Last week, Heath Ledger died of an apparent accidental overdose of prescription drugs (perhaps mixed with over-the-counter drugs). Ledger was a very accomplished actor that, at 28, still had huge potential in front of him. He didn't seem to be obsessed with being in the spotlight. He lived in a "non-swanky" section of New York. Whenever he was spotted in the neighborhood, he was usually walking or playing with his young daughter.
In thinking about Ledger's death, I recalled a time several years ago when Richard Rood passed away. For fans of professional wrestling, he was better known as "Ravishing" Rick Rude. He was the ultimate villian. He had a very well-chiseled physique and the ability to portray the perfect narcissist. I remember seeing him on television and at live wrestling events many times. I even noticed that he always seemed to have a broken finger that was wrapped in tape.
Like Ledger, Rood died of an overdose at a young age. Rood was one of the first of many professional wrestlers to die at a young age due to an overdose of drugs (and often connected to years of using steroids). When Rood died, several other wrestlers were interviewed about him. One of the wrestlers provided clarification on Rood's ever-present broken finger. The wrestler said that it was well-known that Rood abused drugs. It was also well-known that Rood was devoted to his wife. In fact, he refused to remove his wedding ring when he wrestled. Since several wrestlers complained about being nicked by Rood's ring and the presence of the ring did not fit in with the persona Rood's bosses wanted to portray for "Ravishing" Rick Rood, Rood suggested that he tape over the ring. When the bosses balked at that suggestion, Rood said he would give up wrestling rather than wearing the ring. Since he was making a significant amount of money for the promoters, he was allowed to wear the tape-covered ring.
The moral of the story: Whenever reading a report that emphasizes the personal demons of a recently deceased famous person, know that that person also had many redeeming qualities.
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Benedict XVI: Stumping for Whom?
The campaign for U.S. presidential will be nearing "white hot" status when Pope Benedict XVI visits New York and Washington, DC, in mid-April. At that time, there could be three candidates with strong ties to New York - Hillary Clinton, Rudy Guliani and Michael Bloomberg. However, all of the candidates will undoubtedly try to figure out ways to get into the spotlight that will be aimed at His Holiness.
It would be foolish to think that the Vatican officials responsible for coordinating the Papal visit do not realize the threat of the visit being used to try to push forth a candidate. I have no doubt that all of the individual stops and events will be scheduled and coordinated in a manner to minimize the chances of hijacking for campaign purposes. The White House will have to be sensitive to this, as well.
So, pay close attention to the visit. See which public officials try to clamor for those front row seats at Papal events. With the election battles (even at the primary levels) likely to be close and bloody, each campaign will do everything possible to link their candidate with the biggest positive news story of the time. In mid-April, that story will be the Papal visit.
Pope Benedict XVI will look forward to returning to Vatican City where election concerns have to do with ambiguous smoke coming from the Sistine Chapel. No need to worry about hanging chads back in Roma.
It would be foolish to think that the Vatican officials responsible for coordinating the Papal visit do not realize the threat of the visit being used to try to push forth a candidate. I have no doubt that all of the individual stops and events will be scheduled and coordinated in a manner to minimize the chances of hijacking for campaign purposes. The White House will have to be sensitive to this, as well.
So, pay close attention to the visit. See which public officials try to clamor for those front row seats at Papal events. With the election battles (even at the primary levels) likely to be close and bloody, each campaign will do everything possible to link their candidate with the biggest positive news story of the time. In mid-April, that story will be the Papal visit.
Pope Benedict XVI will look forward to returning to Vatican City where election concerns have to do with ambiguous smoke coming from the Sistine Chapel. No need to worry about hanging chads back in Roma.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
That Other Pope
The Society of Jesus, better known as the Jesuits, recently elected Father Adolfo Nicolas, SJ, as their superior general. Prior to his election, Father General Nicolas served in numerous leadership positions for the Jesuits in Asia.
This election is a big deal. While the Jesuits are not the largest religious order in terms of numbers, they are and have been one of the most influential. In the past, the leader of the Jesuits was called "The Black Pope" - indicating the influence of the order and the fact that the order has had many battles with the Vatican (the Vatican even suppressed the order). It is interesting to note that the battles took place in spite of the the fact that the Society of Jesus was founded by St. Ignatius to protect the Pope. The Jesuits are one of the very few religious orders whose members specifically vow obedience to the Pope.
