tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-285512972024-03-13T21:16:05.761-04:00My MusingsThoughts on life from the perspective of a middle aged gay Christian man who is living his life the best he knows how. Come and join the journey.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger465125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-9106551475160608012013-07-28T15:58:00.002-04:002013-07-28T15:58:44.599-04:00Chaos ReignsYIKES. What a month. Between my denominational conference in Chicago, a quick trip to Iowa, a family visit, and some goings on, it has been non-stop chaos. All of the travel and visit were fine and fun, though they did kind of upset the routine of life. Couple all of that with Ben's interview this week, some shenanigans at Church of the Holy Mother (LOL), and some medical issues, I'm ready for a respite. Later this week, we have a two night hotel stay to celebrate my birthday, and there is a likely trip to a potential new location within the month. There are goings on my child's life involving separation and eventual divorce, and family relocating to our area (just as we are looking at leaving). Add all of this together, and is it any wonder that Ben and I are about to go 'round the bend? Life is seldom dull here at Slumlord Heights, but can we at least slow the merry go round from warp drive to mach speed? PLEASE!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-51191168888400543032013-07-11T21:49:00.001-04:002013-07-11T21:49:39.042-04:00Pissed OffWhy is it that clergy are open targets of both active and passive abuse, but seem to not be allowed to address the inappropriate, abusive behavior. Do we wear targets? Are we not human with feelings? If I were to treat some people the way they feel led to treat me, I would be defrocked or at least fired from my post. People think it's okay to leave churches with no explanation or to be critical or mean spirited, but they would be the first to criticize me for calling their bad behavior. It happens in most churches and to most pastors at one time or another, but it really raises my hackles! GRRR. Think before you judge, criticize, or complain. Clergy are people too, and we love to minister with you all, but we do not deserve abuse.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-57377127396996135632013-07-11T15:34:00.001-04:002013-07-11T15:34:58.105-04:00Welcome BackWell, I see it has been a very long time since I have posted here, and much has happened over my absence. There have been grand and good things like marriage, along with challenges like moving multiple times and managing pastoring a church through a crisis situation, and oh so much more. However, I won't bore anyone with all the details in this post.<br />
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What brought me back here today is that this is a safe place for me to post thoughts and insights. Right now I am sitting in the church office feeling a bit overwhelmed and almost to the point of not caring. I was away for ten days and came back to broken relationships, discord, and confusion, along with the good stuff that continued in my absence. The question that comes to my mind when considering all this with this interim pastorate is, "Are they ready to move forward?" The question that comes forward for my is, "What more can I do with and for these people?" I have between two and four months left here in which to help prepare these people for the exciting and challenging times ahead. What can I do in that time? What do they need? Who will love and lead them when I am gone?<br />
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By now you are probably all wishing I had stayed gone, but here I am. Hopefully, Facebook hasn't totally overshadowed the blogosphere. See you all soon.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-53099813436657913712011-07-09T22:08:00.000-04:002011-07-09T22:08:33.968-04:00Life ChangesToday I filed the necessary paperwork to retire as active clergy within my denomination. Normally, they require age 65 (2 years away) or 25 years of ministry (one year away). However, because I am not currently in a ministry position, nothing appears on the immediate horizon, and Ben's career will keep us local for the next three or more years, I asked for advice from the higher ups. The response was an offer of early retirement. That means I will be able to continue weddings and funerals and occasional duties with no particular responsibilities. It gave me kind of a funny feeling, but all in all it is the best course of action at this point in life. I will still be doing some ministry work in the local church, but with no specific time requirements. Is this a sign that I am getting old? I sit wondering how this will affect my life. I guess I will find out.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-60309896497393274802011-05-19T09:06:00.001-04:002011-05-19T09:10:23.895-04:00Rampant Homophobia - ONE<a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/nugent.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+towleroad%2Ffeed+%28Towleroad+Daily++%23gay+news%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">http://www.towleroad.com/2011/05/nugent.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+towleroad%2Ffeed+%28Towleroad+Daily++%23gay+news%29&utm_content=Google+Reader</a><br />
