ThomSchuyler.com

Why You Should Donate to The Salvation Army Bell Ringers

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:29:00 +0000

Once again this year, a boycott of The Salvation Army (hereafter The SA), is being widely promoted by a coalition of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals and organizations. It seems that the leading voice in this effort is a gentleman named Bil Browning, via his web site, “The Bilerico Project.” His post is entitled “Why You Shouldn’t Donate to the Salvation Army Bellringers.”

I have zero issues with Mr. Browning’s efforts to grandstand this boycott. On the other hand, I have zero issues with the postures held and decisions made by The SA in this regard. Mr. Browning cites a number of specific incidents, dating back to 1986, in which The SA became actively involved in the politics of sexuality. According to Mr. Browning’s post (and I have no reason to doubt or dispute his report), The SA worked on many levels, and in many global jurisdictions, to fight against legislation that recognized and/or promoted the homosexual lifestyle. Although these activities may seem egregious to many, we would be wise to remember a few things.

The SA is a church. It may well be a church that holds beliefs and promotes ideologies with which you heartily disagree; nonetheless, it is still a church and churches generally function in our diverse cultures without compromising their doctrines. Clearly, The SA’s doctrines include a Biblical interpretation that considers homosexuality inappropriate; yes, even sinful. This posture places The SA on par with a vast number of global denominations and their members. This does not make them right; it simply means their views are not unique and their practices not solitary. And the question follows: why the singular and determined focus on The SA?

Secondly, Mr. Browning’s Boycott seems unmoved by dismissing over 150 years of good works. Directly involved in feeding, clothing and sheltering the poor and dispossessed since its inception in the 2^nd half of the 19^th century, The SA has evolved into a mission that also fights human trafficking, pornography and abuse and assists prisoners and their families, the elderly, intercity youth and many more. Their home page:

http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf/vw-local/Home. The attitude of “they offended me so I’m going to tear them down despite any good they’ve done” is short sighted, self-centered and embarrassingly childish. If each of us dismissed every person and institution that offended us, no one would be talking to anyone. (Perhaps this is where our society is headed.)

Mr. Browning ends his article with a short list of alternative organizations to which we could donate. Included on that list are Goodwill, The Red Cross, Habitat For Humanity and Doctors Without Borders. Good for him. However, “The Huffington Post,” reporting on Browning’s Boycott, ended an article with the following paragraph:

Andy Thayer, co-founder of the Gay Liberation Network, was similarly critical of the Salvation Army's stance, noting, "If a racist organization was trying to collect money with the message that some of the money was going towards doing good, would you support them? I would hope not." He went on to suggest people would be better served by donating to more pro-LGBT organizations such as the Howard Brown Health Center, the American Red Cross, or The Trevor Project.

The Howard Brown Project’s Mission Statement, as culled from their web site, states: “Howard Brown exists to eliminate the disparities in health care experienced by lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered people through research, education and the provision of services that promote health and wellness…” The Trevor Project promotes itself with the following blurb from its web site: “The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth.” Good causes. Please give to them if you are so moved. I would simply point out that The Howard Brown Project and The Trevor Project outwardly claim to serve their own and make no mention of helping the poor, the homeless, the disenfranchised, the abused, the elderly, prisoners and their families, prostitutes, drug addicts, alcoholics, the destitute, etc.

Our society has become more twisted than any bizarre projections I heard as a young person. We are more centered on the mysterious and damnable “self” than ever before. I suspect few citizens are aware of this mini-uprising and fewer still interested in participating. At its core we perceive it to be antithetical to the Spirit of Christmas. I fully acknowledge there are young people struggling with sexual identity. God forbid that any of their stories end up like the heartbreaking tragedy of Tyler Clementi. It is good to know there are organizations available to guide them through their conflicts and God bless those doing that good work and supporting it. But please do not discount The Salvation Army; they are serving “the least of these.”

Merry Christmas!

Anger In the Mirror

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 16:32:00 +0000

In our quiet and typical moments we glide through mundane days and weeks with little discomfort. The internal issues warring inside us are detached from our conscious state and cause us no particular anguish. Our lives may not be soaring in the clouds but neither are we groveling in the depths of despair. Then, inevitably, something occurs that unsettles the peace and there we are, face-to-face with an ill-defined demon, armed with little else than our own dull swords of cowardice and blame.

I had one of those moments this week and I hope it has changed me forever. This unsettling event shone a great light into my darkness—a formidable black box located somewhere in my mind, heart and/or soul. I suspect any honest individual will admit to harboring their peculiar pack of demons. We humans are experts in the field of demon keeping: we know our demons well, have raised them from pups, have fed them as needed and, for the most part, can name them, one by one. I’m not going to name all the members of my secret flock here; that would be ugly, shameful and read too much like a maniac’s confessional. But I will name one because he is legion: Anger. I’ve encountered lots of angry people in my life; as it has been said, “It takes one to know one.” Some people seem to exist in a state of perpetual anger and live a life dictated by it. They tend to be monosyllabic, uninterested and anti-social. I don’t fall into that category. Generally speaking, I conduct myself in a congenial manner and I sincerely enjoy the company of others, doing my best to treat people with respect and honor. However, once in a while my little demon will rise up, break out of its cage and overpower every device I have conjured to keep it at bay. It arrives unexpectedly and responds to specific life encounters that cause it to rage. In an eager attempt to keep my anger behind the scenes, I have been tracking the circumstances of its appearance. For the fascination of anyone reading this, I present this brief report. I cannot tolerate arrogance or stubbornness, especially in the areas of politics, social issues or religion. That’s about it; then again, that’s about everything. In The Age of The Internet we have the opportunity to be bombarded with arrogance and stubbornness minute-by-minute. Social media sites thrive on the exchange of ideas, opinions and self-promotion. For reasons I cannot explain, I am often incapable of turning away from arrogant, this-is-the-way-it-is opinions so often expressed in these portals. Occasionally I become enraged and find myself heartlessly engaged in equally arrogant responses. This is unhealthy, at best, and exceedingly unsettling. I have pledged to stop. Nonetheless, this new pledge is on the heels of a mini-tirade I blasted off to an offender a few nights ago (ironically, it was on the Eve of Thanksgiving.) Rather than “counting my blessings” I was intent on humiliating a stranger and removing his right of opinion and expression. (The only decent thing about it is that I had the wisdom to send my tirade to his private e-mail address rather than posting it for the world to see.) The next morning I opened my e-mail and read his simple response: “And Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!” I was appalled, ashamed and duly kicked in the gut. I wrote him a brief apology and have not—and suspect, will not—receive any further response. Where the hell does this anger come from? Well, I’m pretty sure I know: it was a singular event that I never processed adequately, an event of unacknowledged grief. And so, the question now, is this: can such a well-formed demon be defeated after years of tyrannical rule? I am very ready to do battle, but time will tell if I have the courage to fight it out in the trenches. However, there is one thing I know: I’d much rather bear the scars of this very private war than ever turn my anger on another fellow traveler, again.