It will be interesting to see how the background of Father Feneral Nicolas plays into the future direction of the Jesuits and the Vatican. Although he is a Spaniard, Father General Nicolas was trained in Rome and China. Much of his ministry has taken place in Asian countries - an area where the Roman Catholic Church is experiencing a significant increase in members and influence.
Let us wish the Jesuits and their new leader well.
This election is a big deal. While the Jesuits are not the largest religious order in terms of numbers, they are and have been one of the most influential. In the past, the leader of the Jesuits was called "The Black Pope" - indicating the influence of the order and the fact that the order has had many battles with the Vatican (the Vatican even suppressed the order). It is interesting to note that the battles took place in spite of the the fact that the Society of Jesus was founded by St. Ignatius to protect the Pope. The Jesuits are one of the very few religious orders whose members specifically vow obedience to the Pope.
It will be interesting to see how the background of Father Feneral Nicolas plays into the future direction of the Jesuits and the Vatican. Although he is a Spaniard, Father General Nicolas was trained in Rome and China. Much of his ministry has taken place in Asian countries - an area where the Roman Catholic Church is experiencing a significant increase in members and influence.
Let us wish the Jesuits and their new leader well.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Diplomacy School
I have always been amazed at the expertise of the Vatican when it comes to world diplomacy. There is no entity that is better than the Roman Catholic Church when it comes to "politicking" on the world stage.
Here is an example: Late last year, the United Nations approved a non-binding resolution calling for the world-wide abolishment of the death penalty. Although non-binding, approval of the resolution would add a significant measure of clout to the anti-death penalty movement. When it appeared that the measure was going to be approved (fairly easily), Egypt proposed adding an anti-abortion amendment to the proposal. They argued that the proposal should be seamlessly pro-life. In reality, they were trying to kill the resolution - knowing that an anti-abortion amendment would force many spporting nations to withdraw support for the anti-death penalty proposal. To the surprise of a fair amount of U.N. member nations, the Vatican stated that it would fully support a separate resolution on abortion and did not want the amendment to cause a solidly pro-life proposal to be derailed. As a result, the amendment failed and the anti-death penalty resolution was soundly approved. Of course, Egypt assumed that the Vatican would have to support the amendment. Vatican representatives skillfully developed a counter-strategy and used amazing levels of communication to ensure passage of the original resolution without the amendment.
For more details, go to:
http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2008a/011108/011108p.htm
Here is an example: Late last year, the United Nations approved a non-binding resolution calling for the world-wide abolishment of the death penalty. Although non-binding, approval of the resolution would add a significant measure of clout to the anti-death penalty movement. When it appeared that the measure was going to be approved (fairly easily), Egypt proposed adding an anti-abortion amendment to the proposal. They argued that the proposal should be seamlessly pro-life. In reality, they were trying to kill the resolution - knowing that an anti-abortion amendment would force many spporting nations to withdraw support for the anti-death penalty proposal. To the surprise of a fair amount of U.N. member nations, the Vatican stated that it would fully support a separate resolution on abortion and did not want the amendment to cause a solidly pro-life proposal to be derailed. As a result, the amendment failed and the anti-death penalty resolution was soundly approved. Of course, Egypt assumed that the Vatican would have to support the amendment. Vatican representatives skillfully developed a counter-strategy and used amazing levels of communication to ensure passage of the original resolution without the amendment.
For more details, go to:
http://ncronline.org/NCR_Online/archives2/2008a/011108/011108p.htm
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Border Patrols
Tammy is a "thirty-something" woman for whom I serve as legal guardian. She has developmental disabilities and mental illness. She has an obsession with vampires. She feels that she is a man. How can a geeky middle-aged married guy have a good time with Tammy?
Several months ago, Tammy told me that she had never left the state in which we live. She lives less than 30 miles from a neighboring state. Unfortunately, nobody could pick up on the fact that she might think it would be pretty cool to visit another state. At that time, I told Tammy that we would drive to the neighboring state sometime.
Yesterday, Tammy had a staffing at the sheltered workshop where she works. Her case manager, her job coach, her group home supervisor and I all participated. Unbeknownst to Tammy, I told the others that, after the staffing, I planned to take Tammy for a drive to the neighboring state. I asked that they not tell Tammy so that she would be surprised. Near the end of the meeting, I asked Tammy if she remembered that I told her we would drive to the neighboring state sometime. I then told her that sometime is now.