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I have just about reached the end of my rope reading all of the posts that display homophobia masked as personal preference -- statements that are somehow allowed to stand unchallenged and acceptable. In this post, Ted Nugent (apparently a self proclaimed expert on gay issues?) calls gays the most protected class in the country. What a load of ignorant crap! The most protected class in America is heterosexual middle to upper class Christian white men. What? Oh yes! Now, there are not a lot of laws defining and deliniating the rights and acceptability of this class of people, but the protections are so culturally entrenched that laws are not necessary to protect them. The "power" group never needs to singled out in laws in order to enjoy rights and protections of society. The civil rights issues of the 60s and 70s never touched this "protected" class -- they had all the rights just by being who they were. No special legislation was required to "give men the vote." This class is never singled out for ethnic or religious profiling. A HMUCCWM (acronym for heterosexual middle to upper class Christian white men) is free to marry the person (a woman of course as defined by the H part of the group name) he chooses, and all rights, priveleges, protections, and recognition of said marriage is automatically granted. <br />
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Mr. Nugent goes on to offhandedly perpetuate gay stereotypes by saying, <strong>"If the NBA had any true gay convictions, the NBA should host a Homosexual Night. During halftime, the homosexuals could come down on the court, hold hands and prance around the court to music by the Village People. The NBA could then give each homosexual a pink basketball as a symbol of solidarity." </strong>Mr. Nugent -- most gays watching NBA basketball do not hold hands and prance around; many people (even some of the HMUCCWMs) enjoy and dance to the Village People. Further, why in the name of common sense, would any of us want a pink basketball? It might clash with our carefully selected fashionable basketball viewing outfits after all.<br />
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While I give Mr. Nugent absolutely no credibility, this post just plain pissed me off (pardon the term). It is just one more example of ignorant, stereotyping that is allowed to go on unchecked. I am a believer in free speech, and people have the right to say whatever they feel (even if it is stupid, mean spirited, rude, or hurtful); however, I believe that that the reach of that free speech protection should stop short of allowing someone to unfairly bash an entire segment of society (no matter how "protected" that group" might be perceived to be.)<br />
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I intend to post and comment on such outrageous but hurtful baloney from time to time and I encourage Musings readers to do likewise. Until we stand up and speak out, these lies will continue; as long as they continue, we will not be free or fully included in society. Let's hold the institutional bigots accountable and stop the hate.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-9025817754295478992011-04-24T22:13:00.000-04:002011-04-24T22:13:26.282-04:00Life's Journey ContinuedFirst off, Happy Easter all! It's been a while since I've posted a life update because there was no news to be told. Finally, today, Ben got word that the potential new post in this area was a 99% (+/-) done deal beginning sometime in the fall. The diocese is trying to put together some kind of finances that will allow us to stay put and to wait for this position to come to fruition. This is extremely good news, because in part it means that we do not have to terminate our lease early and that we do not have to move in the immediate future -- thank God. Today was the last Sunday service at his church, and it was kind of joyful and at the same time kind of sad. There were smiles and Alleluias with occasional tears. So, tomorrow we begin emptying our storage unit and bringing things home (unmoving -- if there is such a word). Time to put the house back together at least the next 10 1/2 months left on our lease -- and maybe longer -- hooray! Thanks for bearing with us on this weird and taxing journey. Stay tuned for future updates as they become available.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-16382334381892991412011-04-07T08:57:00.000-04:002011-04-07T08:57:57.780-04:00A Government Shutdown?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1atR_fvFgYkFX-tnM15jz0jQ2woleXMxCJUPjoCzomHdVmtkaTIeRAffsTFFBPsbNFEC8Ff0FzBAq-iVxeM4qAbz46kWc4TbR9YbJZcs-5sUOGftYLPfIequMVWxu_jbtepxi/s1600/government%252Bshutdown2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" r6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1atR_fvFgYkFX-tnM15jz0jQ2woleXMxCJUPjoCzomHdVmtkaTIeRAffsTFFBPsbNFEC8Ff0FzBAq-iVxeM4qAbz46kWc4TbR9YbJZcs-5sUOGftYLPfIequMVWxu_jbtepxi/s1600/government%252Bshutdown2.jpg" /></a></div>We are about one day from a potential government shutdown that is no one's fault but all of those who are playing politics rather than doing the jobs with which they were charged by the voters. Thankfully, Social Security and Medicare will continue. At least they aren't leaving seniors hanging in the wind. Then there are the "non-essential" government workers who will be furloughed -- therefore, no pay! That is sad and not good for the economy. A couple other things, however, bother me a great deal more. There are those workers deemed "essential" - military, TSA, border patrols, etc. Those folks will be expected to work, but will not be paid. Isn't that called SLAVERY? Even more upsetting than this travesty is that Congress -- where the blame for this potential shutdown lies -- will continue to be paid! This strikes me as being "government ABOVE the people", a phrase that, to the best of knowledge, does NOT appear in any constitution or other founding document. If there is to be a shutdown -- and if Congress is deemed "essential" (something that could well be called into question), then make them work without pay -- I bet they would quit the bickering and get down to business and would find a way to compromise on the budget very quickly. