The Lutheran Progressive

President Carter's Mistake

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Wed, 23 May 2007 09:26:00 +0000

Jimmy Carter made a mistake recently.......in not standing by his words. He was right in stating that from a foreign policy stance, and how our nation is viewed in the world, this administration is the worst in history. Vietnam under Johnson and Nixon, The Cold War, Meddling in South America, Manifest Destiny, etc did not cause the animosity from foreign governments that the Bush administration has brought on us all. Carter claimed he was misquoted and that he was caught up in the heat of the moment. Just admit it, its all true, and you meant it. A vast majority of Americans agrees with you President Carter, and will stand behind your words. Is this "attack "unprecedented? NO, it has happened before, and should. An American passionate about justice, freedom and God's love such as President Carter is obligated and should voice his beliefs, and fight for them at all times. It is a shame that the Political hacks are out trying to bury the message by attacking Carter personally. Just goes to show how people are so bent on "winning" they will ignore fact and reason. Please President Carter, stand by your words, do not back down, and continue to "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves..." (Proverbs 31:8)

A Humbling Experience courtesy of JDRF

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Mon, 21 May 2007 09:51:00 +0000

The Beat the Bridge to cure Juvenile Diabetes was a great success. Our team, Erin's Diabetes raised more than $1400 to help find a cure! To all who donated money, kept us in your thoughts and prayers, or supported us with words of encouragement, thank you. The experience was definitely one that reminds one what this is all about. T shirts, signs, and bags were covered with names of those who suffer from the disease. Pictures of those who lost the battle remained immediately in front of us during the walk, a constant reminder that yes, Diabetes can lead to death. To see children, there to walk to help find a cure, one that will save their very own lives is both sad and heart-warming. Today wasn't a day of sorrow or anger, but of hope, optimism, and a reminder that a cure will be found. I urge each and everyone of you to check out The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation , and learn a little about the disease. See the stories of the kids and adults, families and friends who deal with this daily.

If you cannot donate monetarily, please help by being an advocate and getting educated. Write your Representatives and Senators, the President and Governor, urging them to fund embryonic stem cell research to help find a cure. Consider joining a walk or fundraiser, one where you will see those who you are helping. See the kids, see those who carry on int he name of someone who died, and let it change you. I am thankful for those who helped me see today, just how important this cause truly is.

Face to Face with anger and Hate

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Wed, 16 May 2007 08:10:00 +0000

In an instant, all of my moral superiority was wiped away. The news that Jerry Falwell, icon of the religious right, had died, brought a smile to my face. I was enjoying the news, basking in the warm glow of hate and satisfaction. There he was, the man who had misused Christianity, divided a nation, endorsed hate, violence and poverty, with two years under his picture. How could I not enjoy this, the death of someone who stood for everything I hated, the man who created an empire of hatred and cloaked it in religion. There was no pity, no sorrow, no sense of regret on my part, I truly enjoyed it, and savored the feeling.

I was amazed that I was capable of this. I have always considered myself to be someone of love and mercy, one who honestly tried to live God's call. I believed I was standing up for what was right, against people like Jerry Falwell to prevent the kinds of things I gave into today. I thought I was above this, that those who were so hate filled were not like me. Unfortunately, I was proven wrong, and had to see that we are all capable, we are all able to fall victim to this hate.

Jerry Falwell did many things I disagreed with over the years. We stood on opposite sides of the theological and political spectrum. Our vision for the world, vision of God's kingdom, Jesus' mission, the mission of the church and everything else colored our views, and helped us apply our religious beliefs to politics. We disagreed, but this man, like any man or woman, deserves better than to have people rejoice at his death. Larry Flint today shared that though the two were bitter enemies in court, they later became friends and would enjoy conversations with each other. Falwell and Flint? After a drag out knock down court battle that ended up in the US Supreme Court they ended up friends? Perhaps I have a great deal to learn from a king of porn and the fundamentalist preacher. Everyone deserves forgiveness, and everyone deserves God's Love. I was confronted with this today, and now know I need to always be mindful of this. we are all loved, and all needing love, no matter how much we disagree or how much pain we cause. I hope I have understood this and put it to good use, and will continue to do so. God Loved us, and calls us to Love others, no if's and's or but's. Keep it simple.

"Secular-Progressive", the new "Liberal"

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Tue, 15 May 2007 09:03:00 +0000

The right has a new tool to brand enemies with, and they are out to paint the town with it. Since the Goldwater days, and then the Reagan Revolution, the hip insult was "liberal". Tax and spend liberal, liberal values, liberal this, liberal that. Anything that stood against big business, theocracy, hate and violence was liberal. The word was twisted to be an insult, and thus applied liberally (pun intended). Democrats ran from it, all the way to the middle, anything to avoid this horrible label. Conservatives rode it all the way, used it up, and were left looking for a new term to slander with.

Enter Secular Progressive. It throws out the nuance of liberal, where as before the godless and new crazy ideas parts were implied, now they are RIGHT THERE! They are playing percentages here, with 90% of Americans in one poll claiming belief in God. Yes, those who embody the actions God seeks are Godless. This sort of lowly pandering appeals to those who already are in lock step (or should we say goose step) with the likes of the Falafel King, but nobody else.

Those of us on the left who want to see change to help others, to stop violence, cure disease, end suffering, and bring about equity are not Godless. Many of us turn to the Bible and see these very actions not only asked of us by God, but begged for. We do not seek to destroy religion, only prevent it from being used to justify hate, war and fear. The traditional values we seek to overturn are those that are in contrast to God's love for us, and in turn our love for each other. Just as slavery, segregation and racism were once traditional values, so now is hatred of homosexuals, oppression of the poor, and a disregard for the sick. Those who seek to create violence through war, hatred and fear, and wealth for a few at the expense of many, create a secular agenda, divorced from all meaningful Christian values. We on the left fight this, making our cause arguably more Godly than the right.

I say bring it to those who use the term secular progressive. I embrace it, and hope you continue to look as foolish saying it in the future as you do now. We know where we stand, and we will not be pushed back by the likes of scared little boys, afraid of losing power. We seek to Love God's people, and enact God's mercy, justice and rule over the land and people. It will not be shelved because of some names being tossed around, or labels being placed on us. While you cleverly craft the words to stop us, we will be doing the work you so desperately want to stop.

Fox's Brian Kilmeade Supports Torture!