While a drive to a neighboring state is not a big deal for most of us, I still put some thought into it to make sure it would be extra special. So, we drove down to the state border. We parked the car in our state and walked across the road to the neighboring state where I took a picture of Tammy at the state welcome sign. We then walked back to the car. I made sure that we drove across the border. Tammy was shaking with glee. She said she would tell her friends that she walked all the way from our state to the neighboring state and back again!
Several months ago, Tammy told me that she had never left the state in which we live. She lives less than 30 miles from a neighboring state. Unfortunately, nobody could pick up on the fact that she might think it would be pretty cool to visit another state. At that time, I told Tammy that we would drive to the neighboring state sometime.
Yesterday, Tammy had a staffing at the sheltered workshop where she works. Her case manager, her job coach, her group home supervisor and I all participated. Unbeknownst to Tammy, I told the others that, after the staffing, I planned to take Tammy for a drive to the neighboring state. I asked that they not tell Tammy so that she would be surprised. Near the end of the meeting, I asked Tammy if she remembered that I told her we would drive to the neighboring state sometime. I then told her that sometime is now.
While a drive to a neighboring state is not a big deal for most of us, I still put some thought into it to make sure it would be extra special. So, we drove down to the state border. We parked the car in our state and walked across the road to the neighboring state where I took a picture of Tammy at the state welcome sign. We then walked back to the car. I made sure that we drove across the border. Tammy was shaking with glee. She said she would tell her friends that she walked all the way from our state to the neighboring state and back again!
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Advice for Supporters of Female Priests
I have extensive experience and knowledge related to running local, regional state and national associations, including those that work to influence public policy. After reading another article on women priests, two thoughts struck me.
First, I hope groups like Roman Catholic Womenpriests have extensive liability coverage for all of the individuals that have been ordained under the auspices of the organization. These people are human. Like all humans, some of them will do things like steal, cheat, lie and take advantage of vulnerable people. At some point, one of these people will be the respondent in a civil lawsuit that could result in millions of dollars of damages. Attorneys are very shrewd and finding many sets of deep pockets. Roman Catholic Womanpriests will be seen as a deep pocket. Trust me, directors and officers coverage won't cut it. One settlement will be the end of the organization.
Second, take a lesson from the Republican Revolution started by the likes of Jerry Falwell and continued by the likes of Ralph Reed. Start local! Work on convincing parishoners. Build a groundswell that includes priests. Some of these priest will become bishops. When that happens, things will begin to move. It will take time. Patience is necessary. I fully understand that many members wanted to be ordained within the Roman Catholic Church years ago. However, spending much time targeting the current group of bishops around the world only takes away resources that could be spent on building up the groundswell. It worked for the Moral Majority - they started with pushing for candidates for city councils and school boards. Evenutally, they took over national government.
Don't be naive. Don't be foolish. Attorneys and many current church leaders will suck your organization dry - if you let them.
First, I hope groups like Roman Catholic Womenpriests have extensive liability coverage for all of the individuals that have been ordained under the auspices of the organization. These people are human. Like all humans, some of them will do things like steal, cheat, lie and take advantage of vulnerable people. At some point, one of these people will be the respondent in a civil lawsuit that could result in millions of dollars of damages. Attorneys are very shrewd and finding many sets of deep pockets. Roman Catholic Womanpriests will be seen as a deep pocket. Trust me, directors and officers coverage won't cut it. One settlement will be the end of the organization.
Second, take a lesson from the Republican Revolution started by the likes of Jerry Falwell and continued by the likes of Ralph Reed. Start local! Work on convincing parishoners. Build a groundswell that includes priests. Some of these priest will become bishops. When that happens, things will begin to move. It will take time. Patience is necessary. I fully understand that many members wanted to be ordained within the Roman Catholic Church years ago. However, spending much time targeting the current group of bishops around the world only takes away resources that could be spent on building up the groundswell. It worked for the Moral Majority - they started with pushing for candidates for city councils and school boards. Evenutally, they took over national government.
Don't be naive. Don't be foolish. Attorneys and many current church leaders will suck your organization dry - if you let them.
Friday, January 11, 2008
Oh, To Be a Kid Again
President Bush just completed a two-day tour of The Holy Land. I read a report that one of his escorts during part of the tour, a Melkite bishop, planned to discuss Jesus' Sermon on the Mount with President Bush. The bishop is very upset about the negative impact U.S. foreign policy has had an all people of the Middle East.