Joe PA

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:58:00 +0000

I am a Pennsylvania boy with tears in my eyes, outrage in my mind and confusion in my heart. Joe PA is gone and from what I’ve read, heard and seen these past few days, this is the appropriate outcome. Nonetheless, where the hell do we place this in the catalog of horrible decisions and an otherwise remarkable, untarnished career?

One despicable pervert, of course, is the underlying culprit in all of this. His unspeakable actions have caused the unimaginable heartache of countless young men and their families. Justice must be served to this ugly perpetrator and mercy and healing, somehow, to his innocent victims. How this happens is yet to be determined. I trust it will happen swiftly.For these young victims, I hope they come to understand that the citizens of this country fully comprehend that your innocence was violated. Find ways to remove the shame that you may be suffering and know we are on your side. We may not have had the same experiences, but we all have our own, deep shame. Come join us in the healing.

As for Joe Paterno, this is another tragedy. I am not suggesting this is a greater tragedy than visited upon Sandusky’s victims. Joe’s lack of judgment may go down in history as a flagrant violation of his own ethical standards. It has certainly ended and forever tarnished an otherwise stellar record: that is my confusion; at least for the moment. Give us PA folks a little time to process losing a guy that meant so much to us.

Hall of Fame Induction - Thank you...

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 03:34:00 +0000

Several individuals have requested that I post the comments I offered at the 2011 Nashville Songwriters Foundation's Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. And so, with appreciation to so many, I do.

I am honored to be part of this community of songwriters in Nashville, TN. I am not referring to the astonishing event of my inclusion into this Hall of Fame – I don’t think that will ever sink in. I am talking about you: to have been able to walk the streets with you, share jokes, write songs, rejoice in the success of friends, sing harmonies together, work toward the common good and take great pride in the fact that this is the greatest songwriting community on God’s Green Earth – that is the true honor you have bestowed upon me. Not tonight – but for 35 years. Thank you for setting me a place at your lovely table.

I am most grateful to Don Schlitz for taking on the challenge of making me sound worthy of this honor. And to Fred, Tony, Jellyroll and Lacy for breathing life into those humble folk songs. They sound pretty good when I’m not singing them.

On some forgotten evening during my blurry college years in Philadelphia, I picked up my gut string guitar and started writing songs – really bad, self-indulgent, remarkably dull, long, shitty songs. My ego allowed this to continue, unchecked. Some days I would write 3 or 4 of these hideous compositions. Of course, it wasn’t enough that I had convinced myself I was good at this. Soon the night arrived when I took my guitar to a party and shared some of this dreck with my friends. The next time I showed up at a party I overheard someone say, ‘Oh shit, here comes Schuyler and he’s got his guitar.’ (Actually, I heard that at The Bluebird Café’ 2 nights ago.)

So yes, somewhere in my distant past there is a catalog of about 300 songs that no one should or ever will hear again. And yes, 40 years later, every time I sit down anew to try to make something up, it is likely that I will compose something that no one should or ever will hear again. But I wouldn’t trade those hundreds of failed attempts for anything; those were the stepping stones; that is how I worked my way through to a few moments when I recognized the power of a good idea and found the focus to create a few modest songs that, because of your kindness, invited me onto this stage to join such a profound group of gifted men and women. Yes, I am truly honored.

This honor, of course, I lay at the feet of so many that have shared this journey with me. And if my words amount to little else tonight, I so wish them to be a love letter to these dear companions. So I gratefully share this honor by saying:

Dear Nashville, TN: Thank you for receiving so many poets from all over the world and making them feel at home. Thank you for providing such a fine city in which to buy a home, raise a family and make a living.

Dear Jim: Thank you for your encouraging words and the example you and Toni set for all of us.

Dear Keni: Thank you for discovering that reel-to-reel tape on the kitchen table next to my lunch pale.

Dear Even: Thank you for your wisdom, humor, kindness, generosity, enthusiasm and lifelong friendship. You should have preceded me into this Hall of Fame by many years. I will continue to work on that.

Dear Jim: Sarah and I and our children are ever indebted to you for adopting us into the DebDave family. Our affection for you is unparalleled.

Dear Paul: Thank you for sharing your remarkable talent with me and for all the laughs we had in the process. We were an odd couple but what we accomplished together were the rare moments when 1+1 equaled 1.

Dear Robin: Given your diminutive stature I was surprised that you were from Texas. Nonetheless, I loved you the minute you walked through the doors of 1214 16th Avenue. Big, tall PA kisses to you.

Dear Frances, Del, Jody, Mark, Ima and the entire BMI family: Thank you for your unwavering support across these many years. You have been faithful to me and it has meant a lot.

Dear Adele & Dan, Jackie, Kirsten & Diane: Things change, but not what your friendships mean to Sarah and me. We could never have made it without you.

Dear Nancy & Wayland: What a blessing it has been to watch our children grow up together, to share songs, meals and golf. Your family is dear to us.

Dear Linda & Layng: There is a beautifully powerful adage credited to St. Francis of Assisi that reads, “Preach The Gospel and, if necessary, use words.” That has always reminded me of the two of you.

Dear Harlan: You never had to talk to me or any other juveniles in this town; but you did.

Dear Amy: Can I ever thank you enough for allowing me into your club and onto your stage? You, The Bluebird Café’ and all the wonderful human beings who worked that floor over the years offered so many a respectful platform. You are my hero. Dear Eileen & Craig: The best work I’ve ever done as a songwriter was having the privilege of writing words to your astonishing melodies, Craig. However, the best things I’ve witnessed as a father was watching the two of you care for, love, embrace, fight for and raise your beautiful children. Jake Bickhardt is one of my favorite songs.

Dear Susan & Mike: One day we’ll share that evening together, just the four of us, and talk about it all. In the meantime we will cherish our friendships with you.

Dear Karen & David: Simply want you to know how very much you mean to Sarah and me and how deeply connected you are to this moment.

Dear Norro: For a talented veteran to have taken the time to give me a passing moment is astonishing. That you shared so much of your humor and wisdom is extraordinary.

Dear Shirley & Roger: Few have ever reached out to us so completely. Roger, you are my mentor, my companion and still the only guy who makes me laugh so hard that milk or gin runs out of my nose. (The gin burns.)

Dear Phran & Joe: Thank you for your faith in me and for the kindnesses you always extended to Sarah and our family.

Dear Mary Jo & Jellyroll, Jamie & Tony: Thank you for allowing me to drag my suspect talent onto so many stages with you. Your talents are unsurpassed and your friendships are lovely gifts.

Dear Kirke & Margie: There’s nothing we can do about our spouse’s family members. When Sarah and I got married I never expected that her cousin and her cousin’s husband would become our dearest pals. What a beautiful bonus.

Dear Dennis, Beverly and Richard: Few privileges in life compare to being your little brother. I love you dearly.

Dear Fred: Through the booze, the butts, the buses, the tunes, the trials, the tears, the laughs, the losses and the lingering hope you, more than anyone, have remained consistent. We have been transformed from reluctant strangers to brothers. Thank you for being both on and by my side for all these years.