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Sat, 28 Apr 2007 17:50:00 +0000

Friday April 28th's airing of the "best" of Brian and the Judge had a wonderful segment on the capture of an Al-Qaeda operative. These aren't exact quotes, so I'm paraphrasing here. Mr. Kilmeade was of course overjoyed and presented the event as a grand victory, one that can unite the country. USA, USA, USA! The topic then shifted to interrogation. Brian began to talk faster, and more energetic as he attacked McCain, Bush and everyone else who allowed a law that would limit the tools some deem to be torture, this included limiting the patriot act. When it comes to someone who would kill us all Brian exclaimed, I saw do whatever it takes, go ahead, torture them, use water boarding, sleep deprivation, do anything to get that information. his guest co-host Kirstin Powers jumped in to say, well you don't mean torture, the things you listed weren't torture, that's like physical stuff when I think of torture. Brian backtracked and claimed yes, water boarding wasn't torture. Kirsten then had the gall to claim that those who are against such techniques just haven't internalized yet that these are bad people wanting to hurt us. Once you do, you will accept extracting info in these ways. A conservative called in to oppose these views, saying he worried that it would be taken too far by our government, and applied to citizens with conspiracy theories or anyone else deemed dangerous. Brian instantly dismissed this, saying that it wasn't a common practice, they don't do it everyday, only when they need to, in serious circumstances.

Where to begin....Brian Kilmeade is a sports reporter. He does the sports on Fox & Friends, he writes sports books, his website is dedicated to his sports coverage. I like Chris Berman and all, but I don't go to him for political commentary. Mr. Kilmeade's initial response was not a mistake, he didn't stutter, or misspeak, he honestly wants to use torture to extract information. His backtrack was only when pointed out, when he realized that wow, I can't really say that. He apparently is unaware that torture is illegal internationally and in our country, but hey, must have missed that when the Lakers game was on. Water boarding is according to him, not torture, yes apparently the sensation of drowning is not physically painful and mentally torturous enough.

Kirsten Powers condescending attitude towards anyone who disagrees with torture techniques that "aren't torture" is laughable. Oh, they want to kill us? Let me just think about that a bit more, oh, ok yeah, draw and quarter them if you need to. You are right miss FoxBot, it is all about not realizing that, and nothing to do with law or human rights. With a mind like that, you may want to consider spending the rest of your life watching reruns of "She's the Sheriff" while coloring.

"The Brown Haired Guy That's Not Steve Doocy" Is so incredibly right wing wacko nut job out there on this it's not even funny. The guy believes torture will get answers and correct ones at that. Yes, if I know nothing and I was drowning, I too would admit to anything, or give you plans for how my friends were going to steal Luxembourg. To make the claim as he did that they do it much worse to us is horrid. So we now compare our actions with a group of murderous thugs who seek destruction and domination? Well, we only torture, we don't actually kill them, is not a good defense. Our nation was founded on the belief in not giving government too much power, because it could be misused. Here we see that theory in action. For the right wingers, is torture the actions of what Reagan called a "City on a Hill?" Are we showing ourselves to stand for decency, humanity and freedom? No, torture undermines that. Mr. Kilmeade's ignorance, sheer stupidity and dangerous foaming at the mouth right wing hackery is bad for us all. The fact that he is allowed to share this uninformed drivel with the masses two times a day is unfathomable. He can't grasp issues, his insights are as well reasoned as a 3rd grader's, and his unquestioning loyalty to Fox is scary. He is a menace and needs to be put in his place. Where is this you may ask, at some third rate local TV station covering high school sports, reading off the latest hockey results, and showing us fantastic sports bloopers! This is his talent level, this is his intellectual level, and lets face it, he has EARNED that position.

Artifical timetables are not for HO scale trains

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 08:36:00 +0000

The DemocratIC (yes that is for you faux news) has passed a funding bill that includes a timetable for withdrawl. The President and his squacking pundits are claiming this will lead to terrorists following us home, to greater death and destruction in Iraq, and a cowardly cutting and running. First, there were no terrorists in Iraq before we got there, our presence caused their creation. These people are responding to our actions! Does this mean I support their acts of terror? NO. The civil war we are mediating is because of us, we have brought it through our misunderstanding of a culure and region. To leave is to calm a volitle situation by removing the source of so much animosity. Fianlly, as for cowardace, we shoudl define it as inability to admit mistakes and act accordingly. The righties who maintain a stay the course (oh sorry we don't use it anymore) mentaility are scared of admiting fault, cowards in the truest sense. It all comes to what is god's desire here? Bush who claims JEsus is his favorite philosipher would be well served to read his Bible. The pleas for peace and justice, against war and retaliation all apply. To listen to God here is to leave Iraq, and to seek peace, and end hatred among enemies. We ned to find out why we keep creating terrorists (no not because they hate our freedom) but look at what American actions and influence has led to this, and work to change. Love and Peace are a two way street, and Congress has given the president the map towards it. Hopefully he can connect the dots with that peninstead of stamping the veto.

The problem with Mammon

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:26:00 +0000

I always thought I was better than all this.....than the materialism and such. I thought I wouldn't care about what I had, as long as I was happy. Now, I'm right here, working for things, rather than for a goal or joy. I worry about bills, about credit cards, loans, cars, clothes, cable, Internet, power, water, garbage, insurance, medication, etc. It is controlling me, and my decisions. I feel trapped and helpless. Now is when Jesus' words about serving two masters ring most true. Man Cannot serve God and mammon the older translations go. How true, every time I am diverted, I lose track of what is really important. I am sucked away from working towards God's will, and instead focusing on not only helping to keep what I have, but getting more. I always shook my head at people like me now, wondering how they got there, and thinking them foolish. Now I know, its much easier and faster than you think. Its time to examine what you are working for, and why. I'm going to dig myself out of this hole, and someday, work for God, family and life, rather than for mammon.

Unbelieveable...Thats What They Are

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 05:51:00 +0000

We have had right wingers who have blamed the dead in Virginia for not being tough enough to fight back, blame laws for not allowing everyone to pack heat, and now, they blame the devil. That's right, FoxNews.com has this great story from one of its own, on how it is a battle between good and evil. Check the story out here, and get ready for your jaw to hit the floor. It woudl be fnny if it wasn't so horrible and dangerous.

Demonizing the Mentally Ill

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Thu, 19 Apr 2007 05:36:00 +0000

The horror on the Virginia Tech campus has once again brought about the best in people. We have seen countless stories and images of sympathy, love and strength in the face of unimaginable suffering and pain. Once again though, we are faced with questions of why and how. The anger and pain have been channeled against what some see as a slow response by the police and university officials. Some question the gun laws of this nation and Virginia, all rightfully so. There is much to talk about, to learn from this, to help make sure that his never happens again. We now find ourselves in another familiar place, what to do with the person who perpetrated the shooting.