I wonder if President Bush know about The Beatitudes. He may think they are the attitudes that come right after the A-atitudes. Everything Bush stands for as a political figure goes against The Beatitudes. Lest you think I am Bush-bashing, the same can be said for nearly every national political figure.
Hopefully, Bush will come to a personal reckoning with The Beatitudes during his Holy Land trip. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
I wonder if President Bush know about The Beatitudes. He may think they are the attitudes that come right after the A-atitudes. Everything Bush stands for as a political figure goes against The Beatitudes. Lest you think I am Bush-bashing, the same can be said for nearly every national political figure.
Hopefully, Bush will come to a personal reckoning with The Beatitudes during his Holy Land trip. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Blessed Are The Poor
I came across an article reporting that 1/3 of students in the Milwaukee Metropolitan School District were living in poverty in 2005. See article at: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=705506
Just think about the ripple effect that takes place for a student living in poverty. How can the student concentrate on school studies and social activities when wondering whether or not he or she will have a place to stay on any given evening? What if the student is always hungry or cold due to lack of proper amounts of clothing? This situation creates a vicious cycle. The student needs a good eduction to help free themselves and their families from poverty. However, poverty keeps the student from being able to concentrate on studies that will lead to a good education. This cycle does not recognize the difference between public and private education.
Think this doesn't impact the rest of us? Well, the students of today are the ones that will be funding the Social Security and Medicare benefits some of us will hopefully have access to not too far down the road. I want a well-educated workforce that earns a level of income that allows them fo fully participate in community life (including paying for benefits we old codgers will be using). I don't want a generation that includes a significant number of people that have minimal life options due to lack of a good education. These people tend to create options that include sustance abuse (to help escape the fact that their options are limited), crime, etc.
We are responsible for all of our brothers and sister regardless of race, religion and economic situation. Feed the poor!
Just think about the ripple effect that takes place for a student living in poverty. How can the student concentrate on school studies and social activities when wondering whether or not he or she will have a place to stay on any given evening? What if the student is always hungry or cold due to lack of proper amounts of clothing? This situation creates a vicious cycle. The student needs a good eduction to help free themselves and their families from poverty. However, poverty keeps the student from being able to concentrate on studies that will lead to a good education. This cycle does not recognize the difference between public and private education.
Think this doesn't impact the rest of us? Well, the students of today are the ones that will be funding the Social Security and Medicare benefits some of us will hopefully have access to not too far down the road. I want a well-educated workforce that earns a level of income that allows them fo fully participate in community life (including paying for benefits we old codgers will be using). I don't want a generation that includes a significant number of people that have minimal life options due to lack of a good education. These people tend to create options that include sustance abuse (to help escape the fact that their options are limited), crime, etc.
We are responsible for all of our brothers and sister regardless of race, religion and economic situation. Feed the poor!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
No Rest for the Saintly
Poor Padre Pio. Vatican officials and leaders of the Capuchin order have given approval to the exhumation of his body in an effort to figure out how to best preserve his remains for veneration by future generations. The plan is to display his remains for public veneration from April through September. His remains would be studied prior to April to determine how best to preserve them.
Many Protestants, including my wife, question why Catholics make such a big deal of displaying remains. I can't argue with Protestants on this one. I saw the remains of two Popes in St. Peter's Basilica last summer. The remains of John XXIII look pretty good. However, the remains of the other Pope (I can't recall which one, but it wasn't a recent Pope) were not a pretty site. I don't know about you, but I don't have a problem venerating dead people without seeing the remains. I can just as easily pray for a deceased person in an open casket as I can for a person in a closed casket or even a picture of a person if it is a memorial service.
Rumor has it that Padre Pio's family opposes the exhumation. I can see why. The friar worked like a dog his entire life and had to put up with being a stigmatic. My guess is that he was pretty happy to meet his eternal reward. He should be given the opportunity enjoy that reward in peace.
Many Protestants, including my wife, question why Catholics make such a big deal of displaying remains. I can't argue with Protestants on this one. I saw the remains of two Popes in St. Peter's Basilica last summer. The remains of John XXIII look pretty good. However, the remains of the other Pope (I can't recall which one, but it wasn't a recent Pope) were not a pretty site. I don't know about you, but I don't have a problem venerating dead people without seeing the remains. I can just as easily pray for a deceased person in an open casket as I can for a person in a closed casket or even a picture of a person if it is a memorial service.