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-954255425711284692011-04-04T20:00:00.000-04:002011-04-04T20:00:19.778-04:00Updates from Lake Up in the AirWell, we are well on our way to packing and storing our lives and about to relocate to stay with friends hundreds of miles away while seeking direction for our lives. My mind and heart were resigned to this process, but God isn't finished yet. Today, Ben got an email from his Bishop's office asking if he would be interested in doing an interim assignment (about 18 months) about 30 miles from where we are currently living. Half our stuff is already in storage, plans are made, direction was set, but this sounds like a real possibility. It is also a full time position. It would allow us to stay where we are, to complete our lease (and save the 2,500 dollar early termination fee), it would allow me to become more active in my church in this area, it would broaden Ben's skill set for future assignments, and so on. Tomorrow he will be in discussions to learn more about this potential assignment and will soon make the decision to pursue it or stick to current plans. So, until a decision is reached either way, all packing and moving to storage stops. SO -- as we were just staring to get some direction, a huge gust of wind has whipped up to change the weather. Guess we will stay tuned for God's leading. You stay tuned to and I will bring updates as they become available. Fun, eh?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-46230458393192123972011-03-19T09:02:00.001-04:002011-03-21T06:45:59.953-04:00And the Hunt is OnWell, the hunt for the next move has begun. This weekend I sent a pulpit application to a city in the SW part of the country. The church seems to be in good health and of a size that I believe is a match with my ministry. Ben has updated his information and placed it in the church's system for placement. I have also requested an application packet from another church -- this one much closer to our current location (and also much colder area than the SW). <br />
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Tomorrow is the meeting at Ben's church where they will vote to close --with the last service most likely to occur on Easter. Once the vote is taken and everything is public we will be able to have all information out in the open and as public as we want to be. It's been weird having to be cautious about where and with whom we could talk about this stuff. <br />
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I've been in the business of packing boxes, sorting stuff to put in storage, to donate, or to keep with us. How do things seem to multiply so fast? We've moved 5 times in 5 years, and every time we get rid of a bunch of stuff -- yet it seems that every time we move, the size of the move grows. It's spooky.<br />
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And that's the way it is ths fine Saturday morning!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-78589519412098293852011-03-18T11:46:00.000-04:002011-03-18T11:46:45.383-04:00They are MultiplyingAs our time here begins to wind down, I have begun packing boxes in preparation for the next big chapter in the Perils of Pastoring series of events. This morning I began packing books -- just the ones in the house so far, and it seems that the more boxes I fill with books, the more books I find to pack. What are those nasty tomes doing in those bookcases? I can hardly wait to start attacking the bookcases in Ben's office -- OH NO! Did you know that professional movers add approximately 25% to their estimates for clergy moves -- mostly because of books? I'm beginning to think it's time for e-readers. Think of the money that would save on moving and how much space, paper, and ink. But, alas, reading an electronic gadget is just not the same as holding a book or even as seeing them in their shelves just calling out to be held and read. I guess we bite the bullet and keep on packing. Hopefully, there will no naughty book shenanigans in the boxes. Well, enough of this -- guess it's time to find another box and load it up. Stay tuned for further adventures.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-71486379989361689442011-03-17T08:56:00.000-04:002011-03-17T08:56:21.238-04:00Tons of BoxesThe moving of "stuff" has begun. We have a bunch of boxes to load, but no doubt will need many more. We have moved most of the Christmas stuff to the storage unit, along with some boxes of items that have not been used in the past couple of moves, but are things we want to keep. Hopefully, Ben's car will be out of the shop in the next day or so, since we can load a lot more boxes in his than in mine -- cut the number of trips to the unit. The upshot of all this post is that the house will be in total chaos for the next six weeks. Safety tip -- Night lights prevent tripping over boxes and assorted items that are not in the usual places. I know what obstacle coursed feel like. EEK!