In many places we have seen an outpouring of pure anger, hate and rage towards Cho Seung-Hui. Many times, he is called evil, not his actions, but him, the person. This however, simplifies what happened, and paints over it in black and white. We are talking about a very mentally ill individual, one for whom societal norms do not apply. In this state, your own reality traps you, and pushes out all else. You live in this altered reality, responding to the outside as you and only you perceive it. If someone in this state truly saw their actions, they would stop, but unfortunately they are many times not afforded that ability. We expect complete logical reasoning from the mentally ill, and call it evil or crazy when they aren't able.

Would a sane person rant about people forcing him to do it? Would a sane person line up and kill people? No, of course not. We see all the signs of a disturbed individual who desperately needed mental health treatment. Letters, actions and overall attitude all tipped off many. There was an attempt at help, but the system failed. It shows once again the lack of a viable mental health system, one that can help the lives of those with the illness, and those they affect. It is desperately needed, and can help prevent tragedy after tragedy, both large and small.

Evil is not the cause here, and nor is Cho Seung-Hui evil. His actions were those of a mentally ill person, one who can not be judged as a normal member of society. Many who would call him evil, or say it was evil behind the actions have no grasp of mental illness. It is a disservice to all afflicted to boil it down to such simplistic answers. If those today who are treated had remained suffering as this young man had, who knows what would have happened. He is not the problem, the system that failed us all is the problem. Evil cannot be blamed, or be a solution of why. Instead we owe it to all who have suffered from mental illness to work to solve the problems it presents, and save lives. We cannot fall into the trap of condemning and demonizing the ill, dismissing them as evil. In assigning evil to someone, we set them apart from us, making it easier to deal with such actions. If we feel we and those like us are not able to do such things, we can accept it much easier. Unfortunately, finding the mentally ill is difficult, as they appear everywhere. It is not as easy to have an us vs. them, there is too much grey for black and white. Instead, let us accept that mental illness is a real and serious problem, and results in tragedy for many. Then we can make sure that the many who died and suffered over the years at the hands of this horrid illness, did not do so in vain.

Ben Smith and Matt Drudge: Cheap Political Hacks

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 05:22:00 +0000

I came across this today while scanning Drudge (hey, someone has to). Yes, leave it to Ben Smith's "hard hitting" coverage of the Democratic candidates to include this, a piece entitled "The Hair's Still Perfect" ...

How much, you ask does it cost to look like that?

Well, John Edwards' campaign for president spent $400 on February 20, and another $400 on March 7, at a top Beverly Hills men's stylist, Torrenueva Hair Designs...

Edwards' campaign also spent money at two spas: Designworks Salon in Dubuque, and Pink Sapphire in Manchester.

Yes the theme once again of John Edwards is too rich to talk about the poor. We see it every time someone in power attempts to talk about this issue. Is this a serious point of contention? Do we really need to justify every expense? When is an expense viewed as excessive? When is it a necessity or a frivolous enjoyment?

I think in this case, the expense of a "$400 haircut" is one of the sad realities of campaigns. Image consultants, stylists, etc are all needed to shape opinions. The substance is lost in this battle, at the expense of those who need the substantive debate to take place the most. In my view, John Edwards has taken his faith, applied it to his view of policy, and seeks to help those who need help the most. His house, his hair and so on are none of my, nor anyone else's business. He may tithe, he may not, he may give more than 10%. To the Matt Drudge's and the Ben Smith's of the world, who don't know the facts, and only care about political hack jobs and spin, thank you. Thank you for helping to destroy a serious discussion of poverty reduction and health care reform, all because you need a cheap little shot against someone who stands against the power you defend.

Proof on Why Limbaugh is Such a Jerk

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 07:48:00 +0000

I have never been a fan of Rush Limbaugh. The man lies, the man distorts, and he is just plain mean. He has called drug addicts garbage, yet is one himself. I could lay it out, but here are two videos to help illustrate the why I can't stand Rush:

This video is all about Rush MOCKING Michael J Fox for appearing in a political add. Watch Limbaugh's impression of Parkinson's afflicted Fox, its pure class.

Pure and simple, people like this deserve no bully pulpit. This isn't political dialogue, this is smearing, mud slinging and hackery. It is Trash Radio, and needs to be exposed for how horrid it is. I really hope that America finds out what these partisan hacks are really saying, and will finally wake up to what the far right is really like.

I may have to beg....

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 09:30:00 +0000

I'm walking along With Erin at the annual Beat the Bridge to Cure Diabetes. I have set up a site where you can sponsor me, with the link button below. (yes, use it as a wager that I won't finish if you must.) any bit helps, even cents, which can all be payed securely through this online form. I am really needing everyones helpe, so please give generously! thank you for your pledges and donations in advance, they truly mean a lot to Erin and I. Please click on the JDRF button below for our story of Erin's life with diabetes, and my life of seeing her cope with it. Even if we have never met, this is so very important to me and manny others. Help us all!

Here I Am Lord, Is It I Lord?

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 07:49:00 +0000

Vocation and Call, two big buzz words in the ELCA. Vocation is the position in life through which you serve God and God's people. Martin Luther pushed this idea, that any job can be done to the glory of God. I see how this can be, every day I encounter the people that embody this idea. The checker who smiles and brightens your day, the salesperson who shows genuine concern and care, and even the paperboy who places the paper inside the screen door so it doesn't get wet or blow away. The motivation here isn't monetary, but to bring joy and love to a world that needs it so readily. Even in viewing my jobs in this light, and trying to serve God in this capacity, I still feel called elsewhere, to ministry.

I first felt called my Junior year in High School. Through my service as youth group president, I was pushed into doing sermons in front of he entire church. Let me state for the record, I HATE speaking in front of groups of people. Yet I did it, and it went well. Through my own discovery, and the encouragement of others, the call was being laid out before me. In college I Was able to serve as a peer minister in campus ministry, and as an assisting minster in my home congregation. This combined with my years at Camp Lutherwood to build a pretty extensive case for my call. You would think that with all of this behind me, and a sense of call, I would have an easy decision, right? Wrong.

Like Jonah, I knew my call, yet ran. Why did I? I guess it was fear, fear of what was to be expected of me. I love the freedom of having an open road ahead of me, where I can decide what to be, what to do, and when to do it. This idea was irresistible to me, and so I ran. I ran into dead end jobs, with a horrible company. Even though I worked my way up, I was faced with a dilemma; make more money, have it easy and treat others like crap, or to respect others, and work harder, and make less money. I chose the latter, resulting in workweeks around 60 to 80 hours, and my being so exhausted and burned out I needed to leave the position. I have since gone through two more positions with that company, and now I am onto another. It has thus become clear, these aren't for me, it's time to take the call seriously.