Rumor has it that Padre Pio's family opposes the exhumation. I can see why. The friar worked like a dog his entire life and had to put up with being a stigmatic. My guess is that he was pretty happy to meet his eternal reward. He should be given the opportunity enjoy that reward in peace.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Sola Fide
I am current reading the book Rome Sweet Home by Scott and Kimberly Hahn. Scott Hahn is one of the gurus of conservative Catholicism. Rome Sweet Home describes the Hahns' conversion to Roman Catholicism. The book mentions the concept of Sola Fide. Sola Fide is one of the primary tenets of Protestantism. Loosely translated, it means "by faith alone" (ablative of means if I recall my Latin accurately). Protestants believe that sins are forgiven by faith alone, and not by works. Although I am a Roman Catholic, I cannot argue with the notion of sola fide.
Where I part with my Prostestant brothers is sisters is when it comes to the definition of faith. It seems that Protestants see faith as merely believing that Jesus is the Savior. However, I could argue that faith is much more than belief. I can believe in Jesus without having faith. I can believe that he is the Son of God that became man, was crucified and was risen. That is belief. Faith is much more comprehensive. It incorporates belief, but adds the dimension of a trusting relationship. We have faith that God will provide for our needs and will not present obstacles that we cannot overcome. We have faith that, when a loved one dies, it is part of God's plan. We have faith that God will give us the ability to serve others (aka: do works) using the model of Jesus' ministry.
Yes, we are saved by faith alone. However, faith is much more comprehensive than belief.
Where I part with my Prostestant brothers is sisters is when it comes to the definition of faith. It seems that Protestants see faith as merely believing that Jesus is the Savior. However, I could argue that faith is much more than belief. I can believe in Jesus without having faith. I can believe that he is the Son of God that became man, was crucified and was risen. That is belief. Faith is much more comprehensive. It incorporates belief, but adds the dimension of a trusting relationship. We have faith that God will provide for our needs and will not present obstacles that we cannot overcome. We have faith that, when a loved one dies, it is part of God's plan. We have faith that God will give us the ability to serve others (aka: do works) using the model of Jesus' ministry.
Yes, we are saved by faith alone. However, faith is much more comprehensive than belief.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
The Commish
Do you know who Salvatore Lucania was? He was responsible for an institution that all of us support on nearly a daily basis. I consider the institution he established to be a permanent 9th wonder of the world.
Salvatore Lucania is better to known people in the U.S. as Charles "Lucky" Luciano, the premier Mafia leader of the world from the time of prohibition through the 1970s.
In the U.S. prior to 1931, organized crime was anything but. There were various Mafia families in many parts of the country. Each family claimed a territory. As one might expect with greedy criminals, disputes over territory arose and battles ensued. These battle generated plenty of publicity in the media. Media publicity is to the Mafia what a stake through the heart was to Count Dracula ("Dapper Don" John Gotti didn't quite understand this). By the end of the 1920s, many Mafia members were being killed and leaders were being arrested. This was not good for business!
Along with his Jewish pal Meyer Lansky, Lucky Luciano establised The Commission in 1931. The Commission consisted of representatives of all of the major Mafia families in the U.S. (although the core consisted of leaders from the five dominant Mafia families in New York). The Commission was the ruling body for Mafia-linked organized crime in the U.S. It functioned much like a corporate board of directors (with Luciano as chairman). From 1931 through the 1970s, the Mafia flourished in the U.S. Money made in gambling rackets on the east coast would be laundered through Mafia controlled businesses in other parts of the country. Territorial disputes between families were resolved at the commission level. Although turf battles continued, they were nowhere nearly as intense as the battles that took place prior to 1931. As a result of collaborative efforts, business flourished for all of Mafia families represented on The Commission.
The strength of The Commission continued into the 1970s. The Commission lost a significant amount of influence when several of the Mafia families insisted on dealing in drugs - a practice that was definitely prohibited by The Commission. Without the strong leadership of Luciano and Lansky (Luciano was deported to Italy and Lansky retired), the battled over drug dealing all but destroyed The Commission. It still functions today, but mainly as a coalition of the five New York families).
Why do I bring this up? In the field I work in, there are numerous organizations advocating for improvements to the lives of people with disabilities. While these organizations could accomplish quite a bit through collaborative measures, most choose to do all they can to maintain their "turf" of money and influence. I am always amazed that good people cannot come together for the best interests of vulnerable people, yet greedy thugs were able to do so - and as a result, their enterprise was able to thrive for generations.