Dear Don: Thank you for having a big head so I don’t stand out in a crowd. Oh, by the way, a funnier, kinder, more gifted, dependable, generous, interesting, caring and concerned BFF does not exist on the earth.

Dear Tallu & Robbie, Roy & Luke: For your mother and me there is no greater treasure than you.

Dear Mom & Dad: You have no idea how much I wish you were here.

Dear Sarah: To have shared these joys with you is the one thing I hold true. “I’m on your side, forever.”

So I’ll cherish The Old Rugged Cross Till my trophies at last I lay down… God Bless you.

Life On Ice

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 23:14:00 +0000

I will participate in something very sad tomorrow: a memorial service for a gentle, humble and presumably happy young husband, father and professional athlete – Wade Belat: NHL hockey player with a beautiful family, a bright future and an impressive 14-year career. The details of his demise are still sketchy but indications suggest he may have taken his own life. If this, indeed, turns out to be the reality it is very important, for reasons that should be exceedingly obvious.

I have come to believe that suicide is the end result of a disease we struggle to comprehend or accept. Yet, few of us have escaped its ravages within our own families and/or circle of friends. Yes, it is dark, mysterious and otherworldly but it is also real. It ends life just like cancer, heart attack, leukemia, kidney failure, Lupus and other diseases. But it remains foreign to those of us who, but for the grace of God, have not wandered into the shadowy canyons of despair, depression and hopelessness.

In my younger years suicide caused me to be very angry toward the perpetrator-victim. How dare they leave this awful, embarrassing mess behind? Couldn’t you pull it together and realize that people love you and need you? What a selfish thing you’ve done. Look at us – those who loved you. We are riddled with grief and anger. Well, I have changed my tune. When it strikes closer to home than one would ever wish there is a new and gentler conclusion. Is it ugly and terribly horrifying? Yes, indeed, that doesn’t change. Is it something to be treated in some special spiritual manner? No. It is part of the circle of life – perhaps a part we have yet to embrace in any appropriate way. But I believe we must be gentle in these moments; forgiving, arms wide open. I am confident God knows the circumstances and God is All Loving.

Finally, back to the important, earthly reasons. The NHL, NFL, MLB and NCAA need to get upfront about these health issues. People are dying because of the brutality of sport. Please regulate this stuff. Are we as a people so bent on the profit of violence that we need Enforcers on every NHL team? Must we have brawls in every 3rd MLB baseball game? Should we be honoring the ‘hardest-hitting linebacker in the SEC? Sport, in its purest form, is about speed, hand-eye coordination, accuracy, elegance, balance and a host of God-given abilities. Leave the bullshit to the WWF and roller derby.

I will participate in something very sad tomorrow: something that should never have happened. But it did. Rest in peace, Wade Belat. And may the God of Lights watch over those you left behind. Amen.

What My Dad Missed

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 22:18:00 +0000

My dad died of lung cancer in February 1969. He had just turned 48. I was 16. I have often wondered how he may have responded to some of the people in the news and events that have transpired over the ensuing decades. I believe I knew him well enough to make some suggestions. Here’s a list with occasional commentary:
1. The First Moon Landing
2. The Watergate Scandal – I’m certain he voted for Nixon and this would have broken his heart but he probably would not have admitted it.
3. The End of the Vietnam War – As an U.S. Army veteran I’m sure he would have been very happy with this. My hunch is that he would have editorialized a bit (I paraphrase: ‘Democrats had to get their noses in this, The Texan had to escalate it and a Republican no one likes got us out. Huntley and Brinkley won’t be reporting it this way.’)
4. Black Sabbath – Given his initial response to the comparatively tame Beatles, I’m pretty sure dear, old dad would have wanted to kill them.
5. The Presidency of Jimmy Carter – May have caused him to use the F-word for the first time in my presence.
6. The Demise of Bethlehem Steel – As a lifelong employee in the management area he would have been angry, embittered, arguing loudly with his dear brother – Uncle Tommy (a dedicated USW member) – and devastated by the end of a 100+ year industry. Damn the government, damn the foreign dumping, where did my pension go?
7. Meeting Sarah, my Beloved Wife – I know he would have loved her and her family. They never met.
8. Meeting Tallu, my daughter and our first-born – Tallu would have been my dad’s 8th grandchild and 5th granddaughter. I saw him in action as Granddad. He was really good at it. This would have been another most appropriate love affair.
9. AIDS – My dad could be pretty grumpy as he spent the 2nd half of his life sober and dedicated to AA. Nonetheless, he seemed to have a remarkable compassion for those in need. I reserve any further comments.
10. Meeting Thomas Roy - his 9th grandchild, 4th grandson and namesake – I can only imagine the Roy Joy.
11. Attending the CMA Awards – I know he would have gone to support me but he would have preferred that Benny Goodman was performing rather than Alabama. He hated country music.
12. Michael Jackson – No comment.
13. Iran-Contra – No comment.
14. Meeting Howard Luke – his 10th grandchild and 5th grandson. He would have been 67 with a huge grin and that wonderful gap between his two front teeth! (My secret exposed.)
15. George H. W. Bush – Is this the best we’ve got? Okay.
16. O. J. Simpson – ‘Guilty.’
17. Desert Storm – ‘Nicely done, boys!’
18. Bill Clinton – No comment.
19. Snoop-Dogg – ‘Turn that shit off! It sounds like I’m in Hell! ‘
20. 9/11 – ‘Find those sons-of-bitches and make them suffer.’
21. Seeing His Beloved Like This
22. Walking His Beloved Down the Aisle at Tallu’s Wedding

And what did I miss all these years? My Old Man.

Hope and Change: A View From the Right

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 15:05:00 +0000

For socially and politically conservative U. S. citizens the current crop of Republican presidential contenders is ill defined and weak. Those waiting in the wings – governors Rick Perry and Chris Christie – will not necessarily change this status. The perceived leader in the race – Mitt Romney – seems to me to be the least likely to actually win a national election against anyone. He represents more of the same old tired rhetoric with a handsome face, a tailored suit and a wad of cash. And with all due respect I am doubtful that the body politic is yet willing to elect a Mormon to the highest political office in our land. I recall the dark cloak that surrounded JFK in 1960 because of his Catholicism. Yes, he won a very close race against Richard Nixon but the Catholic issue – rightly on wrongly – was a palpable factor in that election. I predict the Mormon issue will be a prominent issue – in a negative way – for Governor Romney; to such a degree that I’ll bet he won’t make it through the primaries.