I feel the call to help others, to shows God's love, and to be that change in the world. I could of course try this through business, non-profit or governmental paths. This in my view, strips the message I want to convey to bare minimum. To me, God calls for radical change in the world, for us to turn upside down the priorities and power structures that dominate us and others. This shift won't come from a board room, or from the senate chamber, but instead from the hearts and minds of the people. To discuss with people, pray with people, and meditate on God's word with others, we can find this change. We can slowly start to bring about that love, respect and mercy we so desperately seek. I feel the call, to care for God's people, and finally feel ready to accept it. I ask for your prayers and help int his time, and hopefully can quickly journey through this process.! Thank you to all who have helped so far, and those who will to come.

The Right Winger Behind the Curtain

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 06:40:00 +0000

I'm tired of the talking, I'm tired of the debates. I'm tired of taking the life and death issues that affect millions of people on a daily basis, and lumping them together, then examining the pro's and con's. I'm tired of the right wing hiding behind their god every time progressives challenge them on their mercy and love for others. This has been done with slavery, women's rights, civil rights, gay rights, global warming and embryonic stem cell research. In every case, those who benefit the most (slave owners, men, whites, straights, polluters, the rabidly literal and pious) stand in the way of life, rights and health. Today we see the latest of these debates, as congress debates two bills on embryonic stem cell research. As usual, conservative christian groups are outraged, claiming that lives will be destroyed by this, and that it is a slippery slope, leading to abortion on demand. They of course offer empty prayers to those who's lives are filled with pain, suffering, or knowledge that soon their health will decline due to their incurable disease. Many on the right use the argument "is it better to destroy a life to save a life?" They of course conveniently forget in vitro fertilization kills many embryos, which could instead be used to help find these desperately needed cures. To them, it is about dogma, about an absolute right, a black and white way of seeing the world. We will of course one day look back on these right wingers like we look back on the pro slavery forces, or the segregationists, as backwards people, grasping at anything to stall progress because they are scared. In the mean time though, the debate continues. They stall progress, and in it, directly offer pain, suffering and death to millions. The Conservative christians doom millions more to watching loved ones suffer with diseases that can be cured, but will not be until these ideologues back down. I have already watched the horrible decline of a relative with Parkinson's, from small tremors to inability to walk, to complete and utter dependence upon others, to death. Now, I may have to watch Type 1 Diabetes destroy the life of someone I love. I refuse to allow them to do this, and hide behind their god. The god they claim to serve is one that cares more about embryos slated for destruction than the life of children, fathers and mothers. Their god is one willing to condemn millions to death because of obscure interpretations of scripture. This is not my God, my God is one of love and mercy, of grace and peace. The God I know and love wants to alleviate the suffering of all of us, and medicine is one way we can do this. It is time we pull the right winger out from behind the god curtain, and expose them for what they are, the same scared backwards people who fear change an seek to retain their power. May God grant us all wisdom and strength for this battle, because I'm sure we will need it.

Atonment or Hope on Good Friday

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Sat, 07 Apr 2007 08:27:00 +0000

Today of course was Good Friday. There was something not quite right about the service though, maybe it was the light shining through the massive windows in St. Marks Cathedral. Isn't Good Friday supposed to be about doom and gloom, all suffering, pain and death? The service was very quiet, with lots of chances to think, contemplate and pray. Dean Taylor's Sermon was even less than usual, drawn back, although powerful as always. The service closed with being able to kneel at the cross, to think, kiss it or just pray before leaving the service in silence. This was definitely one of the better services I have been to on Good Friday, but something still doesn't sit right.

The Church at times becomes so focused on us humbling ourselves and realising our own mortality. I do think this is important, we do need a reminder that time is precious, and we need to get priorities straight. Are we sinners, yes we are. But to me, we go too far with this whole thing. Many times I have been to not only good Friday services, but regular time ones as well, were our sin is lifted high. We are called out in sermons and in written confessions, that we are so horrible and wicked that we need to be saved. To me, its a turn off, as well as many others. The dwelling on the suffering negative and death is not exactly helping anything. I think there is a fine long to walk with it all, and we have skewed too far to one side.

Tonight I sat there, and I really couldn't get down like the service was trying to get me. I don't know if it was all the relatively good news recently, the fact that I had been running, or something else. I understood the significance, I grasped what was happening, but it didn't feel the same. Perhaps it is my abandonment of atonement theology (where Christ's death is necessary and directly pays for my sins), for one that doesn't rely on "divine child abuse". I guess this changed the feelings and meanings of Good Friday for me. Now I am joyful, joyful that Jesus would challenge the power structure, the authority and exploitative nature of Rome and the Temple, and challenge it to the point of death. Through this act, Jesus demonstrated God's love, God's desire to instill justice and peace among the people, and God's expectations of us all. I guess in Good Friday I am saddened that we as humans rejected this ideal, but I also see hope. I see hope in that Jesus died for everyone, not just Christians, or Lutherans, or even The ELCA'ers. I see hope in that today people care so deeply for one another, they will give their lives. Rachel Corrie is one of those people, a student from Evergreen College in Washington, she traveled to Israel to help the Palestinian people. To prevent the bulldozing of a house, Rachel laid down in front of the bulldozer. The Driver claims he never saw her, and ran her over. People like Rachel, people who get it, and follow in Christ's example (even if they aren't Christian) are the hope. I guess it was with all this hope in mind, that I couldn't get down. I know I fall short of what I should do, I know I make mistakes, and I know I will die someday. This is established, and is known in my soul. What needs more time to fill me up, is this hope. The Joy of Christ's example and gift, and the hope I see in the present and the future. That is what I will fill myself up with, and dwell on and think of.

Goodbye Fox News

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 08:36:00 +0000

I will admit it, I'm addicted. I'm addicted to watching Fox News and listening to right-wing radio. Is it because I secretly have my Ronald Reagan poster up on the wall behind the bookcase, or that I'm hiding my collection of autographed works by William F Buckley? No, it is because I like how angry it gets me. Why admit this now, after a long silence? It's time to kick the habit.