Imagine how much better the world would be if the United Nations could function like The Commission did. Yes, we would still have skirmishes. However, we likely would not have the level of threats to world peace and existence that we now face. In a strange way, the world would be a better place thanks to Lucky Luciano!
Salvatore Lucania is better to known people in the U.S. as Charles "Lucky" Luciano, the premier Mafia leader of the world from the time of prohibition through the 1970s.
In the U.S. prior to 1931, organized crime was anything but. There were various Mafia families in many parts of the country. Each family claimed a territory. As one might expect with greedy criminals, disputes over territory arose and battles ensued. These battle generated plenty of publicity in the media. Media publicity is to the Mafia what a stake through the heart was to Count Dracula ("Dapper Don" John Gotti didn't quite understand this). By the end of the 1920s, many Mafia members were being killed and leaders were being arrested. This was not good for business!
Along with his Jewish pal Meyer Lansky, Lucky Luciano establised The Commission in 1931. The Commission consisted of representatives of all of the major Mafia families in the U.S. (although the core consisted of leaders from the five dominant Mafia families in New York). The Commission was the ruling body for Mafia-linked organized crime in the U.S. It functioned much like a corporate board of directors (with Luciano as chairman). From 1931 through the 1970s, the Mafia flourished in the U.S. Money made in gambling rackets on the east coast would be laundered through Mafia controlled businesses in other parts of the country. Territorial disputes between families were resolved at the commission level. Although turf battles continued, they were nowhere nearly as intense as the battles that took place prior to 1931. As a result of collaborative efforts, business flourished for all of Mafia families represented on The Commission.
The strength of The Commission continued into the 1970s. The Commission lost a significant amount of influence when several of the Mafia families insisted on dealing in drugs - a practice that was definitely prohibited by The Commission. Without the strong leadership of Luciano and Lansky (Luciano was deported to Italy and Lansky retired), the battled over drug dealing all but destroyed The Commission. It still functions today, but mainly as a coalition of the five New York families).
Why do I bring this up? In the field I work in, there are numerous organizations advocating for improvements to the lives of people with disabilities. While these organizations could accomplish quite a bit through collaborative measures, most choose to do all they can to maintain their "turf" of money and influence. I am always amazed that good people cannot come together for the best interests of vulnerable people, yet greedy thugs were able to do so - and as a result, their enterprise was able to thrive for generations.
Imagine how much better the world would be if the United Nations could function like The Commission did. Yes, we would still have skirmishes. However, we likely would not have the level of threats to world peace and existence that we now face. In a strange way, the world would be a better place thanks to Lucky Luciano!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Not the One and Only
Two buck deer are sitting at the top of a hill - a father buck and his adult son. They notice about 20 does in the field below. It is mating season. The young deer says to his father, "Dad, let's each of us run down the hill and mate with one of the does!" The father replies, "Son, let's each of us walk down the hill and mate with all of them."
I was reminded of this story while listening to Catholic radio this morning. They had a couple of pro-life movement representatives touting the victory of Gov. Huckabee (I don't have a problem with Gov. Huckabee - he seems to be a pretty good candidate) in the Iowa caucuses and urging Catholics to vote. Of course, they argued that Catholics must vote pro-life - there is no other cause on which to base a vote.
If you have read my blog before, you know that I do hope and pray for the day when there will be no abortions. That day will come when women are not put in positions where abortion is the only option they perceive. However, abortion is not the only issue (although it is critical) and all of the negative things in the world do not stem from abortion. If abortions stopped this second, we would still have a world filled with war, hunger, murder, drug abuse, terrorism, rape, torture, the death penalty, etc. These "man-made" evils all stem from the human weakness of greed and lust for power, not from abortion.
Just imagine the progress that could be made if just some of the world-wide energy currently put into the pro-life cause would be spent in some of these other areas.
I was reminded of this story while listening to Catholic radio this morning. They had a couple of pro-life movement representatives touting the victory of Gov. Huckabee (I don't have a problem with Gov. Huckabee - he seems to be a pretty good candidate) in the Iowa caucuses and urging Catholics to vote. Of course, they argued that Catholics must vote pro-life - there is no other cause on which to base a vote.