However, there is one candidate that makes sense and speaks sense: Representative Ron Paul (R-TX.) The question: is he electable? Once again, there is history and it is, sadly, not on his side. I refer, of course, to Senator Barry Goldwater (R-AZ) in 1964. Goldwater suffered a crushing defeat in his presidential bid against his incumbent rival, Lyndon Johnson. He only garnered about 38% of the national popular vote and carried only 6 states – his home state of Arizona (by a very slim margin) and 5 states that traditionally make up the ‘deep south.’ He was much more a libertarian than a run-of-the-mill Republican. Goldwater fought against unions, championed states rights, tried to bring down FDR’s welfare state, rallied against The United Nations and voted against The Civil Rights Act – not because of its goals but because it mandated federal jurisdiction and interference in both state and personal decision-making. He was very much an anti-Communist and also perceived to be a military ‘hawk’ during our early years in Vietnam. Notwithstanding his devastating defeat against Johnson in his presidential campaign, Goldwater is still considered a brilliant thinker, a conservative standard bearer and a clearly defined, unwavering politician. He did not mince words; he did not lie; he did not marginalize his position.

And now we have Rep. Ron Paul; not exactly a parallel story, but similar. Here is one extreme and misunderstood example of Pauls’ political posture: he wants to immediately end every war in which the U. S. is currently involved. He does this for 3 fundamental reasons: why are we meddling in the affairs of other sovereign governments; why are we losing American lives in the process and why are we spending so much money doing so? Is this radical? Is this right wing? Is this unacceptable? Is the posture of ending all current wars an unelectable political stance?

Another extreme example of Ron Pauls’ extreme message: The Federal Reserve has ravaged (and will ultimately ruin) our economy, our wealth and our country; it should be dismantled. Is this radical? Is this right wing extremism? Is this unacceptable? Is the posture of exposing a protected, mysterious and ruinous organization that has systematically destroyed our freedom an unelectable political stance?

Rep. Paul (much like Goldwater) seldom involves himself in the polarizing debates over the social issues of our day. His is a posture of individual freedom. Extreme? Unelectable?

What nobody heard (or what the media and other politicians chose not to hear) during this debt ceiling debacle was Paul’s simple reasoning (I paraphrase:) Freeze spending at current rates for 10 years and the debt problem fixes itself; no bizarre calculations; no rabbits out of the hat; no cards up the sleeve; no line item bickering; no pork, etc. Extreme? Unelectable?

When we refuse to listen to the truth because of its packaging or branding the debate becomes flat-lined (business as usual.) Give this guy a chance: he is down to earth, a bit unusual, wonderfully refreshing and logical. Sadly, in our selfish, angry and devolved society these may be his biggest flaws.

The Glass Debt Ceiling

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 14:26:00 +0000

An old man was on his deathbed following 30 years of failing health. Throughout his steady regression no doctor, medicine, witchcraft, health food, exercise, prayer, money or love could restore him. He simply slipped further and further into ill health. And now here he was: old, tired, burdened, weaker than ever and unable to care for himself.

His family gathered ‘round him one afternoon in a solemn effort to make some very difficult decisions. The inevitability of this moment had weighed upon them for a long time but they each found ways to avoid it. Now the time had come and something had to be done. They had two choices and they were both distasteful: prolong the agony or pull the plug and see what happens. The old man had grown so weak he was unaware of the circumstances. From his perspective the shadowy figures standing in his room may very well have been strangers, enemies, foreigners or even people that wished to do him further harm.

The End

. . . . . .

Glass ceiling has a bad image. At this time in the history of our beloved country I wish I could change that. It would be good to see the consequences of the conclusions our most inept politicians make in early August regarding our government’s ability to borrow more money. Many claim to know the calamity that will surely and immediately follow a decision to keep the debt ceiling where it is. Others seem to be willing to take the risk and escalate the inevitable. I, for one, have no blooming idea. I will say this: Timothy Geithner and Ben Bernanke belong to the Calamity Group (this is appropriate on many levels) and I have witnessed them fail at every turn. If our politicians set new and higher limits on our borrowing ability you can rest assured that Old Ben will have the printing presses fired up within seconds of the vote. More fake money, more real debt.

My hunch is this: ‘His family gathered ‘round him one afternoon in a solemn effort to make some very difficult decisions. The inevitability of this moment had weighed upon them for a long time but they each found ways to avoid it. By the end of the day they had each found another way to avoid it.

'Quiet, please.'

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 03:10:00 +0000

I watched most of The U. S. Open Golf Championship with my son, Roy, over the past 4 days. If you watched or read about the tournament you know that some great golf was on display and one young man, Rory McIlroy, ended up the runaway victor breaking many records during his remarkable stroll around Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, MD. Yes, the play was stellar. The coverage, on the other hand, was awful, just awful. Were it not for Johnny Miller - his observations and complete understanding of and respect for the game – the daily coverage could have been viewed with the mute button engaged on the remote. Surely Andy North and Paul Azinger added professional and educated commentaries before and after the hole-by-hole coverage. Everything else about it was boring, repetitive, opinionated, unnecessary, over-the-top, aggravating, boring and repetitive. ESPN and NBC were the co-conspirators in this drivel they passed off as sports coverage.

I suppose the least egregious – other than Miller’s unique perspectives – would be the hole-by-hole announcers. Across the board they are former players with big-time playing experience and, for the most part, they offer interesting and accurate commentary on specific shots and situations. My favorite of these reporters, by far, was Roger Maltbie because of his ease in communication and common sense. My least favorite in this category include Curtis Strange and Peter Jacobsen – the former is stodgy and dry while the latter tries too hard to be funny with little or no success. The balance of the on-course reporters were, as usual, stationed on the same tees, fairways and greens throughout the entire 72 holes resulting in monotonous banter like, ‘The fairway cants right to left’ or ‘You simply can’t go at this pin’ or ‘The smart play off the tee is a fairway metal.’ They also cow-towed to every question and remark served up to them by Prince Miller: ‘Yes Kimo Sabe.’ Pathetic.

Perhaps more maddening were the special interest cutaways to people like Bob Costas, Jimmy Roberts and Tim Rosaforte. These men and these segments should be banned from all future telecasts. It feels to me like I’m being forced to watch the talent portion of a Miss America contest or a rerun of The Galloping Gourmet. Few of us wish to know background stories on these players – especially the little fairytales about kids who grew up playing golf everyday at a country club. Yes, there are some very compelling stories and that’s all good. But how many times in 4 days (not to mention every weekend since The Masters) did we have to suffer through McIlroy’s wash out in Augusta? How many times did we need to be reminded that Poor Leftie has yet to win an Open? Who really cared how many presidents were members of Congressional? How many times on Sunday were we made to feel as if our own fathers were no-count pimps compared to the oh-so-special relationships between these golfers and their dads? Zip it, guys. Just zip it.

Finally, there is Chris Berman. 30 years later and I still can’t stand this guy. He should never be allowed near a sporting event, a television or a microphone, again. I long for the day when I can write – Finally, there is no Chris Berman.

On the other hand – I hope Young Rory is around for a long, long time!

The Internet and The Music Industry, Part I

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 20:23:00 +0000

My good friend, JF, recently pointed me to a few articles on the Internet speculating that Google, Inc. – and/or other large Internet and computer-based corporations – has so tired of negotiating fruitlessly with record labels that they have entertained the notion of ‘buying the music industry.’ I include the quotation marks around that last phrase for a reason: this is a quote from one of the reports. This is beyond simplistic; indeed, it is uninformed; no, it’s stupid.