Yes I know, this isn't good for me. Like every sinful addiction, this one has its downside as well. I feel it definitely makes me want to play dirty, and helps me to justify being judgmental towards others. I sink to the level of John Gibson when I refer to his poofy hair and face instead of his ideas. I have a hard time not ripping on The entire Fox & Friends cast, especially for being so unqualified (a weatherman, miss America 1989, and a sports guy doing political commentary and news.) When it comes to Hannity, well, there is so much....the fact he dropped out of a junior college, his inability to respect people, etc. Then there is Bill-O....The man, the Myth, The Falaffel. I can't stand his lies, which may not be a personal attack, but it still makes me incredibly angry. His claim to be an independent? His claim that he did not sexually harass an employee, or make phone-sex calls to her(which she taped haha)? His claim to have won a Peabody award? I also about throw things at the TV when O'Reilly bullies guests, tells people to shut up, or cuts their mic. This man lies, intimidates and distorts, with nobody there to challenge him on it. With all this to go on, you can see why I have a lot to be angry about.

Why get angry about this? Why let it get to me? Because to me, this is about peoples lives. The men and women of fox news are responsible for spreading a message that is in the best interests of wealthy conservatives. This is disguised by spinning "moral values" around the core issue, then convincing Americans that these are the important issues, and if you don't focus on them, your way of life will be destroyed. People buy the message, and vote against their own best interests. Poverty, Global Warming, Gay Rights, Peace, War, Terrorism, Taxes, Health care and other issues are spun under the watchful eyes of Fox Execs, and Rupert Murdoch (Yes, for everyone out there who hates the UN telling us what to do, He's an Australian telling us what to do!). the effect here is devastating, helping to secure the Bush "victories" in 2000 and 2004, and keeping Democrats reeling from the republican talking points that you hear so often on the network. Yes it's brilliant, but evil and disgusting.

What can we do though? Well, I've learned you can try to sneak a snide comment in on email, but it doesn't work. There are plenty of great sites out there who deal with calling Fox out on their lies and distortions, making my watching kind of pointless. By watching, I do get angry, which builds up, helping me to keep anger bottled up until it overflows, on email or to people around me. The network is swamp of decaying morals and toxic talking points. I have decided to thus stop watching it. I don;t want to become those people I see, bashing others for their views, then going after anything they have ever done. So, here we go...click...its off......and I will use my extra time to actually working at making the world a better place.

The Decider's Veruca Salt Moment

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Wed, 04 Apr 2007 03:34:00 +0000

"Don't Care How. I want it Now!"

President Bush once again pulled out the "support our troops" mantra, taking aim at congresisonal democrats. Through his speech, we find threats of disaster if democrats continue their push to not shut up and smile for him. We most of all find a smug president, threatening loss of equipment, longer stays, and thus higher casualties. In his words we see the spoiled brat from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, "You're a rotten, mean father. You never give me anything I want. And I won't go to school until I have it."

If Congress fails to pass a bill that I can sign by mid-April, the Army will be forced to consider cutting back on equipment, equipment repair and quality of life initiatives for our Guard and Reserve forces

That's right, the man who pushed troops into war without proper equipment is now threatening their loss of the equipment. Brilliant if you think about it, in a sick and twisted sort of way. Fail to provide armor, then blame the democrats for loss of that armor, and cite figures on casualties that could have been prevented. How incredibly bold to come out and say this, after even Rumsfield said that "you go to war with the army you have." Instead of working with the house and senate, to provide proper support and equipment to troops, he is taking his ball and going home. His petty arguments and Veruca Salt attitude of "You're always making things difficult." is almost laughable, if not for the fact that it is at the expense of men and women.

Today we found our commander-in-chief wrapping himself in the flag of our troops, claiming to be their protector and defender from the evil forces of the democrats. His claims of disaster if democrats don't cave are heard to swallow, especially for anyone who can see what a disaster it already is in Iraq. The democrats are doing him a favor by proposing a slow withdrawal, but he and his advisers fail to see that. The protection of the troops is the heart of the proposal to bring them home, not to play politics with their lives as Bush claims. Instead we have our president too stubborn to admit defeat, willing to sacrifice lives to maintain his status as "The Decider." In miss salt's words Bush is asking "Who says I can't?" Mr. President, we say you can't.

History will remember him like Veruca falling down the Educated Eggdacator, "Looks like she was a bad egg."

Following Christ's Footsteps through Holy Week

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 03:22:00 +0000

As we embark on the journey of holy week, we follow in the footsteps of Christ. We act this out in our services; The triumphant acceptance of the people on Palm Sunday, The last supper in the gathering together to serve each other on Maundy Thursday, Experiencing Christ's sacrifice on Good Friday, The anxious waiting of the Easter Vigil, and finally, the excitement and victory of Easter. In our liturgy, we take these steps, contemplating, praying and experiencing a range of emotions and thoughts. This is important I, but the question remains, how do we follow the Footsteps of Christ in life?

"This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." - Luke 15:2

In Jesus' ministry, we find a concern for those on the margins of the society; the poor, the widowed, the children, and the sick. Through Christ's actions and words, all are cared for and welcomed, included in the community without stipulations or restrictions. Those who were cast out by the temple powers, lepers, women, Samaritans, etc, were all brought back to experience God's Love. To live into this, we must continue to welcome and love all, no exceptions. This radical love breaks down all barriers, invites all, and will not be satisfied until all truly experience it. We are called to do this however we can, on a personal level, and a community level. Programs to alleviate poverty, provide medical and mental health care to all, give equal rights to all (including the right to marry), protect the environment, end exploitation, and end the cycle of abuse are all calls from Christ, to remember "the least of these." Jesus' actions were a direct challenge to the power of the temple, showing us that, yes, we do need to seek change in how society and government treats others as well.

Speak Up for those who cannot speak for themselves -Proverbs 31:8

At the same time, we must oppose the messages of hate, intolerance and exclusivity. We see and hear all the time the message of some that God is a God of anger vengeance and wrath. That the wrath is poured out on those that the group dislikes (homosexuals, Mormons, catholics, Muslims, atheists, etc). Other's refuse to stop global warming, which will take a toll on the poorest of the word first. We see domination systems in place in our own country, with racism, sexism, and discrimination against many others. Poverty is seen as "their fault" and they need to just pull themselves up by their bootstraps. War is used as an instrument of national policy, killing tens of thousands, and destroying lives and peace in the process. The purveyors of this type of Christianity see God as rewarding the faithful (them alone) and destroying the wicked (everyone else). These policies, actions and words are dangerous and must be challenged. We are called to be representatives of God's love, to stand against words and actions such as these. To sit on our hands and only talk is not enough, action is needed. Jesus words on visiting the prisoners applies here, we are to be advocates for others who need us.