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-3743752100554008592011-03-14T22:34:00.000-04:002011-03-14T22:34:40.145-04:00Looking ForwardThe transition continues. Today was our time to go rent a storage unit so that our entire lives can have a place to stay while we regroup. Can you imagine shoving all this crap into a 10X15 space and driving away? We have moved some of the Christmas stuff (some folks think that we could fill that whole space with Christmas but not quite. Now it's get the boxes, pack them up, move stuff to the unit, figure out what to store, what to get rid of, and what we need to take with us during transition time. Fun fun fun. Anyone want to come help, sort, pack and toss?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-2338001177008631742011-03-13T16:42:00.000-04:002011-03-13T16:42:46.113-04:00Never Ask "What Next?"The saga here in crazyland continues. Between churches about to close, a car accident, family trials, and a lost job, last night we got a call that Ben's dad is in the hospital. Not sure exactly what's happening, but BP dropped dangerously low. He is in ICU on antibiotics and we are waiting for phone calls advising us whether to stay here and wait or make the cross country drive to be there in case something happens. It never stops.<br />
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Also, the other day we got a notice from the apartment complex about our "options" for early termination of our lease -- none of them very pleasant. There will be a visit to the office to discuss these "options" and to see if there is something else that can be done to ease the pain of moving.<br />
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Life goes on -- and on -- and on. I wonder what might be in the next chapter, but I'm surely not going to ask the question "What next?". Surely as I ask, I may find out -- and I may not like the answers. I will wait and see how the next few days unfold. Stay tuned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-53558661005289628732011-03-08T14:25:00.000-05:002011-03-08T14:25:56.647-05:00What Next?This thing called life just gets more and more funny. Ben is losing his church, we will be moving, uncertain times ahead, and today I was informed that my secular job is no more! Guess that will sit well with the family members who thought it horrible that I was going to "quit my job." While I was not totally surprised by my release (I was told of such rumors months ago though I was assured by two supervisors that my job was secure -- even as late as last week), it came as a bit of surprise at this moment. Now the dilemma is this" Do I apply for unemployment and hope i get it?, 2) Do I look for a throw away job here to hold me over for the short time before we leave the area?, 3) Do I go ahead and relocate, find a job, and wait for Ben to join me when his work here is done?, or 4) Do we just say screw it?<br />
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With all that has been going on, I am beginning to feel a bit like Job. However, like Job, I am not ready to curse God and die. I am ready to let God know that I am not amused, that I am even angry. But God is still in control. Who knows what's next?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-83425774359074031532011-03-05T15:40:00.000-05:002011-03-05T15:40:51.398-05:00Another TwistWell, the roller coaster has gone in a new and uncharted direction. I mentioned in my last post that we were going to relocate and live in Ben's parents' basement for a few months while we sort out and discover the next step in our journey. Well, all was fine until Ben's sister heard about the plan. She decided that the stress of us being there would "kill Dad." She enlisted the support of the other two siblings, both of whom have called to let us know what a bad idea it would be. Never mind that each of them have done the same or similar thing over the years. Now, I will grant you that Dad is near 90 and stresses about everything. However, if I were a parent of these "caring" children, I would be sadly disaapointed. Each of them responded based on what one of them thought, and none offered any viable alternatives or offer of help in the situation. Because they all think that our plan would "kill Dad", they have effectively cut off this move as a possibility, no matter how willing Mom may be because, God forbid, if we go there and something happens to Dad (whatever the cause) guess who will get the blame. So now we are back to square one -- stay tuned.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-22325723746432131192011-03-05T07:50:00.000-05:002011-03-05T07:50:10.710-05:00From the Roller CoasterHappy March everyone. As usual, I have been lost in Facebook land, but there some things that simply cannot be posted there due to excessive visibility. Enough apology; now on to the news. Some of you may know that Ben and I were finally able to take a real vacation. Spent 10 days heading south with stops along Florida's east coast, a couple days at Universal, Key West, and back up the gulf coast and home. It was a wonderful time to just enjoy each other and not worry about anything. Well -- as idyllic as that sounds, it was the proverbial calm before the storm. <br />