The music industry consists of layer upon layer, decade after decade of complexity in which record labels represent but one (albeit significant) sector of the whole. The challenges faced by Google, Amazon, Apple and all other Net-focused companies negotiating with ‘the record labels’ are mere skirmishes. Wait till they go up against the music publishers, songwriters, musicians, managers, agents, venue owners, royalty representatives, performing rights organizations and other license and rights’ holders.

It is understandable that a journalist reporting on a music industry story would wrongly misappropriate the moniker ‘record labels’ for ‘music industry.’ When the average consumer thinks about music they likely ponder their favorite artists, songs or live shows. When the average consumer gets pissed off at the music industry (paying too much for a CD, a rancid collection of songs on a new project, poor sound quality, a regurgitated ‘Best Of’ release) they likely imagine the greedy bastards running the record labels. Some of these reactions are justified but many are misguided. Indeed, record labels (and for the moment I use that phrase to represent the Big 5: EMI, Universal, SONY, Warner Brothers and sometimes BMG) function as the hub of the wheel in the music industry. At various points in the process they interact with – and even represent – the music publishers, artists, managers, booking agents and – for the most part – all other factions of the industry. But they have little, if any final authority over any of these entities. So, let’s move beyond the idea that ‘the record labels’ represent the final frontier in difficult negotiations faced by these potential buyers of ‘the music industry.’

I suppose the next of many related issues is the true value of that which would be purchased. It is almost impossible to place a dollar value on ‘the music industry.’ The most current, unbiased and accurate statistics I could find today suggest that the total revenue generated by all aspects of the industry in 2010 was $68 billion worldwide. Roll that number out over 4 years with modest growth estimates and you come pretty close to $300 billion. Just for grins let’s use that number as fair value for such a transaction. Here are the current market caps for the companies suggested as possible suitors for this global business: Apple: 291B; Google: 156B; Amazon: $85B; eBay: 37B. The combined market cap of these 4 behemoths is $569B – less than twice the suggested value of the global music industry. (Facebook is estimated to be worth $50B and plans are being made to take it public. How would you like ‘the music industry’ to be run by Mark Zuckerberg? Would that make things better? Is he a good guy?)

And finally, to end Part I of this tirade, I choose to share a few personal conclusions about the music industry as I have known it and experienced it in my lifetime. The major label model began crumbling in the 1980’s, probably before. It needed to crumble: decades of arrogance, huge salaries, absurd artist advances, really bad music and apathy were the large contributors. And yes, it is proving to be a long, slow death. Here’s more bad news: when the patient is finally pronounced dead the reading of the will is going to take at least as long as the lengthy death, probably longer. Each of its myriad sectors has millions of hands and eyes, claims and rights; they shall not go away quickly or easily. Best wishes to the lucky new owner(s.) If anyone reads this and truly believes that a little tape copying here and a little file sharing there had no impact on this industry’s demise – you are ignorant, uninformed and naïve. (As a professional songwriter I can only suggest that you teachers, doctors, CEO’s, truckers, firemen and accountants slash your income in half 3 times over the next 15 years.) And there’s one more bit of very significant information that speaks to the heart of this matter: 2 major Grammy Award Winners from 2010 (Arcade Fire and Esperanza Spalding) were signed to record labels – independent record labels! The natural processes have long been in the works – a new era has already begun. Let's allow it to happen...

Hell in a Hand Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 18:08:00 +0000

I recently attended an all-day retreat with the ministerial staff of my church. As prompted by a document prepared by our senior minister we each shared responses to questions regarding our core beliefs, the future of The Church and our personal and professional goals for the coming year. One of the questions urged us toward a view of humankind – where are we headed?

The answers that rolled forth were marginally varied but all very positive - until it got to me. My response was, ‘We’re going to hell in a hand basket.’ These folks know me well so this answer did not really surprise them. They responded with mock groans and comments that chided me for being so negative and pessimistic. They know me as a happy-go-lucky guy so these friends and colleagues are always surprised that I hold such a fatal view of our human destination. As much as I love, respect and admire these colleagues I find their ‘faith in humankind’ postures astonishing on at least 3 levels: logical, intellectual and scriptural.

Soon after this time of sharing we took a break for lunch. I invited anyone present who wished to speak with me about my global pessimism to grab a sandwich, a Bible and the front section of any newspaper and join me for lunch. I had no takers. It is not a good feeling to be perceived as a fatalist – especially when you’re nothing of the kind. Frankly, ‘I have the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart!’ But that ‘peace that passes all understanding’ is not a product of my faith in humanity; it is anything but.

Thirty minutes in front of any television newscast should give any rational mind reason to be a pessimist. Fifteen minutes reading any newspaper should bring any breathing human being to his/her knees. Momentary consideration of the need in front of us all should have any sensitive man or woman crying out for mercy. Logically, I have concluded that this world is going to hell in a hand basket.

For 59 years I have witnessed our world wobble to-and-fro from one war to another; one leader to the next; one super power to another; one plan for peace to another war; one dictator to more corruptness; this poverty to that poverty; this crisis and that crisis and those crises all at once. I have heard pledges, speeches, kings, presidents, religious leaders, reporters, talking heads and all manner of promises and plans to bring permanent change to the ravages we face on planet earth. As I write this my country is engaged in at least 3 wars (call them what you will) and toying with at least one other. Genocide is being perpetuated by evil ones cross the globe. Greed has all but destroyed our world’s economy. Drug wars annihilate countless of innocent citizens on every continent. Diseases once eradicated from the face of the earth are returning. This is not what I call progress. Intellectually, I have concluded that this world is going to hell in a hand basket.

The Bible has called us to help usher in The Kingdom of God. The way I read it we are expected to do this by loving one another, serving one another and assisting the least of these. Also, we are expected to carry The Gospel message of repentance, forgiveness and grace to the ends of the earth. However, real peace will not be realized on human terms. Whether we like it or not the very best we have to offer is as filthy rags to God. We are incapable of final, total and eternal reconciliation with one another; it is not in our human DNA. Peace will only come with the return of Christ. I did not make this up. Spiritually, I have concluded that, without Christ, this world is going to hell in a hand basket.

You don’t want to know what we discussed after lunch.

What To Do With The Westboro Baptists

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 15:11:00 +0000

On Monday, June 13 a funeral was held in Nashville, TN for Nashville native and Marine Sgt. Kevin Balduf, age 27, killed in combat in Afghanistan one month earlier. News spread quickly that a group from the infamous Westboro Baptist Church were planning to be present to further spew their misguided beliefs and cast a shadow of shame and humiliation on an otherwise reverent moment. Although I was unable to attend the memorial service for Sgt. Balduf I am proudly aware that our community turned out by the thousands to celebrate his life and selflessness and to peacefully counteract the presence of this band of dark marauders.