This is my command: Love each other. - John 15:17

This Love is the message, out of it flows justice and mercy. I'm not claiming it is easy, believe me, I have a hard time with loving everyone. The Bill O'Reilly's and the Sean Hannity's of the world anger me to a point of yelling at the TV. I slip, I forget and definitely experience hate and rage. It is a process, one I don't think I will ever truly master. We don't need to be perfect to share this Love though, just be able to transform it into actions. This is how we follow, to continue the work of Christ; to bring the all inclusive love of God to all. We must be servants to those our society deems the lowest, not as charity cases, but as partners, building towards a common goal. Together we stand as a witness against those who oppress and injure, and those who use God and the bible as weapons. Finally, we invite all to come, welcoming and affirming our equal value as God's children. The path is not easy, but I urge you to contemplate following Christ's example, and helping to bring hope and love to all humanity.

Please Help Us to Cure Juvenile Diabetes

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 01:35:00 +0000

A little over a year ago, I met Erin. Against all logic and and despite my wacky personality, we began dating shortly thereafter. She has been a wonderful presence in my life, someone who took care of me in my darkest hours, even though it was very hard. Erin has been there for me, and continues to be every day in many different ways. I thank God for her every single time I pray, for this person who loves me so incredibly much. I too love her deeply, and we are planning our life together with excitement and optimism. These plans though, always have to include the what ifs that the future may hold, the what ifs that are common with Type 1 (Juvenile) Diabetes.

I could try to convey what Juvenile Diabetes is like for someone, but instead I will let Erin express it in her own words.

Dear Friends and Family

I need your help.

As you know, I was diagnosed with type 1, or juvenile, diabetes when I was just five years old. For a little kid, diabetes is awful because it means pricking your finger and taking shots several times a day. It means you can't eat what the other kids eat, and the emotional and physical demands of high and low blood sugar can ruin your day. It means getting the flu almost inevitably puts you in the ER on IV fluids and intravenous insulin.
Yup, being a kid with diabetes can be really horrible.

But in some ways, being an adult with diabetes is even more daunting. After 20 years with the disease, the finger sticks no longer bother me—and I've grown quite comfortable with having an insulin pump attached to me. (I've had the pump for five and a half years now.) On a pump, my diet is less restricted—and it's easier to keep from going low when I exercise. But now I have bigger fish to fry.
After 10 years with diabetes—for me, when I was just 15--doctors begin to look for diabetic complications at routine visits. Complications associated with diabetes are devastating. For ten years now, doctors have poked and prodded at me, looking for early signs of eye damage leading to blindness, kidney failure, and loss of sensitivity in my feet—the kind that leads to amputations. So far so good—almost.

Four years ago, my ophthalmologist found "minor changes" in my eyes. They're monitoring them carefully, and the changes haven't progressed. Yet.
My future is uncertain. As I struggle every day to control my blood sugar as tightly as I can—that helps in holding off complications—I am keenly aware that the health of my eyes, internal organs, and lower limbs is in danger. And the statistics are harsh: type 1 diabetics are expected to die in their 50s after decades of struggle with complications.

Sure, there are exceptions. I hope to be an exception. I control my diabetes as best I possibly can. But there is just no substitute for a cure.
My boyfriend, Sean, and I decided this year to form a "family team" for the local Seattle Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for a Cure. We—along with thousands of other folks in our city and across the nation—are raising money for the 1 in 300 people in the United States who have or will be diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.

JDRF has championed funding for a cure for juvenile diabetes since the 1970s; an impressive 80 cents on the dollar goes directly to research for a cure. They donate millions to research yearly. If a cure does come, JDRF's role in finding that cure will not have been trivial.
Sean and I, along with our friends and his family members in the area, will walk on May 20, 2007. I hope you will consider sponsoring me with a pledge. No donation is too small.

With your help, I will be able to say, "I used to have diabetes."
Thank you very much.

Love,

Erin

I have sat at Erin's bedside, seeing her suffer from the effects of Type 1 Diabetes. Every time her blood sugar goes high or low too far, I worry about not only the present, but what that will do to her body in the long term. The complications that may arise, would slowly strip away Erin's quality of life, and our ability to enjoy it together. I am scared of a future that includes all that love her having to watch this horrible disease take its toll, until nothing is left to strip away but her very life. Erin, like many could suffer from blindness, robbing her of the ability to see the family we want to have. The amputation of lower limbs would rob Erin of a chance to chase children or grandchildren around the house, while kidney failure would leave us both waiting for her transplant, hoping that it arrives in time.

Erin and I have hope though, that this disease can be cured, and the complications not only eliminated, but reversed. We have formed a team, "Erin's Diabeaters", which will participate in the "Beat the Bridge" walk on May 20th. Here is how you can help us and thousands of others touched by this disease. Please donate what you can, no matter how small you think it may be. Every penny helps us get closer to a world where this disease can no longer attack young and old alike. The link here goes to our fundraising page, as well as the one below. More than 80% goes directly to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) research worldwide, making your donation vital to finding a cure. This is tax deductible (ca-ching!), so save the printed receipt, and pay less in taxes later! Please tell your friends, link to this page, email it, help connect us to many more people, allowing them to give the gift of a cure to many. I ask for your help not only as a concerned citizen, but as someone who is incredibly scared, scared of having to watch the person he loves suffer and die before his very eyes. Please help me help Erin and others, give me the opportunity to enjoy a long rich life with the person I love. Erin and I both thank you for your support, and urge you to consider giving to and publicising our goal.

Please Donate Here
To Help Us Cure
Juvenile Diabetes

The Problem with Edwards (some say)

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 11:36:00 +0000

We choose hope over despair, possibilities over problems, optimism over cynicism.
~ John Edwards

Lets get this straight, I like John Edwards. I like his passion, his stances, his plans, his ability to admit he was wrong. He is someone I can support without having to justify the lesser of two evils. I haven't been this enthusiastic about getting someone elected before, so of course it comes out in political discussions. I have a few friends who are hardcore dems, both of them have a major issue with Edwards, and that is his lack of service lately. For one, this also includes the fact that he ran and lost in '04, and that we need "new blood."

Why do they consider these to be negatives? I believe that Edwards was the bright spot in the '04 campaign. He was the energy to Kerry's, well, um "droopiness." He was the young fresh idealistic one, while Kerry was the place holder. The American attention span is roughly 8 minutes, making this already forgotten and a non-factor. New blood is fine, but what does that mean? Does it mean Obama, who so far has been a flash in the pan, an exciting new candidate with not much else. Edwards cannot be branded as a "Washington insider" nor is he as inexperienced as Obama, he is, in fact, the happy medium. John also has been involved in many great and worthy projects lately, helping to affect change in the community and world. To say that he hasn't served lately would imply that the only real way to change the world is in the senate or house. Voters I believe, when presented with what he has done for them, and others lately, will gladly welcome this service. John Edwards is the perfect candidate for the dems to take the white house in '08. He is substance, he is character and he is deserving of our votes.