If you have read my blog before, you know that I do hope and pray for the day when there will be no abortions. That day will come when women are not put in positions where abortion is the only option they perceive. However, abortion is not the only issue (although it is critical) and all of the negative things in the world do not stem from abortion. If abortions stopped this second, we would still have a world filled with war, hunger, murder, drug abuse, terrorism, rape, torture, the death penalty, etc. These "man-made" evils all stem from the human weakness of greed and lust for power, not from abortion.
Just imagine the progress that could be made if just some of the world-wide energy currently put into the pro-life cause would be spent in some of these other areas.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
The Race is On
The green flag for the race for President has been flown. As I write this, the results from the Iowa caucus are not in. However, the pundits are predicting a finish order of Obama, Edwards and Clinton for the Democrats and Huckabee, Romney and McCain for the Republicans.
I have yet to meet anyone (and I meet many) that is completely behind any of the candidates. While that might seem troubling, I see it as a good sign. I have worked in the political arena for many years. The most effective legislation results from proposals that nobody really loves, but that everyone can live with. I think the same can apply to candidates for political office. Perhaps we will have two nominees that are not the "political darlings" of any group. Maybe we will have two nominees that most people could live with. If we end up with a President that few love but most can live with, there may be a chance for some progress in Washington, D.C. Such a President would be forced to work closely with both parties and would have to follow a moderate idealogical line.
As we get sick of hearing the political pundits, let us hope and pray that the best candidate wins.
I have yet to meet anyone (and I meet many) that is completely behind any of the candidates. While that might seem troubling, I see it as a good sign. I have worked in the political arena for many years. The most effective legislation results from proposals that nobody really loves, but that everyone can live with. I think the same can apply to candidates for political office. Perhaps we will have two nominees that are not the "political darlings" of any group. Maybe we will have two nominees that most people could live with. If we end up with a President that few love but most can live with, there may be a chance for some progress in Washington, D.C. Such a President would be forced to work closely with both parties and would have to follow a moderate idealogical line.
As we get sick of hearing the political pundits, let us hope and pray that the best candidate wins.
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Manna From Heaven
I grew up in a house that was directly across from a state historical park. The park hosts numerous events during the year, including re-enactments of Civil War battles. During these re-enactments, hundreds of Union and Confederate "soldiers" camp overnight in the park.
Many years ago, several of the kids in the neighborhood wanted to surprise some of the soldiers sleeping in tents during a re-enactment. Being teenage boys, our first inclination was to hit some golf balls in their direction. Fortunately, one of us (not me) ruled that out due to the likelihood of hitting a building or a person. Creative juices flowed and we came up with a much better idea.
Several of us had wrist-rocket slingshots. These are very powerful and accurate slingshots that use the shooter's entire wrist as leverage. We went to the grocery store and bought several bags of Skittles - the fruit flavored candy that comes in small balls about the size of peas.
We agreed to meet in our yard at about 10:00 pm. We could use darkness to our advantage and be assured that the soldiers were still awake. Shortly after 10:00, about five of us began the "shock and awe" bombardment of the soldiers. Within about two minutes, we lanched several thousand Skittles high into the air. Our aim was accurate - more than half landed in the encampments. We had a great time listening to the soldiers try to figure out what was happening. They did figure out that the things hitting them were Skittles. However, they had no clue where they were coming from.
This was one of the most creative pranks in which I have been involved. Every so often, I'll write about some of the others.
Many years ago, several of the kids in the neighborhood wanted to surprise some of the soldiers sleeping in tents during a re-enactment. Being teenage boys, our first inclination was to hit some golf balls in their direction. Fortunately, one of us (not me) ruled that out due to the likelihood of hitting a building or a person. Creative juices flowed and we came up with a much better idea.
Several of us had wrist-rocket slingshots. These are very powerful and accurate slingshots that use the shooter's entire wrist as leverage. We went to the grocery store and bought several bags of Skittles - the fruit flavored candy that comes in small balls about the size of peas.
We agreed to meet in our yard at about 10:00 pm. We could use darkness to our advantage and be assured that the soldiers were still awake. Shortly after 10:00, about five of us began the "shock and awe" bombardment of the soldiers. Within about two minutes, we lanched several thousand Skittles high into the air. Our aim was accurate - more than half landed in the encampments. We had a great time listening to the soldiers try to figure out what was happening. They did figure out that the things hitting them were Skittles. However, they had no clue where they were coming from.
This was one of the most creative pranks in which I have been involved. Every so often, I'll write about some of the others.
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