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We returned to the land of snow to discover that Ben's church is nearly broke -- I won't bore you with all the details, but suffice it to say that, after meetings and worry, it appears that the church is to be closed most likely by the end of April. There is no pastor's income beyond that point -- that means that our household income will take a hit in excess of 50%, plus Ben's insurances and such will all vaporize. NOW -- when we moved here just one year ago, he was looking forward to his three year contract with this church, so we signed a two year lease on our apartment, which now we cannot afford. On top of all this, my secular job is in a precarious and uncertain space right now. Things look pretty grim, we are stewing (or "futzing" as Ben calls it) over the situation. What do we do? Do we stay here, go get minimum wage jobs and try to muddle through until a church comes open? At the beginning, we had no visible options -- the question was really,"WTF do we do now?" As we began to brainstorm, we drew a few possible options and are somewhere near finding the next step in this uncharted yet strangely familiar territory. It looks as though each us will be exploring options for ministry -- whichever denomination blinks first gets us. However, that search will take time and as we determined, we cannot afford our rent on what we would anticipate as "bridge income". So it appears that he at age 46 and me at age 62 will be placing our lives in storage and moving along with the cats to his parents' basement. Thank God they are willing and welcoming. It is a bit embarrassing and demoralizing, but it is a temporary step and I think it will fit the need for the near future. From there, we can both find some kind of jobs (unemployment is lower there than here) and focus our position searches. This also gives Ben a bit of much needed down time from the church gig after the stress and abuse he has encountered in this part of his journey. So, dear readers, it appears that we will soon be moving again (the 5th time in 5 years), and I am just really getting over the previous moves. We have made this place home, and I rather enjoy it. This once again proves the temporary nature of life. As we wind down this chapter of the book, I wonder what will be in the next chapter? We are free at this point to re-locate just about anywhere that God may lead us. If you know of a healthy, vibrant Episcopal, ELCA, or MCC seeking a pastor, drop a line. Who knows? We might be coming soon to your neighborhood! Be afraid, be very afraid. I promise more frequent posts as our future begins to unfold this unwritten chapter of this unending saga.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-50860245962724606512010-12-07T08:15:00.000-05:002010-12-07T08:15:07.191-05:00Damned if he Does and Damned if he Doesn'tI am sitting here this morning listening to Morning Joe, and I am getting more and more angry. It seems that just a month ago after the elections, these folks were saying, "The voters have spoken, the President better listen." Now Mr. Obama has compromised to include some of the Republican issues (including those "tax cuts" for the wealthy), and these same folks are criticizing the President for moving too far right. What exactly do these people want? Do they want a leader who stands for what he believes to be correct or a puppet who follows the polls? Folks, you cannot have it both ways! The truth is that these commentators -- this show and others -- are just plain anti-Democrat or anti-Obama. Let's figure out what is the right thing to do and DO IT regardless of the politics. Let's stop complaining about everything and DO something productive!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-67734146729520416182010-12-01T08:27:00.000-05:002010-12-01T08:27:14.828-05:00World AIDS Day RamblingsRemember that today is World AIDS Day. When I started this post, I wanted to make a point, but the topic is so broad and so close to my heart, I decided to just let the thoughts ramble. If they are disjointed, so be it. For many folks, this is the one day of the year when AIDS is in on their radar. For many folks, however, HIV and AIDS are a reality every day. Many have lost friends and family members to the epidemic. Many others are living with HIV and AIDS, either short term or for many years. There are newly diagnosed cases every day in this country and around the world. You might claim not to know anyone who has died or is living with HIV, though I doubt the reality of that claim -- unless you live in the forest or on a desert island as a hermit. The reality is that, although you might not be aware of anyone affected, everyone is affected directly or indirectly. The world has been deprived of the talents and contributions of millions of people whose lives were cut short due to this epidemic. Families have been torn asunder as mothers, fathers, children, siblings, and others have faced illness and have either lost or are still fighting the battle. Twenty five or more years of HIV should make its eradication or control a priority for everyone of us, for the medical profession, religious leaders, educators, and the government. <br />