Having been raised in a small, conservative, Bible reading, memory verse reciting Baptist congregation I must confess total bafflement by the mean-spirited shenanigans of these so-called Christians. In general Baptists can be misunderstood, stern, immovable, harshly conservative on social issues and downright difficult. Believe me, I know. (The ether is full of wonderfully funny perspectives on Baptists morality: Don’t make love standing up or the Baptists will think you’re dancing. Jews don’t recognize Jesus; Protestants don’t recognize The Virgin Mary and Baptists don’t recognize each other at the liquor store; Always invite 2 Baptists to go fishing with you – if you only take one he’ll drink all your beer.) It is also a widely observed phenomenon that Baptists – generally speaking – have an uncanny knowledge of the scriptures. This makes The Westboros particularly hard to understand.

We know that The Holy Bible includes 2 Testaments. In The Old one we encounter a God of foreboding – fierce, powerful, at times very angry and punitive – The Father. And then we open the pages of The New and are introduced to a gentler, kinder, more human, relatable, story-telling, healing, comforting and forgiving God: Jesus, the Son. And with His death, resurrection and ascension we are introduced to a third: The Ever-Present Comforter and Guide – The Holy Spirit. They each have their own identity and role. According to the definition of The Triune God – The Trinity – The Three were together (One in Three, Three in One) in the beginning, are together now and shall be for eternity. Further, the scriptures tell us that none of them has or ever will change. Now, with that simplistic overview I return with basic questions for The Westboro Baptists:

1. Have you read The New Testament?

2. Did you realize that Jesus taught forgiveness?

3. Have you tried to practice grace?

4. What did Christ mean when he said, ‘Let him who is without sin cast the first stone?’

5. Is heaven going to be filled with people like you?

6. How do your actions live up to these commandments Christ left with us: Love The Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind and all your spirit; love one another; serve one another; repent; love your neighbor as you love yourself; whatever you’ve done unto the least of these you’ve done to me?

And a few humble suggestions:

1. Open up that New Testament.

2. Keep your condemnation to yourselves (it is not your role.)

3. Repent and seek forgiveness.

4. Become less miserable.

5. Dance

6. Do something kind.

The Genius Bar and Other Joints

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Tue, 31 May 2011 18:44:00 +0000

I became a Macintosh devotee’ about 12 years ago. I started with a Blueberry iMac, picked up a couple eMacs along the way (cheap and suitable for specific needs)and eventually purchased a MacBook and the newer version of the iMac. Six weeks ago I left my very-used, 6 year old MacBook on our back deck as I raced in to witness the ‘puck drop‘ on one of The Predators 2nd-round playoff games against the Canucks. About 30 minutes later The Preds were well on their way to a loss and my MacBook - laying wide open on a deck table - was drowning in an unexpected downpour. With a towel, hair dryer and great patience I did everything I could to minimize the damage. Nonetheless, it would not boot up. I walked to another room and booked the first appointment for the next morning at The Genius Bar in our local Apple store. This would not be my first visit there; nor would it be my last.

The wise and polite young man I met the next day removed the hard drive and instructed me to go buy an enclosure and, with luck, he stated, I could probably capture most of my data. He was right. I was happy. I grabbed the rather large collection of stuff and dumped it onto an external hard drive.

Last week, while taking a brief sojourn to Georgia’s beautiful and rugged Atlantic coast, my home in Nashville, TN was visited by the remains of the awful storms that ravaged Joplin, MO and other midwestern towns. 135 human beings lost their lives; I just lost an iMac to a strike of lightning. Why would I even mention it? Well, I think I have a good idea: I believe that Apple, Inc. should consider hanging a sign on both sides of the Help Desks within their retail stores: They should definitely stick with ‘The Genius Bar‘ on the employee side and then I’d suggest something like ‘The Ignorant Son-of-a-Bitch Desk,' 'The Stupid Bastard Corner' or 'The Dipshit Bar' for their customers ' customers like me, at least.

The Donald (and Other GOP Concerns)

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 02:51:00 +0000

I have always voted for Republican presidential candidates although I have never been a registered member of the GOP. I have often voted for Democratic representatives during my many years in Tennessee because I have respected their intellects, fiscal policies and generally conservative postures on social issues. I’d rather not be a political person but I am. However, in recent election years the rhetoric has become so hateful and unproductive that I am doing my best to wean myself from the fray. I’ve no longer got the stomach for it. But this is not an election year and I figure I have a little time to toss out some thoughts and responses to whomever will listen.

In recent weeks the news has been filled with bait about the possible presidential bid of Donald Trump. This makes me sick. Yes, our beloved country is in dire straits but not yet that dire. Donald Trump is an arrogant buffoon who claims to be bright, attractive, capable, tough and possessed of myriad other traits that make him a more than viable candidate for POTUS. I disagree with The Donald on all these line items. I respond to him as I respond to a barker on the midway of a carnival passing through town: he is temporary, loud and obnoxious. Also, when he talks his lips mimic the lips of a goldfish floating through a small aquarium. It is not quite as revolting as Bill Clinton biting his lower lip in shallow remorse but it comes close.

The Donald is now in second place in the Republican presidential contender polls - tied with Mike Huckabee and several points behind Mitt Romney. This also makes me sick – and – for the moment, at least, hopeless. Sarah Palin is DOA (thank goodness) and I surely hope that Michelle Bachman arrives in the same manner. We do not need mindless fools speaking on behalf of reasonable and sound conservative principles but it seems there are few – if any –willing or capable of articulating these policies.

Once again, I turn to and support Ron Paul. He may very well be as unelectable as Ross Perot but every fiber in my body screams that he is telling the truth. A large dose of truth would not hurt our beloved country at this moment in time – if we could recognize it. And there is the problem: I don’t think we can. It has been so twisted and perverted by so many that the truth is unrecognizable.

The Bible states that ‘We shall know The Truth and The Truth shall set us free.’ In other words, knowledge precedes freedom. Listen closely and do your best to hear The Truth in the coming months and years. It is so terribly important.

'I'mMelt-ing'

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 04:17:00 +0000

It is not news to anyone paying a modest bit of attention to the daily news that General Electric (GE) – a massive and stalwart giant of global industry – paid no corporate taxes to the United States of America for their fiscal year 2010. This, of course, is startling. Upon brief reflection two things bubble to the surface that are deeply troubling and filled with great irony. One: the champion of liberal political thought, reporting and promotion is MSNBC. This network exists to slam conservative policies, ridicule conservative thinkers and slam conservative economics. A primary and repeated demon on the tongues of every MSNBC anchor is ‘The Bush Tax Cuts.’ ‘Money to the rich,’ they scream. Horrible, Outlandish, Archaic, Regressive, Anti-American! MSNBC is owned by General Electric. Two: Recently President Obama handpicked an individual to serve as icon, spokesperson and leader of a U. S. government initiative to assess and jumpstart our lagging economy: Jeffrey Immelt, Chairman of General Electric (GE.) No further comments.

Vacuous Pimps

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:38:00 +0000

At this moment in time it is difficult – if not impossible – for me to fully align with any particular, US political party. If you’ve read any of my prior posts you will have perceived, no doubt, that my tendencies are surely conservative. On the other hand I find most right-leaning ‘commentators’ to be vile, loudmouth self-promoters lining their filthy pockets with dirty lucre. I have finally concluded – at least for the foreseeable future – that I must honestly scrutinize the myriad postures and positions taken by each and every politician that speaks his/her mind and attempt to determine what it is they are trying to say and for what or whom they stand.