John Edwards Website

Creation...it "was" good

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 07:53:00 +0000

It doesn't take an advanced degree in one of the sciences to see our world is changing for the worse. Streams and rivers are damaged through runoff, clear cutting of trees, dredging and damming. Fish runs are dependant on these, which then effects marine mammals, raptors, humans and every other part of the ecosystem. The air has become smog filled to the point of "air quality alerts" in many highly populated areas. Canada now feels the sting of acid rain, killing trees and damaging water supplies, thanks to their neighbors to the south. We have damaged ourselves and our planet with CFC's and DDT, Mercury and Lead. With all of this widely accepted knowledge on how we can negatively impact the earth, why do some fight to claim we do not?

Each and every one of these impacts on the world has been dismissed by one side, mostly to cover their own hide, and to keep doing whatever it is they do that is causing said problem. The "debate" goes on, with data on both sides presented, usually the powerful against the powerless. Time and time again, the knowledge and the irresistible proof is so vast, the other powerful slowly back away from it. Today, we see the next step in the "fight," those who accept that global warming is happening, and is caused by humans, vs. those who claim there is no warming, or there is warming but it is natural (those who's actions and or products cause said warming.) For anyone who has not seen Al Gore's slide show "An Inconvenient Truth," it is basically Gore or "The Goreacle" laying out proof for man being the cause of global warming. In it, CO2 is pegged as the cause, with data that most real scientists will tell you is factual and honest. The claim is presented that CO2 is spewed forth by human actions, through; cars, planes, coal power, and so forth. As the use of these increased, so did CO2, and so have avg temps. This is challenged, in any way possible, by those on the right, such as Sen. Inhofe and James Dobson.

For Inhofe, the whole "throw a hole lot of stuff at the wall to see what sticks" is his method. He shoves tons of data out in his floor speeches, viciously maintaining there is no warming!!! Why does he do this? Is he a scientist so brilliant he can see what others can't? No. Is he so committed to the truth he needs to search out all points of view? No. It turns out Inhofe makes tons off of oil companies!!!! Those who would directly benefit from his defending their stance against global warming. Dobson on the other hand, loves all things conservative, and thus lines up in his own best interests. He has proven from his actions he loves to rub elbows with the powerful, to be in power, and to dictate how people think and vote.

What do we make of this? We need only look in Genesis Chapters 1 and 2. While not a literal story of creation, it still gives us great insight into God's view of the world. Ancient Israel's experience with God was one where God created all, and viewed it as "good." We are a part of creation, and are dependant on it for our survival. In the Prophets and New Testament we see God's vision for humanity, one where the society and the individual are to act justly towards all, even the poor and powerless. We all depend on the earth for survival, on the plants, water, air and animals. In putting your own self interests ahead of everyone else, is not only wrong, immoral, but against God. Two men who cite the Bible in their positions to defend their positions of corruption, sure seem to miss a major point. Dobson, a person who claims to speak for God, leads people to fulfill his own goals and dreams of power. In speaking out against global warming, and calling it a hoax, he wounds those greatly who will take the brunt of the effects, the poor. Inhofe, a Presbyterian, claims to do God's work in the senate by celebrating that "nobody in his family's history is gay", takes money from powerful corporations who seek to ruin the environment not out of hatred of the planet, but out of greed. It is a sad day when people who lead people away from God's will by their own immoral lust for power and greed.

James Dobson, Drunk with Power

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 18:54:00 +0000

In an article from US News and World Report ,we get insight into one of the mind of James Dobson. Dr. Dobson offers his take on 3 different Republican presidential candidates. First, Newt Gingirch, who was on Dobson's radio program recently. He of course admitted to an affair during the Clinton impeachment, which since Dobson was harsh on Clinton you would expect equal measure. Nope, he didn't attack Newt for his hypocrisy, or his affair, or not being truthful about it until now. What did Dobson have to say about Newt? He called him "the brightest guy out there" and "the most articulate politician on the scene today." I would love to hear what Clinton would be called if he went on the show. How did we get to the point where Dr. Dobson's words and opinions matter?

The Focus on the Family empire consists of radio, TV, books, music, magazines, websites, an institute, conferences (including love won out, which helps homosexuals become straight) and guides for voting and political action. This behemoth was founded and headed by Dr. James Dobson, who has seen his influence increase over evangelicals. His messages are "pro family values" and use "Biblical principles" to prove his points. Dobson did focus on the family with books on disciplining children, relationships, marriage and so forth. His websites offer the same, with different ones geared towards kids, teens, college age, couples, and singles. This formula of easy answers from a black and white interpretation of the Bible has been popular, keeping people buying the books and listening to and watching. Through this increasing trust and admiration for Dr. Dobson, he has parlayed it into political action.

A new loud and common theme for Dr. Dobson has been his support for defense of marriage acts. With books such as Marriage Under Attack claims that marriage is a holy Christian tradition, that if extended to same sex couples will be destroyed. From this, he has become increasingly political, including, issuing warnings for Democrats to not oppose Bush's supreme court nominees and seeking to block Arlen Specter as head of the judiciary committee. Dobson's political swagger can now be seen. He claims to wield power over many, including their votes. Dobson complained Republicans were only paying attention to him and his causes around election time. With this he threatened basically to "take his ball and go home" taking the voters with him. This is where we find him today, in a seat of power, making candidates come to him.

Mitt Romney sought out Dobson recently, possibly to address concerns of Romney being a Latter Day Saint. Even though this was a good faith effort, Dobson has stated that Romney's Mormonism would make it hard for Evangelicals to vote for him. Dobson claims it isn't his view, just that of some evangelicals, but his reminder that elections are close and that losing votes form his evangelicals will hurt you. Dobson also commented on kind of sort of quasi candidate Fred Thompson. He flat said that even though he (Thompson) is a conservative "I don't think he is a Christian" That's right, James Dobson can look into your heart and know what you think and believe. He went on to say it was his impression and yet that impression would make it hard to win the nomination. The Correction was even snotty and condescending, with an aide claiming that the term Christian is used by them to refer only to "evangelicals". So you must apparently believe only what Dobson believes to be a Christian!