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I sit this morning thinking of so many people == some fighting, some now at peace. For Tim and David who have been facing the challenge everyday for many years I pray for another year of health and progress. For all the people I have known who have died (too numerous to list), I pray peace for their souls and their families. For society, I pray for an end to judgement and prejudice and for every person out there to find a way to get involved. For our young people, I pray for knowledge and responsibile behavior. With all of the information there is on the transmission of HIV, there should be no valid reason for our kids to become infected. Parents, talk to your children about this stuff. Young folks, you are not invincible - be responsible.<br />
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I hope that all of the events and publicity of this World AIDS Day result in at least one life protected, extended, or remembered. That one life (hopefully many more) makes these events worthwhile. Don't let the day go by unnoticed. And in a manner similar to Ebeneezer Scrooge who vowed to keep Christmas in his heart every day, let us each commit to keep HIV/AIDS in the forefront of our consciousness.<br />
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Peace!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-9135548751039685992010-11-18T08:51:00.000-05:002010-11-18T08:51:49.810-05:00What Marks a Leader?I have been watching several politically oriented TV segments recently in which people keep saying that President Obama should change course in light of the midterm elections. How sad! A true leader does not always do what is popular, but stands firm for what he/she believes to be right. Is it more important to do what is right or to get re-elected? If what Mr Obama is focusing on is wrong, time will bear that out. If it is simply unpopular, too bad. When did we ever get to the point in society that the boisterous majority sets the course and determines policy?<br />
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If popluarity reigned, women would not be voting, gays would not be getting married, African Americans would be living is slavery and using separate facilities, the outcome of World Wars I & II would have far different, and the list goes on. These irritants and deterrants to a healthy society were (or are being) eradicated because leaders led rather than followed.<br />
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It is time that we stopped allowing elections to be decided by popularity or by the amount of mud being slung, and elected leaders who will stand for right, regardless of the political cost.<br />
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And that, friends, is my rant for today.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-66667665271641557782010-11-16T08:31:00.000-05:002010-11-16T08:31:48.040-05:00Just Checking InHey everyone! There's not much happening at the moment, but since I haven't posted in a few days, I thought I ought to let you know that I am still alive. I have been feeling a little bit useless of late -- down to working three days a week and no particular church responsibilities. That means that, for the most part, I have four days a week to do as I please- the problem is that I haven't quite figured out what "do as I please" means. I can sit and watch TV and play on the Internet all day, but then I feel as though I haven't accomplished anything. I can clean, do laundry, or cook -- fun for a bit, but those things quickly lose their appeal. I can go shopping -- but I don't need anything and I surely can't afford a lot. I could travel, but that too costs money. I think I may look at volunteer opportunities for a day a week or so, but I haven't quite decided where or what. Sometimes I wonder if semi-retirement was the right choice -- that question is quickly settled every week when I hit that first work day -- wishing that retirement was total which also is not feasible right now. Part of the reason for semi-retirement was to have more time to accomplish the church tasks, but that role changed a month ago. I'm not really complaining here, just rambling, and searching for direction and renewed purpose. Stay tuned for updates. And that is the way it is today. Have a good one.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-2589997223463537632010-11-03T08:01:00.000-04:002010-11-03T08:01:35.446-04:00The Morning AfterWell, election night 2010 is over, even though there are still a few results to come in. It was not a pretty night for the Democrats, but we still woke up today and, God willing, will wake up tomorrow as well. Now that this bloodbath election is behind us and the 2012 bludgeoning has not begun in earnest, it is time to put parties and animosity aside and to work together to address the challenges that are before us -- jobs, economy, wars, the environment, DADT, same sex marriage, and the list goes on. This cooperative spirit is needed, not only in Washington (though it is certainly essential there if there is to be improvement), but on every street in every town in every state. We each need to remember that it is not about what is best for ME or my party or businesses or the poor or the rich or __________, but it is about what is best for the country and what is right. That means the inclusion and the dignity of all people regardless of religious beliefs, sexuality, or any other matter that actually has nothing to do with governing. Thankfully, most of the candidates who put forth hate or far out policy points LOST. We are not a Christian nation nor are we a theocracy nor are we a heterosexual nation. We are a nation, and we need to remember the phrase, "We the people". We also need to stop saying, "I want my country back!" My country, governed by Republicans and Democrats (and some Tea Party folks -- whatever exactly that means) is still here as it has been for more than 200 years. There have been problems, challenges, failures, victories, advances, wars, peace, and all those ("my country" things) throughout our history, and I believe that if we are true to our founding principles (which were not exclusively Christian), we will persevere and be around for a very long time. My challenge to you all today is this: What are YOU doing to make it better? And that, my friends, is the way I see it today!