This morning I was folding laundry and scanning through a variety of television stations to glean what was happening on Capitol Hill. I picked a great day for this assuming a great day includes a rapid heart beat, high blood pressure and a spontaneous/involuntary desire to repeat the phrase, ‘Screw these sons-of-bitches!’ The President presented a very clear and balanced assessment of our continued presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It was sensible and direct. This was broadcast live on every television ‘news’ outlet. Immediately after he left the Briefing Room and coverage returned to the studios the subject turned to The House of Representatives. With numerous and significant issues in front of them and a nation reeling from economic decay these folks spent the day bickering about procedure. The DREAM Act, The STAART Treaty, the extension of unemployment coverage, the tax cut compromise, continuing home foreclosures and 10% unemployment are all pounding on our door and these vacuous pimps are making up rules that are more complicated than baseball!

Frankly, I can live with any decisions they make regarding any of these issues. We win some and we lose some. That which is intolerable is the endless, back-and-forth, adolescent shenanigans and bullshit perpetuated upon our dear country. Please get off your partisan asses and get something accomplished!

This Woman I Know

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 03:23:00 +0000

She was born in 1920 into rural, eastern Pennsylvania poverty. A bit of farming and some occasional work in the steel mills was the only income for the family. Her mother was, at best, inconsistent – moving from one man to the next. As an adolescent she chose to live with her grandparents and her two younger sisters chose to stay with their mother. Separation.

The teenage years are cloudy. She married a guy when she was 18 and they had a child soon after, followed by 2 more kids within 3 years. She was 21, had 3 children and her husband was starting to drink.

This woman faced the facts and did whatever was necessary to keep her children fed, clothed, schooled and churched. She made sandwiches every morning to sell down at the mill – 5 cents. She made sandwiches everyday to send to school for her children’s lunches. She had dinner waiting when they all came home. Not sure what they ate.

I also knew her husband and her children. They loved her with love so large that it could not be expressed.

Those kids began to grow up in a home in which the husband to stock of himself and stopped drinking. This sweet woman and her newly sober husband decided to have another child. It happened. He was a big and healthy baby.

Although he no longer drank her husband continued to smoke. This killed him at the age of 48. Now this sweet woman was a widow with a 16 year-old son and she didn’t know how to drive. Holy shit.

She was beautiful, inexperienced and shy and weird guys began to ask her to go out for dinner. This made her most uncomfortable. Within a year she stopped it all. She was going to be a widow.

She quickly learned to drive and began living a remarkably independent and productive life. She lived alone in a nice apartment. She traveled. She blossomed. She visited her children, grandchildren and, soon enough, her great-grandchildren.

And then This Woman I Knew grew old. She began forgetting things like how to make an egg or brew coffee. She needed help to go to the bathroom. Her legs could no longer support her. She lived her life in a wheel chair.

This Woman I Knew made me read the Bible and pressed my shirts and pants everyday. This Woman I Knew is missing – missing in our culture.

Goodnight Mom – Oh My How I Love You!

Crazy

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 03:55:00 +0000

In The State of Texas an individual in possession of ‘more than 4 ounces but less than 5 pounds of marijuana’ is subjected to 2 years in state jail and/or a fine of not more than $10,000. If I - or my son or daughter - were in the recent mess that Willie Nelson is in we would go to jail. Willie Nelson will not. $10,000 is nothing to him.

I am not so much embittered that Mr. Nelson will do little or no penance; I am, once again, astonished by the double standards of our laws as they relate to the elite.

There are poor bastards rotting in prisons all over this country that have violated lesser laws than this. Why do we find Willie Nelsons’ bust an amusing and silly peccadillo? Slam him hard or release the lesser offenders.

Things I Wish I Had Back

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 01:18:00 +0000

1. My Dad – He died at the age of 48 when I was 16. I don’t care what anybody says, boys need fathers.

2. My Sister – She died a few summers ago at the age of 67 after hiking through the Rockies with her beloved husband and some other friends. I don’t care what anybody says, she was the heart of our family.

3. My Niece – She died by her own hand a few years back. It continues to be sad and mysterious because she was so lovely and so loved.

4. My Friend Rick – He died from a brain tumor at the age of 52 after teaching 2nd-graders for 30 years. If we are lucky one or two guileless, humble and decent people will cross our paths in a lifetime. Rick was several of those.

5. The Moments I First Held My Children – They are mental snapshots now. For those minutes nothing else mattered and all made sense.

6. The Moment I Met the Girl I Married (and the ensuing years) – Falling in love is easy and wonderful. Staying in love is more of a challenge. With Sarah I have accomplished both – thanks to her.

7. Private School Tuition – Since 1981 I figure we have spent about $200,000 sending our 3 kids to private schools – from pre-school through 12th grade. During those same years we’ve paid about $90,000 in school taxes for institutions our children never attended.

8. The Faith of a Child – I have become an adult with doubts, questions and arguments. Doubts, questions and arguments stand directly in the path of childlike faith and never find answers.

9. Most of the Many Hours I Spent Playing Golf – Some of the best times I’ve ever had were on golf courses with my friends. Most of them were wasted and frustrated hours – and money.

10. Harsh Words I’ve Said to Pretty Much Everyone – The tongue is often ugly and damaging. So many regrets…

Co-writing

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 03:32:00 +0000

The work of one mind is a glorious thing. Newton worked alone; so did Einstein. All of the great classical music composers worked alone as did the Dutch painters. Cole Porter composed songs alone as did Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Randy Newman, John Prine, Bob McDill, Bruce Springsteen, Brian Wilson, Dennis Linde, Hugh Prestwood, Loudon Wainwright, III, Don McLean, Jim Croce, Donovan, John Sebastian, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Tom T. Hall, Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson and so many more. The engineers who devised the atom bomb, however, worked in concert. Therefore, songs written by more than one person are devised to kill – not people – but the purity of songwriting.

Say Goodnight, Keith

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Sat, 06 Nov 2010 03:21:00 +0000

I shall refrain from expressing my outright glee about the indefinite suspension of Keith Olbermann from MSNBC. Although I am pleased with this development it has no personal impact on my life as I refused to set my eyes on him, his colleagues or his network a long time ago. Fox may be Fox but MSNBC is paid advertising at its worst. I would rather watch a continuous 24-hour loop of Oreck Vacuum Cleaner ads than view 10 seconds of ‘news’ from any of these abrasive, biased loudmouths. However, I must say that I do not find Olbermann’s political donations nearly as offensive as the smug, arrogant, discourteous, elitist, unprofessional and unraveling antics of Chris Matthews on election night. No, I am not surprised that he acted out in such an adolescent manner as he was witnessing his precious lefties going down in flames. This has always been his brand of ‘reporting.’ What surprises me is the powers-that-be at this ad agency have yet to realize how unlikable this guy is to the general public. Everybody wants to kick his ass. I would not think this to be a preferred response-trait for broadcast television personalities. What further elevated this dark moment in broadcast ‘news’ history was the sound of mindless cackling emanating from the other members of the MSNBC team while Chris was losing his mind in front of the handful of citizens who were watching. Really funny folks, those lefties! Laughing while a colleague is losing touch. The lovely cackling chorus included Lawrence O’Donnell, Rachel Maddow and Eugene Robinson. Mindless.