Dobson it appears believes he is the king of the evangelicals. Making candidates come to him, favoring those who believe as he does, damning those who do not. He believes that he controls the voting bloc, that people will unify behind him, and that his blessing is important. He has attacked the faith of Thompson and Romney, knowing what they believe and think before they do. Dobson's threats and actions don't carry the weight he thinks, but his words still have an effect. His thoughts and beliefs are gobbled up by thousands upon thousands on a daily basis, which makes it scary when he says things like this. Condemning someone you haven't met for what is in their heart is horrible. Dobosn's use of God and the Bible to justify his own prejudice, anger and lust for power is seen by all his followers. To them, hey, it must be good, Dr. Dobson does it. This is exactly the reason why he is so dangers. Not only is he politically active with his ideas and power hungry ways, but he is indoctrinating many many more, convincing them it is God's way. Thank you Dr. Dobson, thank you for boiling down the Christian message into Hate and Greed.

Jerry Falwell, Environmental Savior

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 08:10:00 +0000

"I heard the Jury was still out on..........Science"
-Gob, Arrested Development

Today's Sermon that "Dr." Falwell delivered was on global warming. Wow, could he be joining the national association of evangelicals in their acknowledgment of human created global warming, and thus help to change it? Nope, instead it was a scathing rebuke of all things global warming, with the Bible cited as "proof." First Falwell's talking points come off of Sen. Inhofe's report on global warming, where he cites 60, gasp, 60 whole scientists, (as opposed to the thousands on the other side.) The biblical citations are from Genesis, taking a literal approach to the Bible (shocking for "Dr. Falwell".) He accuses liberals, liberal clergymen (liberal clergywomen, you are ok apparently), Hollywood, and everyone else who challenges this two-bit huckster of being behind this "Convenient Untruth."

His claim that the jury is still out on this global warming, and that is a way for earthisim worshipers to control all our lives all the way down to the turning on of a lightbulb (apparently he is ok with control of the steps on down that deal with sex). Falwell saves the day by citing an evangelical scientific outfit that claims, no global warming wont do any harm, it isn't influenced by humans, and that Rainbows taste like pumpkin spice (ok, I made one of those up.)

Now for the best part, why would these left wingers want to sell this lie?
1. to damage America's economy
2. to change the topic from the worlds moral bankruptcy
3.Satan is attempting to re-direct the church's focus.

Wow, so Satan and the leftist liberals made a deal, Satan gets to redirect the church, and the leftists get to destroy capitalism, and get to marry other dudes. Funny how the church's stated focus is the great commission, to go out and baptize as many as they can. It seems that Jerry is one of those steering the church away from that. Through his PAC's and stances on homosexuality, abortion, and now global warming, he drives many away from the church. He focuses much on the things that there is not word one about in the words of Jesus. With these wedge issues, he has helped elect a candidate who has weakened our economy and hurt the poor. So on all three accounts, Falwell's message fits.
1. Falwell's message and support helped to put Bush into office, who has hurt the poor and working classes of our nation, and the economy on the whole.
2. The world's moral bankruptcy of damaging the land of those who need it to survive, helping those who need our help, protecting animals that various people depend on for food and or a living has all been lost in this. "Dr." Falwell has ignored this moral bankrupt, and instead made up his own, to gain power and wealth.
3. The church's focus is shot already sir, and you did it. Your great commission is right below your rant on global warming. If your mission is to baptize, then do it! Stop harping on gays, on abortion, on sex, on 9/11, on anything but that. You have turned the focus all on your own.

Seems as though the deal with the Devil, rests with "Dr." Falwell. I congratulate him on his ability to spin lies into truth in the name of God. Thank you Jerry, for giving us a figure to look back on in history, and shake our heads at.

Animal Crackers In My Soup

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Sun, 25 Mar 2007 06:59:00 +0000

Today I spent quite a bit of time at the Zoo with Erin. It rained almost the entire time, and seeing as we were outdoors, well, you get the picture. When I walked in, it was as if all those memories of being there many many years before took over. I was excited to see the Lions, the Elephants, the Apes, Tigers, Penguins and so on. I said wow more than once, and had that child like wonder. It was the first time in a long time that I was able to give up all the worry, all the business in my head, and just enjoy the moment.

Sitting here contemplating the day, I am struck by two things. I felt very close to God in experiencing the amazing way life fits together on this plant, and how it was created (through evolution) to be so awe inspiring. The beauty and majesty of these animals is hard to miss.

Secondly, the gift of peace is one that I know I work for, try to achieve on my own, but at best it is fleeting and usually unobtainable. Then, out of nowhere, when we need it, it is there, today through communing with some of God's greatest creations. I feel it was a gift, and I appreciate it very much right now.

I guess sometimes you just have to let go and open yourself up to experiencing God in many different ways and places.

Mike Gallagher, From Right Wing Demon to Compassionate Person in One Short Column

noreply@blogger.com (Lutheran Progressive) — Sat, 24 Mar 2007 08:32:00 +0000

Today I stumbled across Mike Gallagher's column on townhall.com, a conservative site. I Was expecting it to be the usual right wing stuff about liberals destroying America, helping the terrorists and forcing teens to have sex. Then, I was shocked. Mike Gallagher was actually wishing the Edwards well on their tough battle ahead, while still acknowledging his disagreements with John's policies. This is what added the truly human element to it. I would think of it as the usual "I have to say this" sort of thing if it was just a quick sorry and oh man that sucks. Then Mike went even farther.

He defended the Edwards' decision to continue the campaign, answering several people who had already began the nay saying. We have heard that if he truly cared about his wife and kids, he would be at home with them. We have heard he used this for a political bump, and if it doesn't work, he will suspend the campaign. We have even heard that its typical of some lib like him to put his false religion of a message ahead of his sick wife. The Edwards made their decision, and they feel it is the best thing to be doing. Gallagher back them up on this saying that we don't know what they talked about, what they decided, and as such, should shut up on the speculating. Then his last lines are the best:

But a personal tragedy like this should transcend politics. Agree with him or not, this is a man – and woman – who are deserving of our prayers.

I can almost picture some die-hard politicos shaking their heads and clucking at my empathy for the Edwards. After all, politics is blood sport, right?

Not for me. Not in this case.

I guess I just don't have what it takes. Oh well, so much for my dream of getting elected to anything at all…

Thank you Mike Gallagher, I definitely disagree with you about 99% of the time, but you have helped remind us that we can come together still, and meet somewhere. We should all strive for this, Right Left, and Center, realizing there are boundaries, a certain point when its OK to see someone as a human, and treat them as such. I have a lot of work to do on this, do you?