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-61238142620626387042010-11-01T09:48:00.000-04:002010-11-01T09:48:09.747-04:00Where's the Dignity?This election cycle is nearly over -- thankfully. I would like to suggest to future candidates that they pledge to restore dignity, statesmanship, common decency, and professionalism to the election process. I am so tired of candidates (or others in the political fray) calling others "corrupt bastards", "whore", "facist", "socialist" and so on or telling the President of the United States to "shove" his endorsement or using words like "that sucks". Is this high school, the bar room, or even the water cooler crowd? No, these are the people who are being considered for positions of extreme importance in the future of our nation and world. These people want to govern? They even even practice decency and decorum! I wish one candidate would rise above the onslaught of mud, vulgarity, insult, and childish petulence and stand on his or her positions on issues -- not demeaning the opposition, but telling us what he or she (the candidate) will strive to do if they are elected. What a change and what a positive example for the young people of the US.<br />
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Did you ever wonder where the bullying in schools is coming from? Read the above paragraph! If we say it's okay to be vulgar, to insult and demean, and to disrespect even the highest office in the land, is it any wonder that kids think it's okay to do that to their peers? Add to that the rants of the religious right which do nothing but heighten the fears and bigotry that run so deeply in society. Folks, it's time to reclaim some human dignity here, and I call upon every person who holds or hopes to hold a position of influence or authority to model the common decency and respect that they would like to experience.<br />
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And that's the way it is on this Election eve!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-65833471554903775252010-11-01T08:35:00.000-04:002010-11-01T08:35:33.804-04:00GreetingsHappy November; happy Monday; happy All Saints Day; happy "day before election" day. Don't forget to go vote tomorrow. And, of course, vote for the correct candidates -- we need to move forward not backward. Things ARE getting better!!! Let's not let it go back to the Bush years -- it was NOT better!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-79931276733206339292010-10-28T08:05:00.000-04:002010-10-28T08:05:31.134-04:00Is it Groundhog Day?Believe it or not, I've found something more annoying than the political ads! A product called Hydrolyze has been running an ad for at last the past two weeks or so in which they offer a free sample of their product for "the next 24 hours." Now, do they think we are so stupid to fall for the 24 hour thing when the ad is on day after day? That one ranks up there with those that are selling wonderful "as seen on TV" JUNK, and add the line, "We'll send a second one absolutely free; just PAY additional shipping and handling." How do absolutely free and just pay even go in the same sentence? Come on, advertisers, do you think that people are that stupid? Hmmm, maybe that question IS the tie between this kind of ad and the political ads. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28551297.post-78704776924503594432010-10-26T06:52:00.000-04:002010-10-26T06:52:10.616-04:00One Week and CountingHere we are - one week until election day and the end (at least for a a short time) of the hateful political ads that are rampant. Telling me that your opponent is a no good scoundrel without any substantive message of your positions or aspirations does not induce me to vote for you. Distorting truth, name calling, fear mongering, and the like do nothing but make people angry, disappointed, disillusioned and frustrated, with an ever increasing likelihood of lowering voter turnout. Now, for me, my decisions are made in all major races and I will be sure to be at the polls next Tuesday supporting candidates of the party that DOES NOT tax the people while giving businesses huge tax breaks, the party that DOES NOT stomp all over the rights and dignity of people who are "different", the party that DOES NOT start unjustified wars and then fund them OUTSIDE of the budget process, nor the party that wraps the flag in a narrow, judgmental, hateful cloak of religion (THEIR religion of course). Remember as we come down to the wire, YOUR VOTE MATTERS. Be the change you want to see -- progress or return to what led us to where we are today -- if you don't vote, don't complain about the results.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1