Finally, here’s the thing: let’s look at the numbers. Here are the viewing statistics for election night as compiled by Nielsen Media research: MSNBC – 1.957 million; CNN – 2.424 million; Fox News – 6.957 million. Whoever makes the decisions at MSNBC must be hypnotized.

Philistines

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 23:12:00 +0000

Most of you will recall the famous Bible story of the young Israelite named David who volunteered to go one-on-one against the mighty warrior Goliath. Legend has it that David picked out some stones from a creek bed, placed them in a small leather satchel and walked out onto the killing field to do battle with the fierce and notorious Goliath. Goliath laughed at him and mocked the Israelites standing afar off for sending a boy to do a man’s job. David took out one of those smooth stones, placed in the web of his homemade slingshot and buried that rock in the middle of Goliath’s forehead killing him instantly. He then took off his head with a sword. Goliath was a Philistine and he and his countrymen were doing battle with the Israelites to lay claim to the land in which both peoples resided. About 1,500 years later a Roman official responsible for governing the area around Jerusalem decreed it to be called Palestine – a bastardization of the word Philistine. That was the first utterance of the word. Prior to that decree there was no nation called Palestine and there were no people known as Palestinians.

The Philistine people are thought to have come from various regions in the Aegean, conquered a strip of land on eastern the Mediterranean and there developed their own Semitic-type culture. The last records of their existence were in the 5th century AD.

2,100 years later this ‘false’ title still persists but history does not support the existence of the place or the people. Of course, ‘they’ are demanding a homeland, a capital and sacred sites – right there in the City of David. Goliath may be laughing again but I believe David’s little pouch is still full!

Nooseweek

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 22:36:00 +0000

I have subscribed to Newsweek Magazine for two decades. It was my primary source of news for many years. Finally, about 5 years ago, fed up with how brazenly liberal this weekly had become, I canceled my subscription and stopped paying their bills. I still receive the magazine and I continue to scan its contents and its infinite number of advertisements. Typically, I do this in my favorite bathroom: in one side and out the other. In recent months I have learned from their pages that they have a new owner/publisher and are seeking new ways to stay alive and competitive. I have a few suggestions: fire Jonathan Alter, Fareed Zakaria and tell the guys in the mail center to stop sending it to people who no longer want it, read it or pay for it.

Yes, but...

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 01:12:00 +0000

I have had far too many arguments with left-leaning friends and strangers in the past few years. I suppose it really got lathered up during the Bill Clinton years but it has really gotten nasty since the Bush/Gore election in 2000, ratcheted up again in 2004, reached a fevered pitch in 2008 and now, on the eve of the 2010 mid-terms it is beyond the pale. I am as guilty as any and I freely admit it. We have all – each and every side (and there are many) dug into our foundations and we refuse to move.

I have been tracking articles, conversations, speeches, Internet blogs and Facebook exchanges in recent months and I’ve seen an interesting and edifying pattern. Conservative individuals (not The Tea Party Talking Heads or other inane and incompetent spokespeople) answer questions directly. I’m not saying they’re always correct; I’m simply commenting on their steadfastness, commitment, honesty and short, decisive responses. On the other hand, liberals never have decisive, direct and simple answers. They tend to begin any answer with, ‘Yes, but…’ This is complicated; this is indecisive; this is uncertain; this is waffling; this is whining; this is the blame game; this is Democrat.

Take this for example: Question: Did President Obama triple the deficit in his first 24 months in office?

Conservative: Yes

Liberal: Yes, but during his first year in office he was working with Dubya’s fiscal year budget which added something like $1.46 trillion to the deficit and then Obama reduced that to $1.24 trillion in his first year.

Let me ask this again: Did President Obama triple the deficit in his first 24 months in office?

Conservative: Yes

Liberal: Yes, but he also devised the stimulus package which shielded us from the biggest depression ever visited upon our country, created jobs, gave our citizens hope and ensured health insurance for every American citizen.

One more time: Did President Obama triple the deficit in his first 24 months in office?

Conservative: Yes

Liberal: Yes, but he is going to bring our soldiers back from Iraq and Afghanistan; re-build the infrastructure of our country; stabilize our economy; make us a big-player on the world’s stage, once again and bring the deficit under control.

Did President Obama triple the deficit in his first 24 months in office?

Yes.

If you are a working (or unemployed) American citizen your portion of our current debt is: $124,000. Pay up.

Yes, but...

The Preparation For Mourning

noreply@blogger.com (Thom Schuyler) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 01:41:00 +0000

Many of us have lost loved ones following a period of illness, pain and struggle. In retrospect I believe that the years, months, weeks and days that precede the final departure prepare us for what is to come. Our bodies, minds and spirits align in a pattern that both predicts and lays the foundation for the deep mourning we will soon endure. When a traffic light turns green it is both dangerous and destructive to lay the pedal to the floor. It is wiser, safer and much more efficient to ease to your cruising speed. So it is with the soul.

At the age of 16 – 2 months after I got my driver’s license in PA – my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer at the age of 47. For 5 months I heard and watched him die a painful death in his and my mother’s bedroom 20 feet down the hall. In those deep and dark nights I trembled beneath the covers on my twin bed as I heard the frightened and anguished cry of my father wishing death over this nightmare. Something happened to me during those months, something involuntary and something over which I had no control. I changed. Those 150 days fashioned the balance of my life in ways both good and bad. Looking back on that period of time I can see that I was beginning to mourn; I was preparing for the final moment.

40 years have arrived and retreated since those sad days in 1968. Although the memories of that regrettable time still surface I can state without hesitation that my life has been filled with abundant blessing. And yet I feel a familiar feeling – a 40-year-old feeling – and I’ve been feeling it for quite some time. At this very moment its presence is profound. I am preparing to mourn once again. I believe death is at the doorstep of my beloved country. I know in my heart that the end is near. Oh my, how I love America!

But I hear Her crying out in the night not wishing to die but no longer able to sustain Her dream. There is too much pain, too much demand, too many expectations, too many promises She cannot keep, too many enemies, so many who hate Her, so many that rape Her, so many that treat Her like a Whore, anger all over, debt beyond imagination, what I deserve over what I can do. My country is riddled with cancer and there is little hope for Her recovery shy of a miracle. Oh how I shall weep when She is gone! Oh how this world will suffer when She is gone.

I have little recollection of those 5 months when my beloved dad was dying. I have supposed that this is part of the protection and preparation for mourning. I do recall that I did my very best to live and learn and grow and put on a good face during that time. And so I shall work, learn, live, serve and love with the hope that this will all get better. Join me – and have your black suit laundered.