upset crackpot to beat up a bishop. I think we can all agree that there is no shortage of crackpots in society. While I understand the mentality that there seems to be no other way to get Church leaders to understand the magnitude of their malfeasence related to mishandling priests that are rapists, beating up bishops is not going resolve the issue.
While, I do not condone violence or vigilante "justice", I am amazed that this has not happened earlier and more often. As long as Church leaders skirt responsibility for not adequately addressing concerns related to the few priests that are serial rapists, many people will continue to be very upset. All it takes is one upset crackpot to beat up a bishop. I think we can all agree that there is no shortage of crackpots in society. While I understand the mentality that there seems to be no other way to get Church leaders to understand the magnitude of their malfeasence related to mishandling priests that are rapists, beating up bishops is not going resolve the issue.
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Walking On Water
Yes, I can walk on water. I have done it the past couple of days. No, I don't live near a frozen body of water.
The midwest got several inches of slushy snow this past weekend (fortunately, I have a snowblower). It was about 32 degrees when the precipitation came on Saturday. Since then we have had sub-freezing temperatures. By the miracles of physics, there is a nice crust of ice on top of the several inches of snow.
My main concern was walking the dog. He is very much a "momma's boy" and has very tender paws that are easily irritated by cold and ice (he even has a couple of sets of boots). When I took him out for a long evening walk on Saturday, it was tough going. We both had to trudge through sloppy snow. By Sunday morning, the ice crust developed. Archie and I were able to walk on top of all of the snow as if we were walking on concrete.
During our walks, I have thought about Jesus walking on water and determined that there are no similarities between His walking on water and the experience Archie and I have enjoyed the past couple of days. Archie and I are subject to the laws of physics. Once the environmental conditions change, there goes our walking on water. Jesus didn't need to pay much attention to the laws of physics.
The midwest got several inches of slushy snow this past weekend (fortunately, I have a snowblower). It was about 32 degrees when the precipitation came on Saturday. Since then we have had sub-freezing temperatures. By the miracles of physics, there is a nice crust of ice on top of the several inches of snow.
My main concern was walking the dog. He is very much a "momma's boy" and has very tender paws that are easily irritated by cold and ice (he even has a couple of sets of boots). When I took him out for a long evening walk on Saturday, it was tough going. We both had to trudge through sloppy snow. By Sunday morning, the ice crust developed. Archie and I were able to walk on top of all of the snow as if we were walking on concrete.
During our walks, I have thought about Jesus walking on water and determined that there are no similarities between His walking on water and the experience Archie and I have enjoyed the past couple of days. Archie and I are subject to the laws of physics. Once the environmental conditions change, there goes our walking on water. Jesus didn't need to pay much attention to the laws of physics.
Monday, December 3, 2007
Sometimes It Isn't About Abortion
I was reading an article in a weekly Catholic newspaper about global warming. What started out as an article about some global warming activists being a bit on the extreme side (with which I would agree) ended up as an article arguing that the global warming movement was mainly about abortion. The simplified argument goes like this: Global warming activists feel that most of us are leaving a carbon footprint that is bad for our planet. The more people we have on the planet, the more carbon footprints we will have. More abortions would mean fewer people to leave carbon footprints. Thus, the goal of the global warming activists in to promote more abortions.
Well, there are likely a few wackos that fit into this argument from a couple of perspectives. There are some pro-abortion activists that would like to hijack the global warming movement to promote abortion. These people are wackos. There are some anti-abortion activists, like the author of the article I read, that feel that the entire global warming movement is about promoting abortion. These people are also wackos.
It is possible to have significant concerns about global warming and other enverinomental issues AND be opposed to abortion. One has to look no further than Pope Benedict XVI. He has spoken often of the need for Christians to be environmental caretakers of our planet. He has even ordered that Vatican buildings become more "green" by using solar power. Last I checked, I don't think His Holiness is too keen on abortion.
Well, there are likely a few wackos that fit into this argument from a couple of perspectives. There are some pro-abortion activists that would like to hijack the global warming movement to promote abortion. These people are wackos. There are some anti-abortion activists, like the author of the article I read, that feel that the entire global warming movement is about promoting abortion. These people are also wackos.
It is possible to have significant concerns about global warming and other enverinomental issues AND be opposed to abortion. One has to look no further than Pope Benedict XVI. He has spoken often of the need for Christians to be environmental caretakers of our planet. He has even ordered that Vatican buildings become more "green" by using solar power. Last I checked, I don't think His Holiness is too keen on abortion.
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Stuck in the Middle with You
Are you a conservative or a liberal? Are you a Democrat or a Republican?
I sometimes get questions like those listed above. In nearly every case, the person that asks such questions is a very narrow-minded "my way or the highway" type of person. They assume that a person must be conservative all of the time, liberal all of the time, Democrat all of the time or Republican all of the time. People that feel they and others must fit neatly into one of these categories are extremely scary and dangerous.
Like most people, I am a "mutt" when it comes to such categories. Sometimes I am a conservative, sometimes I am a liberal, sometimes I am a Democrat and sometimes I am a Republican. While I may fall into some of the categories more than the others, I am truly an ideological and partisan "mutt". Along with my fellow "mutts", I question some of the actions of our civic and Church leaders, regardess of their party membership or orthodoxy. I wish we had additional choices when it comes to candidates for elected office. I also wish we had alternate leadership in some dioceses.
All things in moderation!
I sometimes get questions like those listed above. In nearly every case, the person that asks such questions is a very narrow-minded "my way or the highway" type of person. They assume that a person must be conservative all of the time, liberal all of the time, Democrat all of the time or Republican all of the time. People that feel they and others must fit neatly into one of these categories are extremely scary and dangerous.
Like most people, I am a "mutt" when it comes to such categories. Sometimes I am a conservative, sometimes I am a liberal, sometimes I am a Democrat and sometimes I am a Republican. While I may fall into some of the categories more than the others, I am truly an ideological and partisan "mutt". Along with my fellow "mutts", I question some of the actions of our civic and Church leaders, regardess of their party membership or orthodoxy. I wish we had additional choices when it comes to candidates for elected office. I also wish we had alternate leadership in some dioceses.
All things in moderation!
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